Be Everything You Are

Rating: 9/10 (29 June 2007)

Some films make a difference: viewing them can give us a story that is memorable and leave the viewer with powerful food for thought that continues to influence thinking long after the film is over. Such is the case for PEACEFUL WARRIOR. Based on a book by Inspirational Guru Dan Millman and beautifully adapted for the screen by Kevin Bernhardt, the story combines the best in sport stories with the infusion of spiritual discovery that despite the abundance of 'Hallmark-like' imitations, stands nobly as a tool for introducing young people to a journey toward self discovery well worth taking. Director Victor Salva had the good sense not to push the story over the top, but instead to let his actors and situations grow logically into a practical demonstration of spiritual growth.
Dan Millman (Scott Mechlowicz) is a gymnast bent on perfecting his skills to enter the Olympic trials. He is a fine athlete but has an ego that consumes everything around him and prevents his finding a focus to be the perfect athlete he feels he can become. After a chance encounter with a mysterious Service Station attendant whom Dan calls Socrates (Nick Nolte), Dan's inner struggles begin to surface as he sees and experiences troubling 'other-worldly' responses form Socrates. He is ultimately forced to confront that he is living for pride, for accomplishment, for competition, for recognition - yet his quiet moments remain discontent. Socrates works with Dan, helping him to find his inner self and to live in the moment. Dan suffers a life-threatening motorcycle accident that appears to doom his dreams of being the finest gymnast, but Socrates helps him discover that living in the moment, giving in to the power of focus on the present, can result in overcoming the seemingly impossible obstacles.
Rather than 'preach' these concepts, the story is illustrated by physical feats of gymnastics and by meaningful encounters between Dan and Socrates, and it is this technique that brings the film above the usual 'inspirational flicks' to become a truly compelling movie. Nick Nolte has never been better as the subdued, understated, but immensely impressive Socrates. Scott Mechlowicz thankfully underplays the character of Dan: the use of a body double to perform the incredible gymnastic turns is seamlessly achieved. The remainder of the cast includes such fine actors as Amy Smart, Agnes Bruckner, and Ashton Holmes. This is a well-made film that deserves our attention, especially now. Grady Harp