One of the best, if not the best movie of 2011

Rating: 9/10 (4 January 2012)

When I first saw the trailer for Warrior, I dismissed it immediately. Two brothers and fighting. It looked like an MMA version of The Fighter. I have never been more wrong about a movie.
One of the best things about Warrior was the performances. Nick Nolte's role as Paddy Riordan was simply spectacular. He should certainly be nominated for an Oscar. He portrayed the alcoholic father of Brendan and Tommy perfectly. The blend of his rough, scratchy voice and his teary, shifting eyes combined to create a portrait of a father who was truly saddened and upset by the way he treated his sons. The scene in the diner, which was later cut from the film, is in my opinion, his best acted scene in the movie. It is a shame that it was not shown in the movie, but can be seen on the DVD/Blu-Ray's Special Features.
Tom Hardy really performed terrifically in his role as Tommy Riordan. He kept the audience guessing about why his character was so mentally torn. The fact that he became this jacked for the movie just goes to show how dedicated he is as an actor, and his performance in Warrior really got me excited for his role as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises.
Joel Edgerton played a former UFC fighter turned High School teacher who has recently fallen into financial trouble. He was virtually unknown before this movie, having minor roles in films such as King Arthur and Star Wars. He was good in his role as Owen Lars in Star Wars, and I am glad he has finally received recognition. He was good in Warrior, but not as good as Hardy and Nolte.
One of my favorite parts about Warrior was the fact that the viewer was able to decide which brother he or she rooted for. In all movies, especially sports movies, we are presented with a protagonist who we want to succeed throughout the film, and in most instances, it is quite obvious that they will succeed. In Warrior, there are multiple protagonists. Both have their good qualities, and both have their bad qualities. It is up to you to decide which one you will root for.
Some people may decide who they will root for right away. Some will prematurely root for Tommy, just by looking at him. He is a bad ass, how could you not root for him? Some will root for Brendan just by looking at him. He is a teacher and an underdog, how could you not root for him? Some people will emotionally connect with Tommy. He is a war-hero who has finally forgiven his father and allowed him to be his trainer. Some will emotionally connect with Brendan. He is a high school teacher with kids and a wife who needs money.
When we watch Batman, we all root for Batman over the Joker, and we know Batman will win. When we watch Warrior, some will root for Batman, and some will root for the Joker. It's up to you to decide which one's which.
Overall, Warrior was a fantastic film. The screenplay was not fantastically well written, but it was directed so well by Gavin O'Connor that it does not matter. Warrior is by far one of the best movies of the year, and it is a shame that it will not be nominated for Best Picture.