Wow

Rating: Null/10 (4 October 2011)

I went into this movie expecting very little. I must be honest, I was expecting some dumb brainless action flick that would only really excite the fans of UFC. More modern day Bloodsport than Rocky. I couldn't have been more wrong. At the core of this movie is a real heart. It's so touching to watch the lives of the three central characters and the demons that they face played out so expertly by the three leads. Whilst undoubtedly Tom Hardy will take a lot of the plaudits from this movie for making what could have played as a petulant unforgiving brat a likable and fragile monster, Joel Edgerton is equally as impressive as the father fighting for his family. His quiet presence adds weight to every scene he is in. Nick Nolte gives his best performance in decades as their father and come awards time he will be unlucky not to get some nominations. The fight scenes all looked pretty good to me (I confess, I have never seen UFC) and the drama that was racked up in a story that was only ever going to end one way is a real testament to the director. Great film.