People tearing each other apart, both figuratively and literally

Rating: Null/10 (6 March 2018)

An estranged son (Tom Hardy) returns home after over a decade long absence. He's there to ask his father (Nick Nolte) to train him for the upcoming MMA (mixed martial arts) grand prix tournament. At the same time his older brother (Joel Edgerton) has also returned to the cages due to crippling money problems.
The plot of Warrior is about as textbook as they come. It's your classic sports underdog, overcoming yourself storyline. But this is not a bad thing. This here is a magnificent example of execution over idea. All three of the main actors are fantastic in their roles, each having very different kind of problems, yet they've all arrived to them due to their similar natures and they all try to solve them in very similar manners. Every scene where they interact with each other is captivating in a way rarely seen in a sports film.
Not to say that the movie lacks in the "grown men beating each other to a pulp" category, either. Because it doesn't. Furthermore, it's refreshing to see a fighting movie that's not about boxing. MMA gives the movie its own unique feel and allows for some moves and fights not often seen. All the fights are also pleasingly different from one another. They're shot well and contain enough suspense, especially when Edgerton's character is fighting.
Warrior belongs in the upper echelons of sports drama. It's not quite Rocky, but if you've already seen those numerous times, this is the next best thing.