'Warrior' is not about who wins and loses inside the cage. It's about the story of life.
I was recently invited to a private screening with the MMA media to watch the latest Lions Gate motion picture feature "Warrior."
At first, I had a sense of trepidation to even accept the invitation as many "MMA movies" from the past have left a somewhat sour taste in my mouth, but this movie far exceeded the expectations I had going in.
It is the story of school teacher Brendan Conlon, a journeyman, backyard mixed martial artist who must juggle his full-time job as a school teacher (akin to Rich Franklin's early days in the sport), while feeding his hunger for competition, as well as those of his young family. The Conlons are all but down on their luck, struggling to keep up with the devastating hardship that has hit their household due to the economic downfalls that so many others are enduring. For Brendan, he is willing to sacrifice everything for the well-being of his family.
This also includes his brother Tommy, a renegade of sorts, who is a military hero that nobody knows about, and is doing what he can to survive his post-war experiences, while trying to support the family of a fallen comrade who lost his life during their tour of duty.
Sandwiched in between the two brothers is their father Paddy (played brilliantly by Nick Nolte), who is trying to right his transgressions from the past. A former alcoholic who is trying to erase the terrible past that was once filled with a drunken iron fist. He is called upon by Tommy to help him train for the biggest mixed martial arts tournament in history.
But the action inside the cage parallels that outside of it.
The relationship triangle that is Brendan, Tommy and Paddy is portrayed in a manner that will play with even the toughest mans heart and mind.
The past comes back to haunt them. The present is trying to patch them together, but the future may tear them apart for good.
This movie is more than just fighting. It's not about who wins and loses inside the cage. It's about the story of life, one that replicates with so many in the prize fighting industry.
The real winners are those who take the time to watch "Warrior."
Below is the trailer:
