Best Films of 2011 - According to Film Students (Part 1)

MY FAVOURITE MOVIE OF 2011 – “WARRIOR”

By Matthew Bailey

In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), underdogs can win and champions can lose. In the action-drama Warrior, two brothers square off against other champions, and eventually each other, in a MMA tournament called Sparta. Ex-Marine Tommy Riordan (Tom Hardy) and high-school teacher Brendan Conlon (Joel Edgerton) are separated emotionally from themselves, and from their former alcoholic father Paddy (Nick Nolte). The paths of these three men will collide in Sparta, where all scores will finally be settled.

Writer/director Gavin O’Connor sets up the story of Warrior brilliantly. The first half of the film gives us the back-story of Tommy and Brendan, and their troubled relationship with Paddy. Tommy is a tough, seemingly-emotionless machine of a man who solves his problems by walking away or lashing back (both verbally and physically). Brendan is a husband, a father and a fighter, who is willing to put his life on the line for his family. They share one thing in common - their distrust for Paddy.

The second half of the film takes place during the Sparta tournament. Tommy and Brendan fight their way to the final match, where they must confront each other in a steel cage. The fight between the two is both exciting and emotional, with a conclusion that will make even the toughest of viewers get teary-eyed.

At first glance, Warrior appears to be yet another Rocky-type underdog film where the “hero” overcomes all obstacles and beats the “villain”, but it is so much more. For a film about mixed martial arts, Warrior boasts a well-written script, great dialogue and strong performances from the cast. Nick Nolte shines as Paddy, and his performance alone should definitely earn the film an Academy Award nomination. The fight sequences are engaging, superbly choreographed and well-edited. The end result is a moving, emotional and ultimately outstanding film which is definitely worth seeing. Warrior is, in my opinion, the best film of 2011.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS:

The Artist

Hugo

50/50

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

X-Men: First Class

13 Assassins

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Drive