 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Warrior
- Review Date: September 9, 2011
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Fantastic family drama features intense martial-arts fights.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a touching family drama wrapped in an intense "David vs. Goliath"-style fight. The movie deals with some weighty issues that most younger kids won't fully understand: the conflicted relationship between fathers and sons, the estrangement of brothers, alcoholism, and the willingness of a husband and father to do whatever it takes to help his family. The movie's many mixed martial arts sequences are fast and furious and feature a lot of beatdowns, but no one is killed -- just down for the count. There's some profanity ("s--t," "ass," "goddamned," etc.) and some marital intimacy (two bathroom conversations with the couple half-dressed, and a kiss or two), but otherwise it's really only the themes and violence that make this movie an iffy pick for younger viewers.
What's the story?
Troubled Iraq vet Tommy (Tom Hardy) returns home for the first time in more than a decade with one purpose -- to get back in the "cage" of mixed martial arts and provide for a fallen fellow Marine's family. A former wrestling prodigy, Tommy asks his father (Nick Nolte), a recovering alcoholic, to train him for Sparta: a high-profile, winner-takes-all competition with a $5 million purse. Meanwhile, Tommy's estranged brother, Brendan (Joel Edgerton), a former UFC fighter turned physics teacher, realizes that he must also get back in the cage to raise much-needed money to save his home. An unexpected opportunity allows Brendan to join his fierce younger brother in the single-elimination tournament ... but before meeting in the ring, they must face their troubled past.
Is it any good?
Director Gavin O'Connor (Miracle) has created a perfect vehicle for two of Hollywood's most compelling imported actors: English scene-stealer Hardy (Inception) and Aussie leading man Edgerton (Animal Kingdom). Both are positively amazing in this film, but they personify completely opposing cinematic types. Hardy's Tommy is the aloof champion with a tortured soul, and Edgerton's Brendan is the scrappy underdog who will stop at nothing to keep his family intact. The brothers are like two suns, with the other characters orbiting around one or the other and the audience left figuring out whom is more deserving of their loyalty.
Both men are flawed, but the director tips the balance in Brendan's favor by showing his circle of supporters: an inspiring coach (Frank Grillo) who uses Beethoven's music to keep his fighters calm in the cage; a beautiful, loving wife (House alum Jennifer Morrison); and a classroom of awed high-school students who can't help but cheer for their science teacher. Nolte is also a revelation, his croaky voice underscoring Paddy's tremendous sadness at having alienated both of his sons. Despite all of the movie's thrilling MMA sequences, this is ultimately a poignant family drama where it's brotherly love, not millions of dollars, that's at stake.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the film's violence. How does the mixed martial arts (MMA) style of fighting compare to straight boxing or professional wresting? Which is more violent?
How does the movie portray father-son relationships? Is the father a sympathetic character or a pathetic one? Do his sons come off as justified in their treatment of him?
Tommy and Brendan aren't typical movie brothers. How do they differ from other competitive brothers? Which brother is more likable -- the champion or the underdog?
Brendan is a beloved high-school science teacher. Is his relationship with his students believable? Would you root for a teacher in a similar situation?
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- Teens & kids
Parent of 9, 13, 14, 14, 15, and 16 year old
September 21, 2011
AGE
A surprise
WOW !! I questioned seeing this with our sons as it is quite violent ,cursing is present ect, but I ended up so glad we did. While not for younger viewers, it grabbed our teens attention and they walked out loving it and, I am happy to say, totally getting the deeper messages about family, love and forgiveness. Well worth the tougher aspects.
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Educator and Parent
September 21, 2011
AGE
Dads, Sons and Brothers
Very emotional and very worthwhile, A must see for Dads, sons and brothers. I saw it with 2 of my sons, want to go now and see it with the rest Not for youngsters as it does deal with fighting and adult subject matter. However also not a movie to miss!
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Teen, 13 years old
September 23, 2011
AGE
Brilliant MMA drama has lots of violence
This brilliant martial arts drama is up there with 2011's best. While there are smaller issues such as around 20 S-bombs and 1 F-bomb, the main issue is the violence. The last half-hour or so of the film is a martial arts tournament, so expect lots of violence. You see punches and kicks being thrown and people being slammed to the ground - I had to look away at one scene! Otherwise, this is well worth seeing.
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Parent of 12 year old
September 15, 2011
AGE
AWESOME!!!!!!!
its a rough movie but it is soooooooooooGOOD!!
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Teen, 16 years old
September 11, 2011
AGE
A Fantastic Movie
I thought it was an excellent movie - and I came in with very low expectations. The acting was superb, the fight scenes were realistic without being gruesome and the characters were all given well thought out backstories that make them relatable. A definite must-see, don't let the MMA scare you off. This is really about much more than that, and has some humorous moments to lighten what could've been a two hour plus bloody brawl. Fantastic.
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Teen, 13 years old
September 11, 2011
AGE
great
a better movie than i thought, the only problem is violence, profanity(with f--k), and drinking. but it's a really good movie.
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Teen, 13 years old
September 21, 2011
AGE
The Warrior!!!
Warrior was an outstanding movie!!! With all the action and the challenges in the lives of two amazing brothers who seperated when their parents divorced. It was cool to see the brothers forgive each other and their Dad. I could watch it a million times!!!!!....Maybe even with my brother.
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Teen, 14 years old
September 21, 2011
AGE
the great warrior review
I think that Warrior is the best movie ever. My favorite part was when Tommy kept knocking the guys out and when they announced that Tommy had ripped off a tank door to save marines. Also the most important part was when the two brothers used to hate each-other and reconnected during the fight when Bandon said he loves Tommy.
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Teen, 16 years old
October 5, 2011
AGE
one of the best movies ever
this was such a great movie i loved it most people havent heard of it but it was great it kept me entertained the whole 2 hours and 20 minutes theys some viloence which can be intease when they in the ring,theys some language pretty average incluces one f word, and one older person is a recovering alchol addict, but great movie!!!!
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Teen, 14 years old
November 6, 2011
AGE
Five out of Five
This defines the genre of Sports Dramas. Strong acting throughout really carries a quality script, along with a great message. The MMA aspect of this movie will turn most parents off, but it shouldn't. I found the violence to be considerably less than was advertised. Even if you think it has excessive violence, you'll completely ignore it because of the strong story, and positive messages. One of the best dramas of this decade.
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| Topics: | sports and martial arts |
| Studio: | Lionsgate |
| Director: | Gavin O'Connor |
| Cast: | Joel Edgerton, Nick Nolte, Tom Hardy |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 139 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 9, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | December 20, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | sequences of intense mixed-martial arts fighting, some language and thematic material |
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