The story - two estranged brothers destined to battle each other for $5 million in the ultimate MMA tournament - should not work, but Warrior is a a clever and very powerful piece of entertainment. The film sets itself up as a world apart from the standard sports movie by giving more characterisation (between father and son) in the opening scene than most movies manage in their entire running time. Whilst the lead characters lack the colour and vivacity of The Fighter clan, they make up for it with sensitivity and heart: Nick Nolte as the recovering alcoholic father is given a role which showcases just what a fine actor he is, Joel Edgerton makes a good job of the least interesting role as the son who gave up on the family to lead a seemingly straightforward life (as a physics teacher!), and Tom Hardy is phenomenal as the angry, damaged powerhouse who cannot relate to either his father or brother. Motivations work, the parallel stories build effectively, and the fight scenes are filmed with extraordinary energy. The entire final act - the progressive cage battles of the 16 contestants at the showdown in Atlanta - is overwhelmingly tense and at times almost unbearable to watch, which is a testament to how affecting the story is told. Terrific direction and wonderful performances make Warrior a genuine and unmissable surprise.
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