'Warrior' Review: Like MMA, A Story With Simplicity on Surface, Complexity Beneath

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Tom Hardy, Josh Rosenthal, Joel EdgertonThe best kinds of movies, like the best kinds of journalism, are not about a subject, but about people. For this reason, describing "Warrior" as an "MMA movie" is not quite accurate. Because Warrior is the best kind of movie, a complex film about family, set against a backdrop of sports.

The story unfolds in time, confidently led by director Gavin O'Connor, a name perhaps familiar to MMA fans for his stewardship of "The Smashing Machine," a 2002 documentary of Mark Kerr. Despite its singular title, the film is essentially the story of a family that has been torn apart by a long history of tragedy. To call the family divided doesn't quite do them justice; there doesn't seem to be a prayer of reconciliation for them.

O'Connor's deft touch unfolds from the opening frames, telling the parallel stories of estranged brothers Tommy and Brendan Conlon, and their father Paddy, a recovering alcoholic. The family is Pennsylvania born and bred, and that background shades their characterizations. Like many of the men from that region, they are blue-collar grinders who don't always have a lot to say, but rather hint at difficulties beneath their troubled eyes.

At the outset, it appears Tommy (played by Tom Hardy) and Brendan (played by Joel Edgerton) could not have turned out more differently. While life for Tommy was so bad he literally ran off to war to escape his everyday existence, Brendan has settled into a suburban life complete with a teaching job, a marriage and children.


We quickly learn, however, that the brothers are indeed rather similar. Fourteen years after last seeing his brother and father, Tommy returns home to Pittsburgh with barely a word, but a request. He wants his father Paddy -- played brilliantly by Nick Nolte -- to coach him for an upcoming, $5 million MMA tournament called "Sparta." As the story goes on, we learn that Tommy was at one time a high school wrestling standout, and Paddy was his coach, and Tommy soon makes clear that this is a business arrangement and nothing else.

Hardy's riveting intensity and brooding silence tell a story that is always simmering below the surface. In due time, we learn more about his mysterious past, his selfless motivations to win Sparta, and the depth of feeling that led to his detachment from his family. None of it is revealed by Hardy, who excels at the hardest job an actor can have: acting without speaking.

There is a lot of that in Warrior. Despite a 2-hour, 20-minute run time, there are many pockets of silence, but none wasted. Unspoken communication is an ongoing theme in the movie. There is the implied family-altering history, there is a coach who uses music as a learning tool, and there is fighting as a solution to problems.

While Tommy and Paddy's damaged relationship dangles in the balance, Brendan -- who we learn is a former UFC fighter -- is faced with financial difficulties of his own. For him, fighting is simply a way to make money, a selfless act of surrendering his body to provide for his wife and kids, even as they object.

Of course, Tommy and Brendan never quite know they are on a potential collision course until it's too late.

Less than half of the movie is actually devoted to the tournament. MMA fans will see some familiar faces, like Nate Marquardt, Anthony Johnson, and referee Josh Rosenthal. The in-cage action is fairly close to reality, though there are a few moments that will cause fleeting cringes if you're not one to voluntarily suspend disbelief. Most audiences, however, will have no problem looking past those small issues.

Nearly every key member of the cast shines in his role, particularly Nolte as a father desperate to mend the destroyed relationships between himself and his boys. Despite his time as a recovering alcoholic, Nolte's character Paddy does not yet have the clarity of mind or perhaps the will to summon a real solution. He tries and repeatedly fails, even when Tommy is living under his roof again. Both sons have pieces of their father in the personalities. Tommy bottles everything up tight, and given his military background, you feel like he wouldn't give up his feelings under the threat of waterboarding. Brendan at least tries, but like dad, he also hides things, not informing his wife of his plans to fight again until his mind is already made up.

Because of superficial similarities in genre, there have been comparisons between "Warrior" and "The Fighter," the 2010 film based on the life of boxer Micky Ward. A comparison to a film that earned seven Academy Award nominations is quite complimentary, yet the films and performances within each are quite different. Hardy and Edgerton, for example, are nowhere near as well known as Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, who played the two leads in The Fighter. One film is a biopic, the other is completely fictional. The Fighter finds its emotional balance in the love story between Ward and Charlene; Warrior is anchored solely in the roots of family. Finally, I would boldy add, Warrior is the better of the two films.

It is filled with layered performances, confidently directed and powerful. While most films have formulaic protagonist/antagonist relationships, it says plenty about Warrior that by the film's climax, you're not quite sure what to hope for or who to root for. Life's conclusions aren't always clear and clean, and this film leaves us the same way. Everything isn't tied up nicely with a bow; it's no Hollywood ending. It's more challenging that that. There has been some early Oscar buzz for Warrior and its cast. For fans who have been subject to a series of MMA-related movie duds, that may come as a shock, but it is truly an excellent piece of moviemaking.

Warrior is also important for the place it will undoubtedly find in pop culture. Movements don't take place in a day; they happen over time, in spurts, until a few waves of momentum become a tsunami. This is a film that's good for the sport, not for technique or action, but for the humanization of its athletes, fictional though they may be. Tommy and Brendan may be troubled, but at least they're fighting for something. For the remaining few who still see MMA's athletes as brainless barbarians, it's an opportunity to see fighters as real people, with real problems.

Much like MMA itself, "Warrior" has more at play than what we see at surface level. Tommy's plotline has geopolitical overtones, Brendan's shadows the current economic landscape in the U.S., and Paddy's tells the universal tale of parental regret. The ultimate conclusion for the trio may not be ultimately conclusive, but it's a step forward, and in their complex world, that's just as welcome as a happy ending.

 

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Source: http://mmafighting.com/2011/09/09/warrior-like-mma-a-story-with-simplicity-on-surface-complex/

Hiroyuki Abe Cyril Abidi  Daniel Acacio

UFC 134?s Three Stars: Silva, Nogueira and Silva

With a crowd that was loud and chanting from the very first fight to an exciting slate of fights, the UFC's trip to Rio delivered. But which stars loomed as large as the Christ the Redeemer statue?

No. 1 star -- Anderson Silva: My brother sent me a text message after the Silva KO that said, "Silva is Jordan/Gretzky-esque." As much as it pains me to agree with him, my brother is completely correct. Both Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky were constantly taking your breath away, as they completed feats that seemed superhuman while making it look easy. Those head feints that come from the core? The effortless striking that still busted up Yushin Okami's face? Rank those with Jordan's fadeaway jumper or Gretzky's slapshot, and appreciate that we get to witness greatness every time Silva steps into the Octagon.

[Video: See Anderson Silva dominate Yushin Okami]

No. 2 star -- Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira: The 35-year-old with 40 fights under his belt showed that he still has plenty left in the tank. He started by using a strong chin and good defense as he avoided Brendan Schaub's power shots. Then, he landed a few power shots of his own, knocking out a younger, faster Schaub, causing the fans in Rio to go absolutely insane. I doubt the celebration has yet ceased.

No. 3 star -- Erick Silva: Lost among the hubbub of the main card was a beautiful KO by Silva, an up-and-coming star from Nogueira's gym in Rio. He started his UFC career with a 0:40 knockout, and then celebrated with a Matrix-esque backflip off the cage. That kind of striking will make fight fans clamor for what's next.

Who were your Three Stars? Tell us in the comments or on Facebook.

Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? Why college coaches should ban players from using Twitter in season
? Rafael Nadal keeping quiet on tell-all book
? Video: Teammate pranks Mark Sanchez during interview

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/UFC-134-s-Three-Stars-Silva-Nogueira-and-Silva?urn=mma-wp6372

Jermaine Andrè  Yoji Anjo  Tank Abbott Hiroyuki Abe

Gymnastics GSP is nearly as good as fighting GSP

Yahoo! Sports continued looking at how elite athletes train by checking in with Georges St- Pierre and his gymnastics training.

Gymnastics have clearly given the welterweight champ a challenge in strength and conditioning. Throughout the workout, he only uses his own body weight, and not any weights. He's showing a different way to get in shape.

Though he isn't likely to challenge Kohei Uchimura or Jonathan Horton in London next summer, he did show off an impressive move that's usually only accomplished by seasoned gymnasts. While on the still rings, St-Pierre drops into the iron cross, a move that requires strength and impeccable body control. It doesn't show if he holds the move long enough to score bonus points, but that he can even try it shows off his insane athleticism.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Gymnastics-GSP-is-nearly-as-good-as-fighting-GSP?urn=mma-wp6518

Terrance Aflague Yoshihiro Akiyama  Gilbert Aldana  José Aldo 

Swick interview: TUF 1 alum on the shelf, but confident he?ll come back better than ever

Where oh where has Mike Swick gone? The former middleweight and welterweight title contender has endured an unthinkable battle over the last 16 months against injuries and bad breaks. That included missing out on last weekend's UFC journey to Brazil. Swick was booked to fight Erick Silva at UFC 134, but blew out his knee. Surprisingly, the 32-year-old is still up beat about his fighting future.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Swick-interview-TUF-1-alum-on-the-shelf-but-co?urn=mma-wp6426

José Aldo  John Alessio  Houston Alexander Ricardo Almeida 

You tell us: What country should the UFC visit next?

The UFC's recent trip to Brazil and planned return to Japan is one of the promotion's latest signals that they are serious about becoming well-known internationally. They have also opened offices to cover Europe, Asia and Canada and signed TV deals all over the world.

Clearly, their trip around the world won't end with Japan in February. Where should the UFC head next?

China: The world's most-populated country is attractive to all American companies because of its many, many consumers. The UFC opened an office in China last June, and they want to reach the 250 million men who fall into their favorite, 18-49 demographic.

The Netherlands: The home of Alistair Overeem, Marloes Coenen, Golden Glory, Mike's Gym and some of the world's best kickboxing could also be a perfect destination for the UFC, if given a card full of kickboxing talent.

Senegal: Before you say, "Really? Senegal?" Watch this:

That's Senegalese wrestling, an awesome sport that resembles MMA. The UFC could find their next great talent pool there, and start working on African consumers in one of its most politically stable countries. Let's go to Dakar, UFC!

Russia: The home country of Fedor Emelianenko is also home to the world's best wrestling. A large event in Moscow, if promoted correctly with Emelianenko's help (which is unlikely), could convert fans of Buvaisar Saitiev into fans of Anderson Silva.

Thailand: UFC fighters have been heading to Thailand to learn Muay Thai from the experts for years. With Muay Thai's popularity, there is a market for combat sports. The current political situation could keep the UFC out of Phuket or Bangkok, but if things improve, either city could be an interesting destination for fights.

Now you tell us. Where should the UFC head next? Vote in the poll, and tell us your thoughts in the comments or on Facebook.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/You-tell-us-What-country-should-the-UFC-visit-n?urn=mma-wp6611

Matt Andersen  Alex Andrade  Jermaine Andrè  Yoji Anjo 

Gymnastics GSP is nearly as good as fighting GSP

Yahoo! Sports continued looking at how elite athletes train by checking in with Georges St- Pierre and his gymnastics training.

Gymnastics have clearly given the welterweight champ a challenge in strength and conditioning. Throughout the workout, he only uses his own body weight, and not any weights. He's showing a different way to get in shape.

Though he isn't likely to challenge Kohei Uchimura or Jonathan Horton in London next summer, he did show off an impressive move that's usually only accomplished by seasoned gymnasts. While on the still rings, St-Pierre drops into the iron cross, a move that requires strength and impeccable body control. It doesn't show if he holds the move long enough to score bonus points, but that he can even try it shows off his insane athleticism.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Gymnastics-GSP-is-nearly-as-good-as-fighting-GSP?urn=mma-wp6518

Ricardo Almeida  Eddie Alvarez Thiago Alves  Andre Amade 

UFC sounds ready to welcome back Henderson with possible fight at FOX/UFC debut

Dan Henderson's recent run has surprised many. When he left the UFC at the age of 39 to sign a deal with rival Strikeforce, there's was little chance he'd ever return to the bigger promotion. Never say never.

Hendo has put together an impressive win streak, is without a contract and the UFC is looking for a mega-fight to put on FOX. Henderson, now 41, may be in the right place at the right time. Reading this interview with Brazil's Tatame, UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta is sounds excited for a Henderson return:

What do you expect from UFC on FOX's first edition [Nov. 12]? Do you already have a main event set?

We don't have a main event set yet, we'll find out probably after this Saturday, these fights in Rio, then we'll set a main event. But it'll be something big. It'll be a big fight.

We reported this Monday that Anderson Silva could put his middleweight title on the line against Dan Henderson, one he beats Yushin Okami?

I would love to do that. Anderson just needs a win.

Silva defends his UFC middleweight title this weekend against Yushin Okami in Brazil at UFC 134.

Henderson is coming off three straight devastating Strikeforce wins over Fedor Emelianenko, Renato "Babalu" Sobral and Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante. The Fedor fight was at heavyweight while the Feijao/Babalu bouts were at 205 pounds.

Henderson is a small light heavyweight and it appears Zuffa would love to see him back in the mix at 185 pounds. Henderson (28-8, 5-2 UFC) fought Silva at UFC 82 on 2008. The former Greco-Roman Olympic wrestler dominated Silva in the first round, then strayed from his gameplan in the second and was choked out by the champ.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/UFC-sounds-ready-to-welcome-back-Henderson-with-?urn=mma-wp6171

Yoji Anjo  Tank Abbott Hiroyuki Abe Cyril Abidi 

Nice guys finish fights: Brendan Schaub brings gear to Brazilian kids

Last week, we had to give out a Facepalm of the Week, but this week, Cagewriter can tell you about Brendan Schaub (pictured at right), one of the UFC's up-and-coming heavyweights, being a good guy.

Schaub, a runner-up on "The Ultimate Fighter, is in Brazil to fight Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 134. It is the biggest fight of his career, as a win could put Schaub into the mix for title contention, but that didn't keep him from going back to a poor town that he had visited on his last trip to the South American country.

With the help of his sponsors RevGear, Echo Unlimited and Bony Acai, Schaub came back with bags of training gear. On his first visit, he found that the young MMA students were practicing on asphalt with little protection.

"You go there, and these kids have nothing," the heavyweight said today at a pre-event press conference for UFC 134, which takes place Saturday at HSBC Arena in Rio. "Literally, nothing, and they're as happy as can be ... For me, it was a rude awakening. It's stuff I'm not used to in Denver, Colorado ? my little bubble ? so I got all my sponsors together (to collect) donated gear."

The poverty in Brazil is hard to ignore, but someone with a laser focus on a fight easily could have done that. Kudos to Schaub for keeping his eyes open, and then doing what he could to help.

Thanks to MMA Junkie

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Nice-guys-finish-fights-Brendan-Schaub-brings-g?urn=mma-wp6223

John Alessio  Houston Alexander Ricardo Almeida  Eddie Alvarez

Inside MMA video: A touching tribute to Shawn Tompkins

HDNet's "Inside MMA" aired a great piece to honor Shawn Tompkins. The 37-year-old passed away last week in Canada. The emotional video features many of his former fighters and co-workers from Xtreme Couture and TapouT Training Center.

HDNet also spoke with members of Team Tompkins - Mark Hominick, Sam Stout and Chris Horodecki. Stout's sister Emilie, Shawn's wife, also appears in the video.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Inside-MMA-video-A-touching-tribute-to-Shawn-To?urn=mma-wp6104

Jimmy Ambriz Matt Andersen  Alex Andrade  Jermaine AndrèÂ