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Peaceful Warrior
Directed by: Victor Salva
Starring: Scott Mechlowicz
Genre:
Drama/Independent
Run Time: 121 min.
Release Date:
June 2006
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser:
Movie Trailer
Reviewed by
Byron Merritt |
More of a self-help guide
for the Zen needy, PEACEFUL WARRIOR does have some good acting, a
solid (albeit schmaltzy) message, and some amazing filming using light
and shade.
Loosely based on Dan Millman’s autobiographical novel “Way of the
Peaceful Warrior”, the film focuses on Millman’s over-inflated ego
during his time as a super-gymnast yet having dark dreams related to
failure. Unable to sleep, Dan (played by Scott Mechlowicz) frequents the
streets of Berkeley, California in the wee hours of the morning only to
stumble across a wise Zen-like master with no name whom Dan labels as
“Socrates.” Socrates (Nick Nolte,
OFF THE BLACK) sees Dan’s misguided
spirit as a challenge and eventually allows Dan to see a path to inner
enlightenment via the “here and now.”
Initially Dan sees this as shamanistic rubbish but quickly learns that
he can apply Socrates’ knowledge to help better his gymnastic abilities.
Still focused on selfishness (wanting to win Olympic Gold) Dan finds
himself injured after a horrific motorcycle accident and must come to
terms with the fact that he may never walk again.
With the help of Socrates, Dan not only walks but does the impossible.
The message of the film is valid if you believe in such things as
focusing energy only on the “now” and “throwing out the trash” that
rattles around in your head every minute of every day. Doing so,
according to Millman’s philosophy, will allow you to become not only a
better person, but a better whatever-you-are in your professional life.
Mechlowicz and Nolte play well off each other, one being the cocky
upstart and the other a wise and patient sage (perhaps even a ghost).
But the real winner here is the light and shading of much of the film’s
images, especially whenever Mechlowicz enters the gas station where
Nolte’s character works. The dark aspect of the station gradually
lightens up as Millman comes to accept what he’s being taught. Also the
motorcycle crash that injures Millman is done in fine slow-motion action
with acrobatics to stop the heart of most movie watchers.
All in all it’s a good film. Not great. But visually it certainly is a
treat to watch.
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Image from Peaceful
Warrior
DVD cost: $17.99
Purchase:
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Film Review Stew
Favorite? No.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy: Dan Millman,
the author of the book on which the film is based, can be glimpsed for a
brief moment as the driver of the car at the gas station during the
scenes when Dan exercises for the first time after his motorcycle crash.
Movie Quote: "With
some hard work, I'm sure you'll be able to walk again."
Other Actors/Actresses
from Peaceful Warrior
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