Warrior

Bottom Line: Centered around the world of ultimate fighting, Warrior delivers a nearly Shakespearean family drama. What a shock! One of the best movies of the year.

The Gist: Brendan has made a life for himself with a wife and children when his brother Tommy comes back into town. The one thing their alcoholic father did for them was to teach them to fight. Brendan needs money. Tommy needs to find his way back into the family. Both enter a cage match with a $5 million purse. Nick Nolte gives a devastating performance as the remorseful Paddy trying to atone for a life for which there can be no payment.

The Verdict: Watch it. With themes of true hurt, redemption, and reconciliation, this is the best fight movie since Rocky. It’s fantastic, gripping, and deserves some Oscars.

Be Aware: Rated PG-13 for intense fighting, some language, and thematic family drama. No sexual content except for a nonsexual scene of Brendan’s wife in her underwear. Good for teens, especially boys.