I don't know what this movie is going to be like. I've been disappointed by MMA movies before (I prefer not to discuss how I suggested going to see Red Belt with some of my students). But who knows? Perhaps Warrior, a new MMA movie with an all-star cast, will break the mould.
Anyway, the promotions company for Warrior offered to do a giveaway of a Warrior Fan Prize Pack for my blog's readers. This prize includes: Lionsgate Action-Packed DVD Pack, The Men of Warrior coffee table book, Warrior t-shirt, and a Warrior one-sheet. To enter this contest, simply write a comment for this blog post. One commenter will be chosen at random to receive the giveaway. This giveaway is only valid for people who live in either Canada or the United States.
Here is the description I was provided for this movie (I will reserve judgement until I see the movie for myself): Haunted by a tragic past, ex-Marine Tommy Conlon (Hardy) returns home for the first time in 14 years to enlist the help of his father (Nick Nolte) to train for SPARTA, the biggest winner-takes-all event in mixed martial arts history. A former wrestling prodigy, Tommy blazes a path toward the championship while his brother, Brendan (Edgerton), an ex-fighter-turned teacher, returns to the ring in a desperate bid to save his family from financial ruin. But when Brendan's unlikely underdog rise sets him on a collision course with the unstoppable Tommy, the two brothers must finally confront each other and the forces that pulled them apart, facing off in the most soaring, soul-stirring, and unforgettable climax that must be seen to be believed.
A rousing ode to redemption, reconciliation and the power of the human spirit, "Warrior" is also a moving testament to the enduring bonds of family.
Here is the trailer for the movie if you're curious:
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12 comments:
Very generous offer, Lori. So far, I'm liking my odds!
Cris
A couple of guys I train with have been in some of the past MMA movies and I have also been disappointed. This one looks different almost like a Rocky for this generation. I will be going to see it.
By the way I am enjoying your blog. I think I found it from Rory Miller linking to it. Not sure now but you are in my google reader. Thanks.
Thanks Derek! Glad you're finding it useful. :)
I love Nick Nolte. Am willing to risk it based on his presence alone.
tom hardy and joel edgerton are superb guys! what a great prize pack too!
The storyline sounds rather cliché (young man bravely overcomes adversity through hard work and dedication and finally wins the ultimate price) with a twist in the form of a reference to the recent wars and family values that'll appeal greatly to the average American. Feelgood all-around, especially when the times look so grim, politically and economically and there's no end in sight. I could be wrong but this smells like a major stinker and a rip-off from the 'kickboxer' series with Van Damme. I'm not going to be watching it, at least not in the movie theater. The fact that they found it necessary to promote it so heavily says a lot, doesn't it? Imdb apparantly gave it a good rating but there aren't a lot of votes in yet and it's quite possibly a case of MMA-fans jumping on whatever is MMA-related, on top of that they're probably not the best judges of great cinema. In general I find sports movies lacking in quality and originality with some notable exceptions. We'll see what you have to say.
Zara
PS: please don't send me that promotion-crap ;) (who on earth would want to look like a walking billboard or stare at some guys face every morning?), luckily I'm not elligible anyway.
Dear Lori:
I have very much enjoyed your blog and I am not a blog reading person.
Thank you for all your great advice/perspectives and experience. I live in a small town with limited access to martial arts and almost no women in them, so it is great to follow your blog. Hopefully I will make it up to Vancouver one day for a class. Have you considered doing a weekend workshop?
Re: 'Warrior': does sound a bit 'done' but will watch it anyway. Why did you not like 'Redbelt'? I loved it.
Re: your post on 'excuses': this is the only post of yours that I haven't enjoyed. I am sure that it was inspiring to many but for me it was the inevitable 'inspire by hitting them over the head with the rolling pin of shame'. Or should that be 'nunchuks'...Most people have reasons, not excuses, for what limits them in any endeavor and they respond so much better to support than more reasons why they suck. I know this from personal and professional experience. Maybe you could do a post on REASONS why people aren't able to fulfill their dreams and how they can deal with it. Things like finances, physical limitations, lack of outside support..you know, life.
Anyway, thanks for your awesome blog. I look forward to the next one. Best, Lisa
Lisa,
Thank you for your kinds words about my blog. It is very rewarding to know that people like you appreciate it. :) I do run weekend workshops on request. Where do you live, out of curiosity? If you ever make it out to Vancouver, please look up my dojo. You would be very welcome to come in and train as a guest.
As for Red Belt, personally, I found it to be on the cliché side, but then I was expecting something very different because the writer, David Mamet, has written a number of very provocative plays in the past, which I enjoyed. I was expecting a very different style from what was delivered. I don't really expect much from Warrior. It looks like they're trying to do a Rocky style film, but it looks pretty cliché.
As for the post about excuses, I would never address a specific person in such terms and have worked very closely with people who have wanted to work past their difficulties in working toward a particular goal. But the post was written in a different vein and was not meant to be personal. It was meant to be more provocative to encourage people to take a hard look at themselves. You're absolutely right. Most people have reasons why they have difficulties achieving a goal, usually perfectly legitimate ones, but those reasons, in my humble opinion, are sometimes used as excuses to not try at all. There are other people who want to make more of an effort but let themselves get caught up in things that aren't truly as important to them. When they see people who have to try so much harder to do those same things, it can provide inspiration to make the most of their own abilities and opportunities.
If people say that they have reasons why they have difficulties achieving a goal, then it is simply a hurdle they are working to overcome. But if people won't try at all because of those reasons, then it's either an excuse, or it may simply not be a realistic goal.
But then this is a blog addressing a wide variety of people and I can't presume to know everyone's personal circumstances. Some people need a kick in the pants to motivate them. I often see this in the dojo and giving people a bit of a push can help. If the post resonates with someone, then it has done it's work in highlighting something that perhaps needed a light shone on it. But of course, that style of motivation is not necessary, relevant or appropriate for everyone. If not, then people can simply discard it as not useful to them.
Perhaps I will take you up on the suggestion of writing a post about facing the various difficulties people face in their training though. The idea has definitely has merit.
Thank you for commenting. I appreciate your taking the time to provide honest feedback. Good luck with your training! :)
Wow, Lori! Thank you again for your swift, considered and compassionate response. You are completely right on all counts, of course. I am simply someone trying very hard not to let my reasons become excuses.
Thank you very much for the invite up to Vancouver. You are already on my wish list. I live in Port Townsend, WA so it is really not too far. I will keep an eye out for one of your workshops and make it up to see you as soon as life permits. Until then, keep those awesome posts coming! Best, L
I do like swag...
I agree that Red Belt has some cliches, but I still really enjoyed it. It was a cut above most martial art movies out there today.
That's great that you were approached by the promotions company. Your name and teaching is getting out there. Good for you.
As a big fan of MMA I have now, I've always been a fan of boxing since I was young, he was always around. Right now, my favorite events all the time, event / would fight Pacquiao vs. Cotto. It 'was just a good show and he has the first seven titles in the weight class. Wait for Mayweather to come out!
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