Review of The Warriors (1979) by Danny R — 02 Sep 2015

Walter Hill's visually arresting highly stylized comic-book gang fantasy about a New York City tough gang called "The Warriors," who have to fight their way back home to Coney Island by crossing rival gang trufs after being falsely accused of murdering a top gang leader, then the word comes down that they are to be killed for the murder and every gang in the city is now hunting for them.

A superb cast of engaging young actors play the gang members led by Michael Beck as the Warrior's warlord Swan, James Remar who is a real scene-stealer as the woman chasing hot head Ajax, and than there is David Patrick Kelly who is total unforgettable as Luther the psychotic cowardly leader of the Rogues, he is the lowlife that actually committed the murder of the gang leader than accused "The Warriors" of doing it, just for kicks! The late character actress Lynne Thigpen is sensational as the radio D.

J. who was the speaking voice in the film always warning "The Warriors" of their situation, you never saw her face just those amazing lips and mouth over the microphone. Solid direction by Hill who also co-wrote the compelling screenplay with David Shaber, extraordinary cinematography by Andrew Laszlo and a superb score by Barry De Vorzon.

Suspenseful chases and highly exciting fight sequences.This film became notorious for a number of violent incidents it caused in the theaters nationwide at the time of its release, one guy was actually killed on the first weekend it played in New York City, a powerful cult classic and justifiably so.

Highly Recommended.