Review of The Warriors (1979) by Sam P — 11 Apr 2012

The Warriors is one of those classics of the last few decades which has just as much resonance now as it did then. The basic story is a gang in New York are framed for the murder of another gang leader and have to survive the night, chased by every other gang in New York and trying to return home.

The good thing about this film is that the plot is set up within about 15 minutes, and from then on in, itâ(TM)s tension building up as the heroes of the piece, the Warriors, are chased by several different gangs, mixed with several brilliantly choreographed fight scenes. Because they have supposedly committed a murder, the Warriors also have the Police chasing after them, making their journey home twice as hard.

The idea of a gang consisting of different kind of individuals battling other gangs works best as we get to know a little bit about the individuals of the Warriors, as opposed to the blanket gangs of their oppositions, the individuals working ironically more as a team to help each other then the other gangs. One of the best fight scenes was in the station bathroom, surprisingly more violent then expected. There are several deaths committed in the film, which kinda shocked me actually, giving the film a more realistic element.

What I especially liked is that as a gang, these are supposed to be unlikable people, and yet make sense as the good guys, theyâ(TM)ve been framed for a crime, and just want to get home, making them more personalized for the audience, creating a connection between the audience and characters. I would definitely recommend this film and would gladly watch it again.