Starring Nick Nolte and Scott Mechlowicz
The Peaceful Warrior is the story of an unusual teacher and a young, troubled gymnast. What makes the teacher (Nick Nolte) unusual is that he is a gas station attendant. His student (Scott Mechlowicz) is a crack gymnast from the University of California who’s training for the Olympic tryouts.
The gymnast (Dan Millman) is having trouble sleeping, and wanders out at night and happens upon Nolte’s gas station. After hearing a bit of what sounds like philosophy from the gas station attendant, Dan starts calling him Socrates. As Dan’s leaving, he sees (or doesn’t see, actually) Socrates do something that absolutely intrigues him.
The rest of the movie shows Dan coming grudgingly to respect Socrates, and learn from him how to knit his life together into a satisfying whole instead of a frustrating and unhappy series of parts. Also, Dan suffers an accident that puts his gymnastic career in peril. Socrates has his work cut out for him.
It’s easy to compare this film to The Karate Kid. It’s a fun movie to watch, with only a few confusing touches like the dream sequences. Also, the director (or someone associated with this movie) seems to think that heightened states of consciousness should be broadcast with dramatic music, loud sound effects and slow motion. (Perhaps in a previous life he made martial arts movies.)
This movie is appropriate for all audiences. Some of the gymnastic scenes are very beautiful, and the relationship that develops between Nolte and Mechlowicz is a pleasure to watch. Also, watching Mechlowicz, I was reminded of Tom Cruise early in his career.
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