Warrior (2011)

Directed by Gavin O’Connor, Warrior (2011) is an American sports action film that follows the story of two estranged brothers, played by Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton. As they prepare to enter a mixed martial arts tournament, they must confront their past and mend their relationship. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, melancholy U.S. Marine Thomas ‘Tommy’ Riordan visits his father Paddy Conlon, who has recently returned to his Catholic faith after struggling with alcoholism. During Tommy’s childhood, he had to flee from Paddy along with his dying mother due to Paddy’s abusive behavior. Despite Paddy’s efforts to show he has changed, Tommy remains resentful. The following day, Tommy impressively defeats Pete ‘Mad Dog’ Grimes in a viral video of his fight at a local gym. When Tommy learns about Sparta, a winner-takes-all mixed martial arts tournament with a $5 million prize, he enlists Paddy’s help to train for it.

However, he sets the condition that Paddy must not try to reconcile their relationship in the process. Tommy has committed to not only winning but also generously donating the entire $5 million prize to Pilar, the widow of his late friend Manny. Meanwhile, Brendan, a former MMA fighter turned high school physics teacher, is facing financial strain as he tries to support his wife Tess and their two daughters. In order to make ends meet, he turns to fighting amateur bouts for money and ends up mortgaging his Philadelphia home to cover his daughter’s medical expenses. Unfortunately, this decision leads him into trouble at work and he is suspended without pay due to the exposure of his hidden side job. Despite Paddy’s failed attempt at reconciliation in Brendan’s driveway, he receives news that Tommy has returned to town.