The Warriors (1979)

8/10

Jared_Andrews16 November 2019

Explaining what makes "The Warriors" a good movie and one that is so enjoyable to watch is simple. It's the style.

The style announces itself loudly in the opening scene/credit sequence. Each credit appears in the custom text style then recedes into the depth of the screen like a departing train disappearing down a tunnel. Characters engage in excited exchanges about a deity-like leader, Cyrus, who commands the city's most powerful gang, the Grammercy Riffs.

Everyone is heading to see him deliver a speech. And, boy, what a speech it is. He captivates the crowd of thousands by using his striking charisma and booming baritone.

Then the gathering is abruptly interrupted by an act of violence for which the Warriors are falsely blamed. Acting on this inaccurate information, all gangs seek to capture and/or kill the Warriors. Now the Warriors must brave the dangerous streets on a 28-mile journey to safety.

Queue the action sequences. We see a lot of fights and running. A LOT of running. It's all delightful and stylish.

Director Walter Hill boldly leaves his fingerprints everywhere, shaping the aesthetic and creating something unusually special.

He creates a world of gang warfare that has undertones steeped in reality, but none of the characters of the world they inhabit ever feel real. The movie much more closely resembles a comic book. At times this is played subtly, and in other scenes Hill makes this readily apparent by pausing certain frames on screen to make them look like boxes from a comic book.

Dialogue continues the comic book theme. Characters say strange things that no one in real life would ever utter. The camera even moves in an unnatural manner. The action sequences contain exquisite energy, yet they feel completely rehearsed. Viewers are constantly fed reminders that they are watching a movie. It's never meant to be a realistic experience.

None of that is to say that this movie isn't enjoyable or that it is poorly made. It's purely a stylistic choice that Hill makes, and it's an overtly intentional one.

Within the first few minutes, you will have a pretty good sense if this movie is for you. If you like the vibe early, you'll enjoy the movie. At the very least, this one is worth a shot.

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9/10

I DIG IT

bsinc20 December 2002

Wow, I haven't been this amazed in a very long time. Where was I living all this time that not once did I hear anything about this movie. "The Warriors" is one of the best moves of the 70's and it definitely deserves more recognition than it apparently has. There isn't a single thing in this movie that disappoints, on the contrary, everything in it is brilliant. The acting, the very cool costumes, the amazing photography, the great adrenaline music, the fight sequences, the minimalistic plot, and of course the memorable one liners. From the moment it starts "The Warriors" just never loses its fast pace and we're not able to rest until the end. There are very few movies I wish would have last longer, there are even fewer that ended perfectly and "The Warriors" is one of them. If people though "Taxi Driver" was controversial they probably didn't see this movie. Cop bashing, interracial skinhead gangs, pretty girls that put out on every other corner; man, I'm not the least bit surprised that people wanted to imitate the Warriors. I felt like it today and I thought I was past that faze. All the praise to Walter Hill for helping make one of the best movies I've ever seen. The photography, that can only be surpassed by individuals the kinds of Kubrick and the shere minimalism of just about everything, even the deserted streets of New York, have never been more powerful. This is cult at its best. 9/10

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7/10

Jungleland

dbdumonteil13 November 2005

This is not my kind of movie ,but "the warriors" sustained my interest till the very end.The characters are not very interesting but the sensational use of night landscapes is absolutely mind-boggling,with those desert streets,those saving subway stations and those parks where it's dangerous to venture after dark ,as Simon and Garfunkel sing.More than the retreat of the 10,000 after Cyrus 's death,the long trip back to Coney Island makes me think of an Odyssey in miniature ,with its descent into Hell (the subway tunnel),its mermaids (the girls who invite the warriors) and its Circe (the woman in the park). The DJ ( we only see her lips) provides the antique chorus and gives the movie an eerie touch.Recommended

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A short history lesson

PantherMonterey6 November 2004

I was working in a movie theater when The Warriors first came out, and remember well the flick and the hype surrounding it. Here's a few notes to clear up some misconceptions that many other commentors seem to have.

The flick was NOT ever intended to be an accurate portrayal of New York gang life, although there were some realistic elements. At the time it was generally accepted that it took place in the future, although nothing in the movie supports this. At best it can be considered an urban fable that takes place in a sort-of-imaginary world. You know, like Pulp Fiction (you think 90s LA gangsters dressed like that??).

Second, the film itself was not accused of inciting violence. Problem was, it was a VERY popular film with gang members, who would show up in force. Two rival gangs would show up at the same theater, and... you can figure the rest out yourself. One guy was killed on the first weekend the movie was playing in New York; after that, the distributor hired off-duty police for security at every theater across the country that showed the flick. In the small-town Midwest where I lived, this served more as advertising hype than anything else.

Finally, it was widely known back in the day that The Warriors was based on the ancient Greek nonfiction tale Anabasis, written around 370 BC by the Spartan general Xenophon (it's also published under the title The Persian Expedition). In this classic tale, a battalion of 10,000 Spartan mercenaries join the Persian emperor Cyrus for a war in Asia Minor (i.e. Turkey). Cyrus's army is defeated, the Spartan leaders are captured, and the remaining force must make their way across country, fighting various hostile tribes along the way, experiencing their own internal power struggles, until they reach the safety of the sea. I'm shocked that only one reviewer seemed to be familiar with this; in the 70s almost nobody talked about the movie without mentioning it.

Great flick, by the way, and it holds up extremely well over time. I'm sure the remake will suck.

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10/10

one bad mutha of a 70s gangland action flick

Quinoa19843 June 2007

The Warriors is that near perfect movie to watch after midnight; it's got 'grit' carved out on its back and its got a look (and I'm quoting Grindhouse for a moment) that will tear you in two. One scene sort of spells out the attitude of our "heroes", and heroes as in they are the bunch that are a little down on the line of being rough dudes- they're on the subway back to Coney Island, and this is after just getting through a fight with another gang in a bathroom in Union Square. It's a brutal fight, with neither side coming away without scars, and while they're sort of zoning out for one of the only moments of peace so far in this night of havoc while getting back home, two couples who've obviously come out of a disco club come onto the train and sit right across from Swan (Michael Beck) and Mercy (Valkenburgh). Even tired as they are- and she not even a member but someone who decided to tag along with the group- the look that they exchange is not pretty, at all, and promptly the couples leave the train. This is not only one of my favorite scenes in the film, but it's one of the pure cinematic moments in any gang movie (not to be confused with gangster, more like the gangs of the 50s, think West Side Story only 100 times more stylized and potentially violent), adding just that nice extra layer onto what these Warriors represent.

Walter Hill, drawing from Greek history of the Spartans in Persian territory (and no, it's not 300), as well as heavily with comic-books (this is probably more-so with the director's cut, though it's only in the transitions that this is more than obvious, otherwise it's more intrinsic), crafts his film out of the blood, sweat and lack of tears that go on in the middle of the New York City night with these not-so-bizarre gang wars. The premise is simple: the Warriors got to go back to Coney Island after falling into a huge gang gathering in the Bronx that goes to s*** when the supposed future all-of-NYC gang leader (Roger Hill as Cyrus, a very notable one-scene turn full of power) is shot down by a whacko (David Patrick Kelly, wonderfully one-note as a bad-ass heel), who pins the murder on the Warriors. It's a chase picture, a lot of the time, as the gang has to run from rival gangs- not because they wouldn't want to take them on, just because it's a little inconvenient, especially with the conceit of the subway- but it's also one of the more heavy fight-centric gang films I've ever seen, with guys with bats, girls with vendettas (yes, girls), and punks on roller-skates.

Hill's film is captivating without being too ridiculous, which is a very fine line to tread, especially with a cast of unknowns. He could have easily just as made a wild exploitation flick, and there may be some out there who'll consider it just that. But it deftly mixes two aspects, one being the nature of the period in New York City, of the complete lack of real order of law (the cops sometimes get them, sometimes not, it's usually good/bad luck, as with the comic note with Ajax's arrest scene), and where it could be conceivable that after hours on the streets all hell could break loose; one could see this as being somewhat in relation to the world of Death Wish, albeit in this film the gangs not being centered on going after civilians, yet still same city, same wretched crime problem of the 70s. The other being the atmosphere of a down n dirty comic book, loaded with juicy one-liners (some of the best include "Can you dig it?", "I'll shove that bat up your ass and turn you into a popsicle", "Friday nights are good, Saturday nights are better"), expertly timed and edited scenes of violence and action- not just the gangs fights but also the opening with the gangs spreading out with the arrival of the cops- and the lines between good and evil blurred just enough to make it work for the material.

It's hard to envision the Warriors being properly remade today, as there's too much access to new visual effects and other tricks of the trade to maybe make things a little too 'slick', or to just simply admonish the ferocity of the characters and situations of the original. As it stands, the original Warriors lacks the greatest ending imaginable (it's really just an inevitable one, however fun it is to see it come down), and it does teeter on becoming a little too over-the-top for its own good. But overall, Hill has fashioned a modern midnight movie classic, where the people look like they've been taken off the streets and given very brief acting lessons, and the intensity is kept very thick from start to finish, plus an amazing soundtrack with funk and rock songs perfect for any outlaw picture. It's not too hard to wonder that it caused the kind of reaction when first released, from actual gangs in the theaters, not seen since the Wild One.

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10/10

the original version vs director's cut

meansween-13 January 2006

I am a massive fan of the original warriors, but hated the directors cut. The comic book wipes from scene to scene seemed to cheapen the whole film. Though the director may have been originally aiming for a more 'fantastic' (for lack of a better word) feel, surely he must realise that the way the movie turned out, with a certain gritty and yet, feel good style, is the way it is meant to be. Slapping a few cartoons here and there instead of a simple wipe doesn't make for a radically different movie, just a spoiled one. And why would the original film, a classic and masterpiece, be discontinued once the new edition is released? there are future and even current generations who may not get a chance to see the original now. If the original DVD edition is going to be discontinued, why can't it be included in the new edition, we all know that it is possible (see alien special edition) am i the only one who has this opinion?

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7/10

Interesting, action-filled, gang-drama

grantss12 October 2015

Interesting, action-filled, gang-drama.

A delegation from a gang, the Warriors, goes to a meeting of all the major gangs in New York. The convener of the meeting, Cyrus, wants to unite all the gangs into one huge crime army. However, he is shot and killed by a disgruntled gang member and the Warriors are blamed. Now they have to fight their way home...

Regarded as a bit of cult classic, the Warriors isn't brilliant, but it is quite entertaining. Decent plot - though some of the traps and twists can be spotted a mile off - and good action scenes.

Performances aren't bad - the machismo, swagger and, to an extent, overacting are laid on thick but this suits the characters and movie.

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10/10

The best of the Best..

Tantive714 October 2001

Walter Hill shows his directing flair again for action, drama and style in this crackling 1979 movie about a Coney Island gang falsely accused of murder and fleeing from everyone....including the other NYC gangs and the New York City Police Department. Set amongst a hostile, nocturnal world of neon lit train stations, baseball bat wielding gang members and lethal women "The Warriors" moves along at a frantic pace with a fine selection of young actors taking the lead. Michael Beck plays the cool headed, "war chief" Swan, seeking to get the other members back home to Coney Island alive and in one piece. James Remar is unforgettable as the woman chasing, hot headed Ajax...always out to prove his manhood with his fists. And David Patrick Kelly is perfect as the murderous, but ultimately cowardly leader of the Rogues. Attending a combined gangs meeting deep in the South Bronx to hear the Gramercy Riffs plans to control the streets of New York, the Warriors are wrongly accused of the shooting death of their charismatic leader, Cyrus. The finger of blame pointed their way, they flee via any means they can and upon their way back to home base encounter violent opposition from the Orphans, the Turnbull AC's, the Baseball Furies and even rifts within their own ranks lead to trouble. A colorful, exciting and fast paced film...at the time of it's original release it drew criticism for allegedly encouraging gang activity, but now seems almost cartoon like in it's displays of violence.Hands down a great film,stands the test of time. 1 million stars

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7/10

A 1970s Classic

gavin69424 February 2013

In a future, dystopian New York City, turf gangs and cops rule the streets. When one gang leader tries to bring all gangs together against the cops, the Warriors are framed for his murder and the entire city turns on them.

What could have been a film about gang violence -- and glamorized gang violence at that -- is actually a story about diplomacy. How do the gangs cope with knowing hundreds of other gangs exist in New York City? How do they work together (or fail to work together) to stand their ground against a police force that wants them dead?

This film, although fun and action-packed, is really a small-scale look at the world. We have Cyrus, trying to unite the gangs into a sort of United Nations. We have sovereignty and territory disputes, and the choice to defend them by force or negotiate a peaceful way for others to travel through who mean no harm.

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10/10

a classic in it's own right

xfuneralofheartsx10 December 2006

I'll admit the first time I saw this, I didn't see what the big deal was. I thought parts were dragged out, unneeded, and didn't make any sense. I decided to give it a second chance, and it instantly became one of my favorite movies.

The Warriors tells the tale of a "futuristic" New York City, in which, it seems, everyone is either associated with a gang, a cop, or just in the way. The Riffs, the largest gang in the city, calls for a meeting, consisting of 9 representatives from each gang, and each member to be unarmed. During this meeting, Cyrus, the leader of the Riffs, tells his plan of a unified gang which would run the city and outnumber the cops. During his speech, Luther, a member of the Rogues, shoots Cyrus after sneaking a gun into the meeting. Questions arise as to who did it, which the finger being pointed at the Warriors. From here on out, the Warriors are on their own as they must travel from the Bronx to Coney Island by any means necessary, traveling by train and by foot, through other gang territory.

Now a days, the violence in the movie may not effect some, but seeing as how it was made in 1979, I can see where the controversy comes from. As the movie goes on, you will start cheering for the Warriors and anticipating what will happen next. The use of (then) unknown actors helps you get into the story a little bit more, as you realize these could be everyday people and not big-name, big-budget Hollywood actors.

Looking back, I realized how much the meeting was an allegory for the Martin Luther King Jr. "I have a dream" speech. From the vision of a unified group to the assassination and even after wards, when the Warriors are saying what a great man and leader Cyrus would have been.

If you enjoy the movie, or want to understand it more, I highly recommend the Warriors video game, produced by Rockstar. It runs (almost) alongside the movie, but also provides a steady back story or how the Warriors was started and how each member came to be. An added bonus of the game is some of the major actors return to provide voices for their characters, such as Swan, Ajax and Cleon. It is also interesting to see (if you watch the movie before playing the game), how well the clips from the movie translate into the game. Many of the key scenes look like they are taken straight from the movie, like the meeting and the introduction of all of the Warriors in the beginning.

Again, I highly recommend this movie for anyone who likes cult movies, as this is a major one. Even if you don't like cult movies, I recommend it for the strong messages it sends.

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7/10

A Coney gang accused of murder is pursued by violent urban tribes through N.Y.

ma-cortes7 February 2010

The gangs of New York reunite in Riverside Drive Park, there a leader is murdered and the Warriors (Michael Beck, James Remar,Wright, Brian Tyler, among others) are accused of crime (Roger Hill). When they attempt to make their way home are pursued by all weird bands in rare dress as the Baseball Furies, Punks, Lizzies and several others. While a gang's female (Deborah Van Valkenburgh) is recruited and falling in love with the leader (Michael Beck). They must return Coney Island throughout a surrealist city transformed into a phantasmagoric labyrinth full of urban tribes and finally confronting a nasty gang leader (David Patrick Kelly).

This exciting picture packs noisy action, thrills, tension ,suspense, fights and lots of comic book style violence. It's a dangerous trip of heroic dimensions , as it's said that turns out to be a special version from ¨Anabasis¨ by Xenophon or ¨Back the ten thousand¨, a known epic Greek. Filming completely on New York locations at night with superb photography by Andrew Laszlo. Screeching and stirring musical score in the 70s style by Barry De Vorzon. Lavishly produced by Joel Silver , Lawrence Gordon, Frank Marshall, three future successful producers. The motion picture is stunningly directed by Walter Hill who subsequently achieved several hits such as ¨Hard times¨, ¨The driver¨, ¨Streets of fire¨, ¨Long riders¨, ¨Crossroads¨ and ¨Red Heat¨, among them. The flick will appeal to action movies fans and Walter Hill enthusiasts. Rating : Better than average. Well worth watching.

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8/10

"The Lizzies Are Packing"

ashleyallinson8 February 2005

"Listen boppers", this is a great gang flick that has a small crew chased down by every gang in NYC after they are wrongly accused of killing Cyrus (the local crime boss) at the Bronx Zoo. The Warriors have to make it from the Upper Bronx to Coney Island with every gang in town trying their own unique ways of knocking them off. Baseball mimes, Roller Skating posses, chick gangs, and of course, the "Riffs" do their darnedest to knock off the resilient Coney Island gang before they can make it back to their stomping ground. A local radio announcer (the woman from "Where in the World is Carmen San Deigo?") narrates their progress downtown, tipping off rivals and setting up further confrontation. A great movies for all ages.

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6/10

The gangs of New York

paul2001sw-130 May 2010

New York City is at its grimiest in Walter Hill's 1970s film, 'The Warriors'; but the film is more entertainment than social commentary. In fact, it feels more like the set-up for a computer game than a movie. A number of implausibly mixed-race youth gangs gather in the Bronx to hear a proposal from the leader one of them that they should unify; the gangs are also strangely clean in a certain sense, interesting in clothes, women and fighting but apparently not involved in drug-dealing or other serious crime. Anyway, someone shoots the leader and a gang from Coney Island are (wrongly) suspected; they have travel home by subway right across the city at night, with the resident gang of each neighbourhood they pass through out to stop them from doing so. A lot of this film is frankly ridiculous; yet it is a great B-movie premise, and director Walter Hill was an expert at this sort of tough no-nonsense nonsense. It's certainly not 'The Wire'; but it is surprisingly fun, even from a distance of 30 years.

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2/10

Where everybody says "This is Classic", and nobody tells why !

elshikh45 December 2016

Warning: Spoilers

So when you watch a movie, what do you expect? Maybe some fun, or some thing to think about, or both. The trouble with The Warriors is that it has none of the above, AND an army of lovers as well!

While everybody says that it's a great movie, they always forget to tell why. And when I watched it, I didn't find it great at all, yet for endless reasons..

It has a very thin, fragile, rather nonexistent plot. So someone framed some ones, therefore they're chased by other some ones. In other movies, that could make an action, comedy, kids cartoon, or art house movie. But here, it isn't this or that. It's a desert, full of air, with horrifying silence!

Why The Warriors are framed? The movie's ghost of a script answers proudly through the framer himself: "No reason. I just like doing things like that!". Smart motive? Nope. It's stupid laziness!

Then, who's the movie's "evil guy"? OK, he is some guy, who looks confident, and does nothing but listening to the news flash every now and then. For me, he's useful only for a good laugh; especially when he shows up wearing sunglasses at night, and in doors!

So what about the conflict? Well, it's a loop; where the leads meet one gang, fight them, and then escape, one time after another. The only thing that may change is the gang's name, costume, and gender. I believe that in the lowest movies, video games, or comics, there must be a kind of aggravation; where the conflict's steps get harder, and the fights get hotter, leading to a big climax. This time, FORGET IT UTTERLY. Nobody cared of doing anything like this. Insignificance was the name of the game, and they played it devotedly!

What about the characterization? Nihility my friend. The Warriors' leader is the leader for what exactly?! I don't know, and the movie itself doesn't know. There is some rival for him, who's here to call everybody "Faggot!!", and doesn't do a thing else, not even being a "rival" in anyway. The leads are 8 copies of blank original that has no back story, no clear characteristics, and sometimes no dialogue!

I'm clueless how that movie was criticized for its violence at the time?! Enough to say that it's an action that has no action in the first place. Any Tom & Jerry short had tons of action compared to this sterility!

The details are strange for strangeness. I mean an empty city that has only gangs?!! So where are the people that these gangs robe?? Moreover, subway that has no tickets, and no passengers. Police forces, and thugs, that have no guns. And a movie that has no mind!

And after years and years of releasing it cinematically, the movie's makers remembered noting on the DVD edition that it takes place in the future. But what did happen in that future to make New York a deserted city, that has thousands of criminals, 1 newsstand, and so vigilant vice squad?!! 2 years later, John Carpenter would fix it up, and do it more correct, in Escape from New York (1981), by turning the whole city into a huge and crowded prison. See, nice things happen when you use your head a little!

Does it have a satire? YEAH. In one moment, a group of well-dressed boys and girls, coming out of a prom maybe, run into the dusty leads in the subway. Ahh, the war of classes, the social irony, and the eloquent visual commentary! To tell you the truth, I'm bluffing. Because in terms of intellectual depth, seriousness, or any point of view; our dear movie is between mute and naive!

So what's here to enjoy, or to watch?? I'll tell you: Andrew Laszlo's cinematography, the special atmosphere, the different gangs' designing, the songs, the no cheap dealing; by avoiding immersing us in sex, drugs, and cursing (a la today's movies), and the pure ambition of remaking Xenophon's Anabasis in some modern time.

It's pathetic that director Walter Hill tried to make a meaning out of this joke on his 2005 Director's Cut DVD edition, when he added an opening prologue to link the movie to Anabasis, and to assure that we're about to watch "A story of courage". It takes a lot of carriage indeed to make a movie that bad, and that vapid, then dare to connect it with something surely million times better and richer!

I really can't understand how The Warriors is called a masterpiece, a cult classic, a great movie. Actually these allegations are great nonsense themselves. Because this is the worst remake of The Fugitive I have ever seen, one of the emptiest movies in history, and an extremely overrated dud. It may have any meaning though in the context of America in the 1970s. However, I'm not an American, and I didn't watch it in the 1970s. Congratulations for its 70s-American-fans exclusive group then. I just hope that someday, one of them tells us a reason for this movie's greatness. Otherwise they're talking about another movie, with the same title, that I didn't watch yet!

Finally, a question: How at one point the leads managed to outrun a speeding bus.. on their feet??!!

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Entertaining, stylish, energetic and not without soul

Dandy_Desmond17 August 2011

Warning: Spoilers

Its seems the trend now days with indie directors and some mainstream to imitate movies of this kind. Movies with stylish direction, big performances and killer lines that are endlessly quotable.

I feel some reviews that are negative towards it misunderstand it completely. I've read that its 'silly' and the acting is amateurish. First of all of course it is silly, just look at the outfits of some of the gangs, plain ridiculous but Walter Hill and the makers know that this is not supposed to be reality, its a video game or comic book movie and in the end a damn fine entertaining one at that.

I don't see any problem with the acting to be fair and I must say Deborah Van Valkenberg steals your heart by the end. Her character Mercy starts off a trashy, mouthy and easy piece of ass that ditches her current gang the Orphans cos maybe she is looking for some 'real action' so tags onto the Warriors. However as the movie develops, she shows a vulnerable side that she is going nowhere - stuck in a rut, looking for a way out or a better life.

The scene when the two young couples get on the subway with their posh clothes and bright smiles and laughter, until they notice Mercy and Swan sat with cuts and bruises, the camera pans to Mercy's dirty feet - she goes to straighten her hair and Swan stops her showing his growing caring for her. Its just brilliant, further emphasising that this is more than just a cult fighting film.

None more than the final few reels and the song which includes the lyrics 'somewhere out on that horizon, out beyond the neon lights, I know there must be something better'... etc does the film develop its soul and I believe what makes it genuinely great.

For me it has action, good characters, a great soundtrack and an ending that makes me want to weep as the few that survive the night walk along the shoreline.

Would you join me for a weep? give it a watch!

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10/10

I'll shove that bat up your ass and turn you into a Popsicle

movieman_kev8 October 2005

The Warriors, headed by Swan (Michael Beck), framed for killing Cyrus, a gang leader that would've united all of them, have to get home to Coney Island while all the rival gangs are gunning for them in this slightly surreal, slightly futuristic classic. All of the actors were brilliantly casted and well acted, not the least being David Patrick Kelly as highly memorable villain, Luther (Waahhrriioors come out to pllllllaahhhhyyyaaaa, is all I have to say). The new Director's cut which adds a prologue text crawl that ties it more firmly to an ancient Greek tale, as well as comic book wipes that transitions some scenes, may dumb it down a tad and spell it out for the audience too unsubtly, but it does NOT diminish from the overall greatness of the movie in the least. The superb director/ writer Walter Hill has made some all-time classics with "48 Hrs.", "The Getaway", "the Driver", Red Heat", among others. ALL of them much loved by me and to say that this film is hands down the best of all is quite a compliment indeed. Followed by a video game based on it by Rockstar that looks simply amazing and a planned remake that will in no way even hope to be as half as good as the original (It won't even have the great Baseball Furies, I mean, come on now!!)

My Grade: A+

Director's Cut DVD Extras: An Introduction Walter Hill; A little over an hour long documentary cut into 4 featurettes (The Beginning: From Novel To Screen, The Battleground: Casting the Warriors, The Way Home: Making The Warriors, and The Phenomenon: Releasing the Warriors); Theatrical trailer; Video Game Trailer; and Trailers for "P Diddy's Bad Boys of Comedy", "Airplane: Don't Call me Shirley Edition", "Hustle & Flow", "Macgyver", "George Lopez: Why you crying?", & "the Godfather"

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9/10

Patrick Kelly, the best soft-spoken killer since Andy Robinson in "Dirty Harry."

Nazi_Fighter_David19 October 2003

Warning: Spoilers

A gang called the 'Warriors,' exhibits qualities characteristic of classical heroes: gallantry, self-pride, loyalty, discipline, and most of all, the ability to fight...

It is night in New York city... Nine leather-vested members of this small bunch, board a subway leaving their Coney Island turf and travel to Van Cortland Park in The Bronx...

The 'Warriors' are only one of many in New York street gangs who have sent representatives to a unification meeting called by Cyrus (Roger Hill), the lord of the largest and most powerful gang in the city, the Gramercy Riffsa black gang all in their silk pajamas and Kung Fu shirts...

Cyrus speaks to the huge gathering, explaining that all the gangs must unite, that together they outnumber the police three to one, that together they can consolidate forces and rule the city...

There is wild cheering... And suddenly, out of no where, a mean, small-minded person pulls his gun and shoots to kill...

The cowardly little guy of the Rogues quickly yells out that is was Cleon (Dorsey Wright), the Warriors' chief, who killed the legendary leader...

In the confusion, and while the police crowds into the park and the congregated gangs flee, Cleon 'get busted' by those who think he murdered Cyrus...

Without their leader, the Warriors 'got to stick together, and fight-to-survive.' They attempt to make the long hazardous journey to Coney Island hunted by every gang and cop...

Swan (Michael Beck), the cool headed 'war chief,' assumes command... Of his followers only Ajax (James Remar) gives him trouble...

Their perilous journey home is filled with considerable amount of risks as they face violent encounters with different gangs in many shapes and colors...

'The Warriors' is a film that will make most viewers cringe at times, but you'll forgive the shortcomings and praise the exciting camera-work, the excellent use of music, and the good performance of David Patrick Kelly, the best soft-spoken killer since Andy Robinson in "Dirty Harry."

The great moment in the movie is when Patrick Kelly, clicking together three soda bottles, coaxes the Warriors out of hiding by whining over and over, "Warriors, come out and play!"

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7/10

Not as good as the original....

frankie-654 November 2005

The problem with this new DVD version is Walter Hill's insistence on re-editing the film into a comic book story, complete with comic strip scene changes ala sin city and other such nonsense that totally removes the edge and strength of the original theatrical edit. This is a film with an action packed, adult themed feel that requires a sharp, hard delivery the way it was originally.It almost seems as if he did this edit out of some weird ambition to keep up with the new video game's look, or to capitalize on the whole Spiderman/Batman/sin city style of movie making that is so popular now, which I think is a grave mistake. The warriors as it was first released in the theaters and on video and initially on DVD is the version you really want-it contains all the drama, intensity and new york sleaze this movie shows to perfection. I give it seven stars because the movie is great, but this new version is pretty much a waste of your time-just get the first DVD release-it really is much better.

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10/10

20,000 hardcore members

WillDaBeeste28 February 2005

The Warriors may be a camp conceptual ballet choreographer's vision of street life, but it still rocks the bells. The names, the music, the design, the simple story (and don't forget those jackets) are flick knife sharp. Why don't gangs this uber kuhl exist anymore? Because they never did, or can't you remember that, old maaaan?

On the train journey home, contrast the affluent optimism of the young couples, laughing with flowers after the big show, with the filthy, bedraggled and hopeless ghetto pride of Swan and his desperate squeeze. Only one side of the carriage looks embarrassed, and it ain't the Warriors, baby.

Makes me wanna rumble in slo-mo on roller skates.

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7/10

"These are the armies of the night..."

marcusman4822 August 2022

There are numerous reasons why Walter Hill's THE WARRIORS remains a classic film - and arguably not simply a cult classic, but a true classic - despite its very much of-its-time sensibilities. Somewhat ironically, the movie's acting is not among those reasons. With the exception of two bravura efforts by Roger Hill and David Patrick Kelly, one will not find "command performances" here (although James Remar and Deborah Van Valkenburgh do gnaw quite a bit on the scenery). Other than that, the acting is hard-boiled and generic. But then, the lack of flair in the acting department is arguably one of the film's unsung strengths. As the main protagonist, for example, Michael Beck, while not exactly sympathetic, is an easily relatable hero. He's very much like Henry Fonda in 12 ANGRY MEN - except, of course, for the long hair and the bare chest.

Much more remarkable are all the ways in which THE WARRIORS managed to create a thrilling cinematic experience that still holds up today, despite its low budget. The list is a long one: set design (such as it is), dialogue, music, costume design, makeup, thematic elements. But most worthy of mention is Andrew Laszlo's cinematography. I love the camera's aesthetic, which is very "1970s" but, in a number of ways, is more compelling than any filmic style you'll see today. It is rooted in realism, but the "reality" it depicts is clearly a "heightened" variety, as we see the dark New York City streets illuminated as if by nighttime stage lights. And the outlandish goings-on seen throughout much of the film compound the surreal atmosphere. The end result is wonderfully paradoxical: it is an awe-inspiring experience to imagine that the fantastical events depicted could actually be happening, or once did happen.

But the "look" of this film would be insignificant without a strong story and solid thematic content, and THE WARRIORS possesses these in spades. It is remembered, somewhat condescendingly, as a "typical" late '70s film, but I think it is more accurate to think of it as a '60s film made a full decade too late. It is, after all, adapted from Sol Yurick's 1965 novel of the same name (and its tagline, "These are the armies of the night," obviously echoes the title of Norman Mailer's 1968 novel). More to the point, the movie's premise of a gangland insurrection contains quite a few overtones and undertones of political radicalism, and visual reminders of the '60s counterculture are not uncommon. (It is interesting to note that the original novel was inspired in part by Xenophon's 4th century B. C. epic ANABASIS, so the film also offers allusions to Greek myth and legend for those who care to look for them.)

But there is so much more in THE WARRIORS to capture the imagination. The movie's soundtrack - an assortment of disco, hard rock, and early synthpop, plus a few would-be radio hits - is rightly famous, as is its carnivalesque depiction of inner-city life (an influence on the Insane Clown Posse's "Dark Carnival" mythology, perhaps?). The action sequences, too, are first-rate - intense and thrilling. (Given that the cops who are looking for the Warriors are no less silently menacing than the rival gang members out for revenge, the mood of suspense is non-stop.) And few films have captured the frustration and tedium of making one's way through New York City's countless neighborhoods more effectively than this one.

It is unfortunate that THE WARRIORS will probably never be taken completely seriously by film critics and historians, in part because of the campy 2005 video game adaptation released in its "honor" (which I have played, and which is undeniably addictive and a hell of a lot of fun). But all those who are able to peer beyond the lens of the "cult" prejudice will be able to appreciate both Walter Hill's cinematic genius and his penchant for visual pizazz. From the opening image of a lit-up Ferris wheel - both innocent and eerie - to the final shot of a carefree romp along Coney Island's beach, THE WARRIORS is unforgettable.

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10/10

Be lookin' good warriors.... all the way back to Coney...

srobi2804 April 2006

Warning: Spoilers

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. A gang from Coney Island called The Warriors travels to the Bronx for a big gang meeting. Only 9 members of every gang are allowed to attend the meeting, unarmed. Over a hundred gangs show up. The leader of the biggest gang (the Riffs), a guy named Cyrus, plans on uniting all the gangs in the city. His plan is cut short by a bullet when a gang member named Luther shoots him. He quickly blames it on the Warriors, who then have to flee the scene along with the other gangs. Not knowing whether the truce is still on, the Warriors head back to Coney. Along the way, they soon discover that every gang in the city thinks they shot Cyrus, and everyone is after them. They have to make it past the crazy Turnbull ACs, the wimpy Orphans, the menacing Baseball Furies, the charming, all-female crew the Lizzies, the Punks, and finally Luther himself, all while constantly dodging police.

The Warriors is a masterpiece that is simply ahead of it's time. The tense atmosphere of the movie makes for a great viewing. The gangs are comic-book like, the fight scenes are the most realistic I have ever seen in any movie, and it contains tons of catchy lines. It is not a realistic portrayal of gang life in the 70s, and it isn't supposed to be. The whole movie is surreal. It isn't totally believable, but it isn't impossible, and I like that. The casting couldn't be better. And the characters are most memorable. Ajax, the big muscle-head; Swan, the leader; Luther, the insane villain who shot Cyrus for no reason because "he likes doing things like that"; Rembrandt, the new blood; the baseball furies; Mercy, the annoying big-mouthed whore; etc. And to top it all off, the music goes incredibly well with the movie. Very memorable, very exciting, and very worth the viewing. What? You're still here? Go watch it!

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7/10

Succeeds in Spite of Walter Hill Being So Awful

nafps12 September 2021

Warning: Spoilers

The film exists in its own world, one where being a gang member is all about looking cool. Where gangs look closer to what's in Batman comics than real life. And where gangs don't deal with being washed up and working at a car wash at 25 or 30, or dead or in prison.

Most gang films show gangs as a problem. Warriors gives a fantasy to gang members of being not just cool, but having the power to take over. "Can you dig it!?" Gangs really wish this was real life.

Hill is an awful film maker. Streets of Fire was junk. 48 Hours only succeeded because of Eddie Murphy. And this film works because of the fantasy.

Not because of Hill's amateur directing, no different than a teen who might have his first camera.

This film was a cult classic for a reason, a lucky accident that no one expected. Enjoy.

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10/10

How is there no dancing?

kyla-7230228 May 2023

Periodically we'll be watching something and my husband will point out that a scene or something was clearly inspired by The Warriors. We watched John Wick 4 the other night, and when he pointed out that they reused the radio scene from the Warriors that they already used in John Wick 2, I pointed out that I had in fact, not seen the Warriors. An oversight.

I really enjoyed it. It's a simple get from point A to point B kind of movie. Really nicely shot. A bit of humour, a bit of suspence, a bit of language we don't use anymore, and a whole lot of inexplicable matching costumes. Aparently it was a rebuke to West Side Story, but I would like to see a musical adaptation. It was hard to look menacing in the 70s.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this, and will watch it again. Probably often. Will likely read the book and play the video game too.

I may also begin every morning by stating my intentions for the day to those around me and then yelling: CAN YOU DIG IT?

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6/10

Woah!

Superunknovvn4 December 2007

YES! Beavis & Butt-Head would love this movie: one gang wrongfully accused of murder must fight its way through New York to get back home. I'm stunned I hadn't seen this classic before, but I'm kinda glad I didn't, because it probably would have gotten me into dozens of senseless fights as a kid. And even now it makes me wanna put on some Iron Maiden and punch somebody in the face. What's not to love about "The Warriors"? The title alone says it all. They just don't make movies with titles like this one anymore. The characters are amazing, too: tough, manly, protecting and patronizing their women. There's no story whatsoever but one fight after the other in late 70's, early 80's fashion. Like "West Side Story" without the romance or the dancing, like "The Outsiders" without the drama. Let me give you some more keywords: synthesizers, leather, subways, baseball bats, chains, honor... you must be a wimp not to appreciate that!

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3/10

Not as good as people tell me

rmedel12 May 2015

I honestly didn't really find this movie that entertaining, mainly because I didn't understand the whole plot.The acting wasn't good at times, and the characters were pretty dull and emotionless. Not only that,but the action was pretty boring, just basically them dodge and fake punching people. The whole movie is just them basically them running around avoiding everything around them.Not really my type of movie. They only reason why I would probably watch this movie alone if I was forced to, or if there was nothing to watch on TV, but that's just me.According to everyone I know, it's one of the greatest films they've ever seen, and according to the internet, it's a classic movie, but to me honestly, I don't see it.

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