Warriors DVD: Review By The First Avenger: JohnnyBlaze

Who are the warriors? Well to find the answer look no further than Walter Hills stylistic action romp The warriors. Those who have seen this cult classic know that theres a reason for the longevity its stood thru of twenty nine years and counting as the story of survival thru a world turned against you shines as nine young warriors fight there way back home.

The story begins as we meet each warrior thru a montouge of one on one conversations between each other as they board a subway train for a "big meeting" between all the gangs of the area. This intro gives a piece of mind into each of the characters personas. Ajax is a foul mouthed badass, Rembrant a younger less experienced member of the gang, and Cleon the strong willed leader as well as others.

During this montoge we get a glimpse of some of the other "gangs" which are just as colorful and imaginative which include a gang of mimes. YES MIMES. Altogether forming a huge array of gangs of all different shapes and sizes to a meeting forming a roster ranging an attendence in the hundreds. Bringing together this massive meeting is Cyress Leader of one of the biggest gangs in the city the all black gang the Riffs.His plan? to form a genuine truce between all gangs and run the city as they see fit as they outnumber the police force 3 to 1. With an uplifting speech to all he riles up hope for a union; until his words are cut short from a gunshot silenceing him as well as assainating him in the procces. Things then go from bad to worse as the loud mouthed leader of the gang "Destroyers"Luther (played by always annoying David patrick kelly) blames the killing of Cyress soley on the warriors. (which to take the heat off of him as we see he is the one responsible for the murder)Pointing out leader of the warriors Cleon, thus

causing a dog pile of karate kicking Riffs ungulfing the warrior.

The rest of the warriors now leaderless and hudreds of miles from home must find there way back home amist hundreds of gangs out to get them.....

From start to finish this movie will grab you and drag you thru the preverbial mud as it doesent pull any punches as it delivers its story of ethnic youth gangs of the somewhat near future. The Director Walter Hill knows how to create suspense and draw you into his world as is relevent in his other movies such as the buddy crime noir 48 hours, streets of fire, and more recently Last man standing.

While there are plenty of "urban youth gang" movies out there Warriors sets itself apart with both sheer style and intensity. The movie keeps you out of breath as the warriors are in constant danger at every corner. just as things start to settle down, a new gang enters the picture causing all knds of problums.Every gang shown has there own theme and are both colorful and gritty if that makes sence, the warriors themselves have a unique almost native american vibe to them. (wihch is evident in there Vests and also member Cochise)

Part o the movies exciting appeal is in part thanks to the mesmionic "groovey" (sorry but this movie was made in the 70's) music that flows flawlessly with the pacing of the action. Speaking of action theres plenty to see here. While not overly done, the fight scenes are Brutal and hard nosed brawls that at one time involve an all girl gang.Street fights that are well choireagraphed and expertly shot by Hill. But all are warm ups for the big showdown in the mens room which is worth watching alone.

While the film doesent have "star power" the performances by Michael Beck as Swan and James Remar as Ajax are both amazingly intense which realy draw you in to keep watching. Remar's role as Ajax more so as the badass muscle of the group has grown into a fan favorite over the years and with good reason as is evident when confronted by a the gang the "baseball Furries" Ajax alone tells thier leader "ill stick that bat up your ass and turn you into a popcycle" one of the best lines in the movie as well in any action flick.

While the arguement can be made that there isint much different from the original, the directors cut offers no alternate scenes, music or ending but simply adds a more comic book feel as each scene fads from a comic drawing into the scene. This helps invoke the idea that this movie is of comic book origin.While i also would have liked to have seen the deleted alternate opening of the film as well as director/actor commentary there is a nice four part doc*mentry as the actors and crew take you thru the movie. My advise is if you already own this gem thers not much incentive buy the Dir cut.Whereas hardcore fans should look up the video game adaption as it is a flawless companion to the film. fans of the genre should definelty pick this classic up as well as long time fans. Can you dig it sucka? I sure the hell can. Nuff said