As much as it surprises and pains me to say so, Peaceful Warrior is a terrible film.
I have trouble imagining a worse adaptation of such a wonderful book.
Don’t bother renting it. Save your money. Buy the original 1980 autobiographical fiction — Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives instead.
First, the movie got the gymnastics all wrong.
I know. This is not a gymnastics movie. But why confuse the skills, terminology and video editing for no purpose?
A wonderful opportunity to accurately highlight NCAA gymnastics in the 1960s was wasted. What a shame.
Secondly, the actor playing Dan Milman (Scott Mechlowicz) is totally unconvincing. Unconvincing as a gymnast. Unconvincing as an actor.
Finally, the great themes of Buddhist and Asian philosophy in the book are not communicated well. The book is clear, the movie a muddle.
I score this film a 2.0 out of 10.
The main redeeming feature is the gravitas of the always excellent Nick Nolte.
And I liked the the flip flop of the scene with 3 street thugs. In the book, Socrates (Nick Nolte) disarms the hoods easily. In the movie he takes much more the Buddhist approach, voluntarily handing over their possessions.
If you have an opinion on book or movie, leave a comment. (I know many enjoyed the movie.)
Gymnastics Coaching.com 