Peaceful Warrior (2006) User Reviews (205)

Really good!

[calimanders · 8/10 · 1 May 2006]

I saw this movie at a screening,(ironically at UCLA) and I really liked it. The only part I didn't like about it was the odd editing they did to make UCLA look like Cal. Of course, I'm a Bruin, so maybe I could tell the differences more.

The movie itself was sad, but at the same time, inspiring. One of the best parts of this movie is the student-teacher relationship between Dan and Socrates, his mentor. This movie hits home because it almost portrays the classic American Dream and the many people who chase it. Dan Milliman, the main character, is living the good life: he's one of the best athletes on the team, popular with the girls, still gets excellent grades. In all, his life is perfect. Yet, in a strange way, he's not entirely satisfied with his life, and you can see that the way he is living isn't good for his well-being. When he meets his mentor, he goes through an entire mental cleansing that is portrayed with humor and poignancy.

In the end, the point of this movie is not whether he reaches his goal or not, but the process of going there, and thats what makes this movie worthwhile.

Interesting and strange story about a gymnast inspired by true events

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 10 July 2012]

An adaptation of Dan Millman's best-seller "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior¨ . It deals with handsome Dan Millman (Scott Mechlowicz) who has it all : good physical and a shot at the Olympic team on the rings . Only one man shakes his fate , a chance encounter with a stranger changes the life of the college gymnast . As an anonymous night gas station attendant, nicknamed Socrates (Nick Nolte) , keeps questioning every assumption in his destination . Then a motorcycle crash breaks Dan's legs , and his bright future in Olympic Games . Now Socrates's life coaching is to make or shatter Dan's revised objectives .

This agreeable predictable entertainment displays splendidly its interesting issues , however resulting to be heavily developed and full of philosophical themes . The movie works at usual manner , though contains weird events and packs good feeling . Stirring and enjoyable screenplay by Kevin Bernhardt , an usual actor and art martial fighter . Good main cast as Nick Nolte as the rare trainer Socrates , furthermore a beautiful Amy Smart . Secondary appearance of young actors as Agnes Bruckner , Paul Wesley and the coach , well played by Tim DeKay . Director Salva frequently works with 'Ray Wise' who as usual plays a brief acting as a doctor . And the author of the book on which the film is based, Dan Millman , can be glimpsed for a brief moment as the driver of the car at the gas station when Dan exercises for the first time after his motorcycle crash.

The motion picture was professionally directed by Victor Salva , he tries for profundity at the end and blow it. Salva is an expert on suspense's creator of atmospheres, such as he proved in : ¨The nature of the beast (1995)¨, which Salva wrote and directed, starred Lance Henriksen and Eric Roberts and quickly became New Line Cinema's biggest direct-to-video title of that year, ¨Powder¨, ¨Rites of passage¨ and ¨Clownhouse¨. His next film, this ¨The peaceful Warrior¨ (2006) , was very significant to him because of the year he spent in prison , he credits the original story as "a story that changed my life". Rating : acceptable and passable , but especially appointed to gymnasts .

Great Movie!

[pammie416 · 8/10 · 2 June 2006]

I really liked this movie. Gives a good feeling after watching it. I'm going to see it again with a couple of friends. Nick Nolte is one of my favorite actors and he does a great job here. I read the book by Dan Millman and I found it to be very uplifting. The other actors were pretty good, and the story moves along really well. I went to the Peaceful Warrior website which was pretty cool too. I think everyone ought to go see the movie. It's important to watch movies like this if you've every had difficult times in your life and have struggled a lot. It gives you a different perspective on things. I think the screenplay was very well written also.

The first spiritually oriented movie that really works!

[rtolz · 10/10 · 5 May 2006]

I was invited to a screening of The Peaceful Warrior in NYC Thursday April 13th, having just learned of this film's existence a few days earlier.

I was looking forward to the film, but with some trepidation, considering that prior attempts at communicating spiritually oriented books or ideas had fallen short of my expectations and had fundamentally failed to convey to the audience a transforming inner experience; witness What the Bleep, Siddhartha, Little Buddha, and others.

Let me say this, simply and directly. They got it right this time, and they did it in a way which could be embraced by crowds at the multiplexes. By impressing the discovery of bona fide spiritual truths on a recognizable sports template, the movie makers will be carrying under-appreciated ideas and experiences to the masses. At least I hope so! I actually woke up early the morning after seeing this, with my mind full of things I might say in an exhaustive review. Never in my life have I felt that way about a movie before.

The reason this movie succeeds is that it follows one of the most basic rules for good story-telling: it shows rather than tells. Although some fundamental spiritual ideas are described with words, it is the plot and character development that proves the truth of those words. You see the transcendence and the realizations in the faces of the characters, and you are not left to wonder why. You understand.

The story, based on a book by Dan Millman, follows a college gymnast who has great potential but whose desire for success is one of the main obstacles standing in the way of that potential. In his mindless pursuit of a goal, he becomes sucked into the deep dark hole of life-is-what-happens-while-you're-making-other-plans. In its simplest message, our hero's real challenge is to find happiness by being present and finding interest and love for what's right in front of him.

The film doesn't try to oversimplify the content of a spiritual path into a single dogma; there are many other seeds of thought strewn along the path by Socrates, each of which could have been the basis for a different struggle to transcend relative unconsciousness.

For many years I have been convinced that non-religious spiritual thought and experience could be something to drive the world in a new direction. This movie provides an example of what life can be like if we ponder these thoughts and implement them in our lives in a concrete and practical way. It's not necessary to be a champion gymnast to derive the fundamental teachings from this film. It is a teaching that anyone can understand. This is why I see that The Peaceful Warrior can inspire those who embrace the possibilities which it offers to become peaceful guerrilla warriors, working tirelessly underneath the radar, changing the world.

This is not only a good movie, it's an important one.

fine fortune cookie flick

[blamar · 6/10 · 15 October 2006]

Let me start by saying I am a fan of Way of the Peaceful Warrior, and much of what is in the book is in the film. But we need to look at this as more than just Dan Millman's writings. As a film there are some real problems here. First of all, its lead character is thoroughly unlikeable. There is no time to get an emotional attachment to Dan, as presented on film he is a most dislike-able jerk.

Secondly, the film is weak on story. It has it "Rocky" moments, but we cared about Rocky. The film is so intent on delivering the little pearls of wisdom that we are all looking form, that it comes across like a recitation of everything one should know for a final exam.

There are good points. It is nice to see the attempt being made to create this film. It has some really good music to its score. I wouldn't recommend it to someone who has not read the book. I would recommend someone to read the book and then watch Peaceful Warrior.

A Great Film with an Important Message

[OntheMidway · 9/10 · 4 May 2006]

I've long been a fan of the book upon which this film is based -- Dan Millman's The Way of the Peaceful Warrior.

If you've read the book, you know its central lesson is learning how to live in the moment.

Filled with memorable aphorisms, the book is part novel, part autobiography, and part spiritual guidebook -- and I have to admit that I was nervous about how the book would translate to the big screen.

But I was lucky enough to catch an advance screening of the film. And for fans of the book like me -- and people who've never read it -- this film delivers.

Nick Nolte's performance as Socrates is one of the best he's ever given. Scott Mechlowicz does a great job showing us the transformation of Dan Millman. And the feeling one has when one walks out of the theater-- of wanting to seize every moment that life offers you-- is a feeling that we don't get often enough. That feeling is worth the price of admission alone.

Peaceful Warrior is that rare film that manages to be hugely inspirational without being cheesy. It's well worth seeing.

New-Agey

[dj_bassett · 28 July 2006]

Hippy-dippy nonsense as an up-and-coming gymnast learns about life and love from a spiritual convenience store clerk, of all things. Will probably please fans of the book -- it feels like a faithful adaptation -- but is closed to anybody who doesn't already like the book. There's not much of a plot, the Nolte-aphorisms sound like they came from Pat Morita in THE KARATE KID, and frankly the whole set up seems absurd to me from the get-go. A movie that pretends to plumb the depths of human experience really ought to deliver something more than "seize the moment". The gymnastics are photographed well, and the movie is occasionally interesting to look at, but that's about it. Silly beyond belief.

Tries Far Too Hard to Be Inspirational and Comes off As Cheesy

[Scars_Remain · 6/10 · 24 April 2008]

I honestly am let down quite a bit by this film. It's a good movie, yes, but I heard from a few different people that it's one of the greatest films of all time so I was expecting a life changing film. What I got, however, was a slightly more depressing and less good version of The Karate Kid. Maybe it'll grow on me if I watch it again, but that's my impression so far.

We all know that Victor Salva's a total creep but I don't think that makes him a terrible filmmaker, despite how creepy it is that he always shows young men with no shirts on in his films. The acting was mediocre at best. Nick Nolte was great as usual but the rest weren't too great, especially Amy Smart. I get so annoyed by Amy Smart. On to the story. The story is alright but far too preachy and "inspirational" for me. The lines were almost hilariously cheesy and I just wanted them to stop. The ending was also cheesy and a little tedious. Don't get me wrong, I liked the film but there was nothing more to it than that. I have trouble being inspired by sports movies.

Excellent adaptation of a powerful and important book

[wtharrison · 10/10 · 2 June 2006]

I've appreciated Dan Millman's work for many years, and I have looked forward to seeing how well this film would be done. I saw it last night at a preview screening, and I was very pleased, and very moved, by it. The message is profound and important. While at one level it might be dismissed as something "we already know", when we look around our society, it's obvious we don't. Last night the actors themselves in a live teleconference after the screening shared how -- unlike most of their work -- being involved in THIS film changed their own lives too.

There are many moments which are quite funny. There is much that is quite moving. If you are at all open to the real story in the film, you will not walk out of the theater thinking only of your next snack.

There is not a classic battle between good guys and bad guys here. Rather it gives us some tools and insight to deal with the conflicts within ourselves. I hope that many, many people get to see this film.

The Cocky Upstart And The Sage Meet Up On The Zen Plain

[fwomp · 7/10 · 3 January 2008]

More of a self-help guide for the Zen needy, PEACEFUL WARRIOR does have some good acting, a solid (albeit schmaltzy) message, and some amazing filming using light and shade.

Loosely based on Dan Millman's autobiographical novel "Way of the Peaceful Warrior", the film focuses on Millman's over-inflated ego during his time as a super-gymnast yet having dark dreams related to failure. Unable to sleep, Dan (played by Scott Mechlowicz) frequents the streets of Berkeley, California in the wee hours of the morning only to stumble across a wise Zen-like master with no name whom Dan labels as "Socrates." Socrates (Nick Nolte, OFF THE BLACK) sees Dan's misguided spirit as a challenge and eventually allows Dan to see a path to inner enlightenment via the "here and now." Initially Dan sees this as shamanistic rubbish but quickly learns that he can apply Socrates' knowledge to help better his gymnastic abilities. Still focused on selfishness (wanting to win Olympic Gold) Dan finds himself injured after a horrific motorcycle accident and must come to terms with the fact that he may never walk again.

With the help of Socrates, Dan not only walks but does the impossible.

The message of the film is valid if you believe in such things as focusing energy only on the "now" and "throwing out the trash" that rattles around in your head every minute of every day. Doing so, according to Millman's philosophy, will allow you to become not only a better person, but a better whatever-you-are in your professional life.

Mechlowicz and Nolte play well off each other, one being the cocky upstart and the other a wise and patient sage (perhaps even a ghost).

But the real winner here is the light and shading of much of the film's images, especially whenever Mechlowicz enters the gas station where Nolte's character works. The dark aspect of the station gradually lightens up as Millman comes to accept what he's being taught. Also the motorcycle crash that injures Millman is done in fine slow-motion action with acrobatics to stop the heart of most movie watchers.

All in all it's good film. Not great. But visually it certainly is a treat to watch.

Great book, "meh" movie

[shadowgolem-1 · 5/10 · 2 April 2007]

I read this book when I was 19 and it actually changed my life. (I even became a Vegetarian. LONG before it became popular in the Midwest.) This movie was just OK. I'm glad I did not have to pay to see it. I took my Wife with me to see it and she, having not read the book, was confused as to how this story could have had such a profound effect on me. The movie is like a rather poor cliff-notes version of the book. The acting is a bit wooden and you never get to know the main character enough to care much about him. There are some significant changes to the plot from the book to the movie. These are major changes that reduce the importance and context of the lessons and reduce this to a "Karate-Kid" (as some other reviewers noticed) without a good script or decent action sequences and only so-so acting. Frankly, Sting would have been a better choice for the casting of Socrates.

My advice would be to read the book and skip the movie unless you "REALLY" like one of the actors in it and will see anything they make just because.

Truly The Best Movie Of The Year

[tooluser-1 · 10/10 · 9 June 2006]

I read the book back in the mid '80s and at that time there was much I did not understand fully,I may have thought I did however as the last 20 years have bloomed in my life I know that my views were clouded by what I thought I knew rather than the experiences and revelations which come to a life consciously lived.

That is what this movie is all about,breaking free from all the misconceptions we have and living in the moment,a moment that is rich with all the things we think are missing and in actuality are present in every heartbeat,so close and in our face that most of us miss it.

Its what Socrates calls being asleep while walking around living our lives and missing the fullness of life which surrounds us completely.

I saw this movie then re-read the book and while I would recommend the book over the Movie,if you go into the theater with a mind willing to see something new about yourself,as opposed to being a critic,then it is possible to come away with a new prospective about your place in this world.

Of course letting go of what we call mind would be even better.

If anyone has ever read "The Art Of War" by Sun Tzu then you know what the Peaceful Warrior concept is all about. The greatest warrior of all is one who has resolved the battle within oneself.

That is what this Movie is showing us and in my view the human race would be far better if all did this work.

Very few movies actually leave you with something to consider about how we run our lives in the way this one does and if you are willing to be open to these lessons,then you will get far more than the price of admission.

This one is worth 10 stars,for what it shows us about ourselves.

Great message, poor storyline

[francogrex · 6/10 · 13 April 2014]

Note: This review does not reveal specific details, but it may reveal the overall storyline and especially the way the movie may end.

I am confused as to where I should place this movie: it has a great message embedded in the teachings of the "Socrates" character and in the interactions between the protagonist and Socrates, but the storyline is poor, predictable and "americanized" in the sense that the actions of the protagonist, especially towards how the plot develops towards the end goes against the core of the teaching and the message it is trying to convey. It's as if they hijacked a noble message and twisted it enough to apply it in a wrong way to a poor purpose and a mediocre ending. Therefore I will give it a 6. Another related point, in the recommendations of IMDb "People who liked this also liked..." they provide suggestions for other movies like "The Notebook" and "Pride and Prejudice"... what do those movies have in common? I advise IMDb to revise and make amendments to this program because it is quite flawed overall (not just for this movie). There are much better algorithms to enable finding similar movies, the one used now is quite useless. I honestly prefer to view the lists the other users have written (when they are available) to get good recommendations.

supernatural self-help spirituality

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 23 December 2015]

Dan Millman (Scott Mechlowicz) is an University gymnast haunted by fears and close to qualifying for the Olympics. He's reckless hard-partying young man. After a nightmare, he goes running and encounters gas station attendant Socrates (Nick Nolte) who may have supernatural powers. Socrates asks him "Are you happy?" He also meets Joy (Amy Smart) at the station. Dan accepts Socrates' offer to train him as a real warrior.

Nick Nolte as a spiritual guide is mind-bender. Scott Mechlowicz is OK as a brash young man but Paul Wesley could be better. He doesn't have the likability when he acts like a douche. There is a lot of zen spiritual self-help Miyagi stuff being spewed but it overwhelms the movie at times. I don't particularly like the lead character and I don't particularly get the message from this message movie. It exists and yet it doesn't.

not your typical movie

[pbars319 · 9/10 · 2 June 2006]

A truly inspiring movie that everyone can relate to in some way. This movie is not going to please everyone because you have to see it for what it is, a movie about self awareness, its not a typical 'lets go out on a Friday night to be entertained' kind of movie. It's not just about gymnasts; anyone can relate to it. Take this movie for what it is, don't read too far into the message and you will enjoy it. Some people are saying it's a cheesy movie with an overplayed message, but I say that those people don't even see what the movie is about. Maybe it didn't speak to them, and maybe their expectations were off. The message is certainly not over-played, and there needs to be more movies of this up-coming genre.

Amazing, though the editing could have been better.

[sudhirkumarpal8 · 7/10 · 26 April 2020]

If you're looking for something to push you into the action then this is the one. I mean how to push your boundaries giving your best that can be learnt with this movie. All though the basics shown in this movie are pretty basics I think most of the people apart from the kids I already know, but for the beginners it is is one of a kind of stepping stone.

A real meaningful film

[Shapeshifter-2 · 10/10 · 4 June 2006]

I have seen Peaceful Warrior three times and get more out of it with each showing! Everyone who has come to see it plans on seeing it again and they are bringing more friends. I think this is the summer time "sleeper" hit. It has opened in limited release on the West coast, but will get a wider release in the upcoming weeks. Not only is it entertaining, it is loaded with great messages without being preachy and saccharine-laced. The camera-work, editing, direction, and acting are all first rate. It is clear that this film is a labor of love as opposed to a labor of over the top, slam-bang, car chasing, explosion laced commercialism. If you are looking for a true feel good movie for a change, get out and see this one.

A movie about the importance of living in the moment.

[anemonaflowers · 7/10 · 8 April 2021]

I haven't read the book I just find out from the movie. I will read it now because I liked the movie. It's a nice movie with an important message. I enjoyed watching it.

A movie about a world class gymnasts transformation

[DWelch3734 · 10/10 · 4 May 2006]

I highly recommend this movie. Actually there are two movies, an excellent sports movie, and and even better movie about the human spirit. There are many important messages. It really is amazing what you can do when you are truly in the now, completely present. Nick Nolte plays a very grounded sage who's ability to teach Dan with out preaching could get him nominated for best supporting actor. I loved Scott Mechlowicz as Dan. He surely is one of then best young actors in the business. The fact that you still love him in the beginning when he is so full of himself and his self importance is a tribute to Scott as a person and his acting ability. And who wouldn't want Amy Smart to heal his or her broken heart.

Inspiring to a teen, though not for rolemodelship

[gzanecchia · 6/10 · 25 April 2007]

What I mean by that is the lead boy lacks a certain depth and understanding, which I assume this movie's morals attempt to illuminate, though it seems in a way like trying to train pee wee herman to become an X-Men, his power will always seem contrived.

For anyone with a reasonable understanding of some of the inner virtues of living ("meditating on a job, no matter what it may be"), this kid's "I need answers now" punk-hubris is difficult to watch, especially since he never really achieves any sense of humility, only through exhaustion does he begin to justly focus.

I read the book years back, felt it was of the same caliber of cheese this movie genres, though the total unconcerned association of "Socrates" is in both the book and the movie, insightful. The movie on the other hand employs Socrates' abilities to "visions" and magic, while the book left me feeling that his ability to "teleport" was the result of godly wisdom that was in grasp of us all. In a sense this can change the whole outlook of the story, while "learning to fly" might not fare well with 2007 reality, i don't think intense psychotic hallucinations provides a more sane reasoning. And of course the kids disrespect at any point shouldn't have tolerated by anyone let alone filmed for millions to see.

Reasonable material for the early teen (family movie) but not without some inexcusable warps on what is tolerable and that the path to enlightenment need not be a warzone.

Karate Kid does Gymnastics

[springer2028 · 5/10 · 30 March 2007]

While I found this to be a reasonably enjoyable movie, it was so much like Karate Kid that I was amused more than touched. The bathroom cleaning scene and the leaf-sweeping were reminiscent of Karate Kid. I kept waiting for Socrates to call Danny "Grasshopper."

The characters were quite forgettable because they were never fully developed. The potential for deep understanding of the characters was never tapped. A movie of this genre should leave the viewers with the impression they know the people in the situations. Characters that become real to the viewers will also have an impact on them.

You could do worse in choosing a movie. It's uplifting and encouraging, has some good spots; but could have been so much better than it is.

Great message - fine movie.

[bsaiken · 7/10 · 7 August 2006]

The film is well done, albeit not exceptional. The story, however, is worth seeing over an exceptional movie with no message. I read detractors reviews who say the message is too simple. If that is the case, then I might take back my claim the film was not exceptional. Peaceful Warrior captures Dan Millman's brilliance by presenting the message of enlightenment with subtlety and simplicity - leaving the audience (detractors included) to ask "Can it really be that simple?". And the answer, of course, is YES.

The opening scene will shock you - then you will be taken on a journey through one person's epiphany that is just as average as it is surreal. I know Dan personally, and this is his life. As a young gymnast Dan was headstrong, driven, and a risk taker with no quit - just as he is now.

Major disappointment

[rjsl · 3/10 · 6 June 2006]

I was so excited when I read a movie was being made of this great book. I really wanted to like this movie. Very little time was spent on Dan's actual Journey. The premonitions of seeing Socrates were missing, so Dan had no reason to be intrigued at the Service station. What happened to the teaching of the importance of humor? And why the gratuitous shower scene? Why did Dan always look angry - especially after his enlightenment - whenever he approached an apparatus? He was supposed to be at Peace (even if his message to his Coach was an 'I'll show you" - which defeats the purpose of releasing the Ego ). Too much screen time of guys with there shirts off. As an after-school TV movie - it was terrific; as a movie of this very special book - a major disappointment.

A Warrior

[shootthepier · 9/10 · 16 May 2006]

As a huge fan of this book, I applaud Nic, Scott and the production team involved in getting this movie off the ground. This story must not have been easy to get made. But this is the most important movie of today, for today. I did find the musical cues to be overly used and not as dramatic as they could've been, but aside from this I was at the edge of my seat, waiting for NIc to add some wisdom to my life, so that I can go out there and be a better person. Nic, as the character of Soc does just that. The movie delivers where it should, straight to your heart. In this day of the much necessary age of awareness I HIGHLY recommend anyone who wants to be better and even be the best they can be to go and watch this film, recommend this film, watch it again, buy it on DVD and support these types of projects in any way you can. Imagine if we can get the kids of today to truly understand the lessons presented in this movie - it could change the world and the medium of film reaches enough people to do just that.

Great Film? Absolutely Not

[[e-mail] · 6/10 · 24 November 2007]

POSSIBLE SPOILERS

"Based on actual events?" ??????? Dan Millman (Scott Mechlowicz) may have been a talented gymnast who shattered his leg in a motorcycle accident. And perhaps he recovered, against all medical odds, to lead Cal-Berkeley to a national championship. I don't know about that.

Millman may have arrived at some sort of spiritual insight that helped him overcome his injuries and achieve an athletic miracle. But that would be hard (impossible?) to dramatize.

So the film-makers created a deus ex machina -- a garage attendant/philosopher (whom Millman may have imagined) -- to teach him lessons about himself and the world. It is those lessons that enable Millman to achieve the impossible.

Spiritual seekers find meaning in this film. That's okay with me. But it isn't much of a movie. If deserves the obscurity that has befallen it,