The Warriors (1979)

What can be said that hasn't already? The Warriors truly is a 70s Classic, an exciting urban Thriller set in the neon drenched night time world of street gangs in New York City. This is a fantasy film but full of reality of the times & the gritty-violent battleground that New York City was back in the 70s & 80s & this movie captures everything & it's actually beautiful to look at with all those colourful gang costumes & glowing Neon lights in the background, the cinematography is stunning.The Warriors gang are set up for an assassination & are basically just being hunted & chased through the dangerous city streets & it's so much fun!!! Great characters such as warriors leader SWAN played with tough intensity by Michael Beck or AJAX played with Anger & a mouth by James Remar!!! A BEAUTIFUL looking movie thanks to Andrew Laszlo the fantastic cinematographer & directed with fast exciting & thrilling intensity by the great WALTER HILL

The Warriors (1979) *** 1/2 (out of 4)Set sometime in the future, Cyrus calls all of New York City's gangs together where he suggests that they work together instead of killing each other. While giving his speech Cyrus is shot dead and a gang called The Warriors are accused of the murder. Now the gang must try to get back to their turf while battling the police as well as the other gangs coming after them.Walter Hill had already made a name for himself with HARD TIMES and THE DRIVER but there's no question that it was THE WARRIORS that really set his career off. The film was made on a rather low-budget and it turned out to be a major hit at the box office and its reputation grew over the years thanks to cable showings as well as home video. This was my first time watching the film and my biggest issues with it was the opening narration by Hill as well as the comic book elements that were added. Of course, I learned that these were all from the new "Director's Cut" so it's clear that I would have preferred the theatrical version.With that being said, there's no question that Hill hit a home run with this movie. What I loved most is how it uses the ran down New York locations. The subways play a very vital part to the story and the entire slimy city really becomes the biggest character in the film. I loved the way the film has a rather futuristic feel to it but at the same time there's nothing science fiction here. I was really impressed with how Hill accomplished this and there's no question that he makes New York City seem naked and alone.Another major plus is the terrific music score as well as the wonderful cinematography. It also helps that the cast members are so good. One of the biggest benefits is that the film really does seem real as if you're not watching a movie at all but instead you're following these group of people as if you're seeing them in a documentary. There's a very raw feel to the picture, which certainly helps with the atmosphere and overall mood of the picture.As I said, the added stuff to the picture is really lame and I'm not sure why Hill had to add these scenes. He has an introduction on the Special Edition release where he talks about it but couldn't he had just addressed his thoughts on the introduction without tampering with the movie? Either way, THE WARRIRORS has a look and feel unlike any movie like it.

"The Warriors" will go down as one of Walter Hill's greatest movies. Everything about this film clicks into place. The dialogue, the acting, direction and photography are terrific. The music is pretty cool too. You never forget the sense of danger and of tension as the gang "The Warriors" have no choice but to fight their way all the way back to their home territory along Coney Island after they have been falsely accused of murdering a high ranking gang member. The action is well choreographed as you root for "The Warriors" to clear their names. Probably the most familiar face amongst the cast is James Remar. He has worked for Walter Hill on a few occasions and this movie was the actor's first major one. It is interesting in that real street gangs were employed for the movie. Goodness knows how the actors and film crew got along with them! A classic.

The Warriors are a gang in 1970s New York City.The good ol' days when gangs all wore ridiculous costumes and fought with their hands. Cyrus,the leader of the biggest gang in the city,has called a meeting and every gang sends reps to the Bronx. Cyrus explains his plan for the gangs to work together and take over the city and he is immediately murdered.The Warriors get blamed and have to make it home with every gang member in the city trying to kill them.This movie has two of the best quotes of all time "Can you dig it?!?!?" and "Warriors,Come out to plaaaaay".They get quoted in as many TV shows as Scarface or The Godfather does.This movie is great from start to finish.A definite must see.