Peaceful Warrior is a 2006 American film, starring Scott Mechlowicz, Nick Nolte and Amy Smart. Released on June 2, 2006, it is based on the novel Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman. Director Victor Salva first became familiar with the work while in prison for child molestation, and he credits it with being "a story that changed my life."[1][2]
The film takes place at U.C. Berkeley, and features a troubled but talented gymnast who meets a spiritual guide.
Detailed plot summary
At the beginning of the plot, Dan Millman (Scott Mechlowicz) is a university student as well as a locally famous gymnast who dreams of winning a National Championship competition. He sexually couples with numerous young women who are impressed by his agility and skill, and suffers from psychological restlessness. On one occasion, Dan attempts to compensate for the restlessness by running along streets before sunrise. At a car-service station, he encounters an old man (Nick Nolte) who seems to know more about Dan's problem than Dan himself knows, whom Dan later nicknames "Socrates." Dan is unsettled by Socrates' knowledge; by the fact that Socrates had appeared in a nightmare as a faceless janitor, clad in mismatched shoes (by which he is identified in waking life), who sweeps up the pieces of Dan's shattered leg; and by the old man's extraordinary speed, agility, and co-ordination. As a result of his exposure to the last, Dan seeks to learn the secret behind it.
Socrates, prodded by the impatient and defiant Dan, gives the boy a series of tasks and lessons. The central concept of "Soc"'s philosophy is this: that one must live entirely in the present moment. Other ideas include the related notion that at no time is "nothing going on" and the idea that an appropriate time exists for fighting and another for abstaining from violence. These lessons are conveyed through practical lessons, long contemplation, and one spectacular mystical experience. Dan gradually learns to appreciate every moment; to view the journey toward a goal as more meaningful and significant than the attainment; to pay attention to that which he is doing – thus increasing his gymnastic prowess; and (to a slightly lesser extent) control himself. Throughout the lesson, Dan learns virtually nothing about his mentor, other than the philosophy, Socrates' belief that service is the most noble action possible (hence his choice to work as a car serviceman), and the presence of another protegé.
This protegé, a woman of Dan's own age named Joy (Amy Smart), has learned and integrated Socrates' philosophy into her life, to the extent that she seems as wise as Socrates himself. Dan attempts to ask her for information regarding Socrates, but receives little. Joy treats Dan indulgently, though she evidently respects him. She is very compassionate and does not attempt at any point to seduce or be seduced by Dan.
One day, Dan drives recklessly, and his motorcycle collides with a car that ran a red light, causing his right femur bone to shatter. He is rushed to a hospital, where a metal bar is placed in his leg to maintain its integrity. As a result, his gymnastic coach (Tim DeKay) stops believing that Dan can compete in the National competition. Dan, hurt by this lack of faith, recovers from the injury and resumes his training under Socrates' tutelage. Eventually, he is restored to full health and strength, while his co-ordination improves and his mind is set entirely on the present moment. He competes in the U.S. Trials for the Olympics and achieves a victory.
Slightly before the competition, Dan diverts the bus he is riding to Socrates' station, only to find that Socrates has vanished without a trace. At the arena, he attempts to teach his teammate Tommy (Ashton Holmes) what he has learned, but fails due to Tommy's emotional insecurity and lack of comprehension.
It is implied at the end, in a postscript appearing on screen, that Dan of the film and Dan the author of the book on which the film is based are one and the same. It is also stated that the latter Dan lives with his wife Joy.
Marketing
It was reported March 14, 2007 that Universal Pictures gave away $15 million worth of free tickets for the opening March 30th weekend.[3] [4]
Awards
- Best Feature Award (tie) at the 2006 Maui Film Festival.
Reception
Meta-critic site Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 24% positive rating. Roger Ebert gave the film two stars out of four.
Business
The film grossed less than $3 million, with an estimated production budget of $14 million.
References
- ^ http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-salva11jun11,1,1760527.column?coll=la-news-columns "'Powder' Director, Convicted Molester, Returns from the Brink", Patrick Goldstein, the Los Angeles Times, published June 11, 2006, accessed August 1, 2006.
- ^ movie preview and interviews iFilm.com.
- ^ Universal Giving Away $15 Million in Movie Tickets
- ^ Peaceful Warrior DVD - Own It Now On DVD - Official Movie Website
External links
