O’Connor, director of the acclaimed Olympic hockey movie Miracle,
returns to tell a story unveiling the Christian principles of
healing and forgiveness in his second sports-related film, Warrior.
O’Connor takes viewers into the world of mixed martial arts
and portrays the notion of fighting in both a physical and spiritual
manner. Christian leaders who viewed early screenings of the film
have seen a family overcome the devastation of alcoholism on screen
and have walked away with powerful testaments.
“I just
saw Warrior and it was epic,” says Shawn Bolz, senior pastor of
Expression 58 Church in Los Angeles. “Even though MMA fighting
provides the backdrop, the true battle is the fight for forgiveness
and the movie is a strong testament to the power of the family in
that fight. I thoroughly recommend this movie; it is one of the best
I have ever seen.”
Fr. Michael Diaz, pastor of St. Mary
Star of the Sea Parish in Oceanside, Calif., notes the several
undertones of faith throughout the movie including scenes with a
rosary, discussions of Jesus and the conversion of a lead
character.
Although MMA is a basis for the film, scriptwriter
Anthony Tambakis shares what he feels is its sheer importance: “It
was important to us to make a serious pro-marriage, pro-family movie.
And therefore we don’t shy away from revealing the intense struggle
of family life because that’s reality and also the key to growth.”
“This movie was never about fighting,” adds O’Connor.
“It’s about spiritual warfare, which may not be perceived by the
eye but is a powerful reality in our lives nonetheless.”
O’Connor has dedicated the film to Charles Lewis, the
Christian founder of the prominent MMA clothing line Tapout.
Lewis was killed by a drunk driver early in the film’s
making.
O’Connor hopes the film will inspire audiences to live
“warrior lives” by practicing greater love and forgiveness within
their own families.
Warrior will open in theaters
nationwide on Sept. 9.
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