One weekend I was flipping through channels and I came across an old movie called The Warriors. I decide to watch it. I thought it was brilliant. It inspired me so much I decided to write this article.
The Warriors was a 1979 film directed by famed moviemaker Walter Hill and distributed by Paramount Pictures. It was based on the 1965 novel written by Sol Yurick. In the book, which is based the Greek work Anabasis where a band of Greeks are caught behind Persian enemy lines and must battle their way home, a street gang called “The Warriors” are framed for murder and then the entire city turns on them; while far from home and so they must fight their way back. Even though they are wanted: dead or alive. They actually said that in the movie.
See for yourself at 1:20 minutes into the video.
The synopsis of the film is that a turf battle happens in New York City between rival gangs. One gang leader tries to bring them all together against the cops. The Warriors are falsely accused of killing the gang leader and must fight their way back from the Bronx to Coney Island.
This is the movie preview commentary. They got one way out. They got one chance. They got one night.
The movie tagline reads like this:
These are the Armies of The Night. They are 60,000 strong. They outnumber the cops three to one.
They could run New York City. Tonight they’re all out to get the Warriors.
I was instantly hooked. So I watched the movie. Here is where I share with you my takeaway’s from the film and what I learned.
MORALITY
The director Walter Hill has been quoted as saying “every film I’ve done has been a Western” and that “the Western is ultimately a stripped down moral universe.”
I have to agree with those statements.
The theme of the film is ultimately about morals.
The movie opens with a massive meeting of gangs in New York City listening to the top brass of another gang talk about how they outnumber the police and the city being theirs. Then out of nowhere a single shot is fired and kills him. The leader has been assassinated. Panic ensues. A lone gang known as the Warriors is singled out and fingered as the murderers; this is where the story begins.
LEADERSHIP
The protagonists are a long way from home. The long trek back is made even longer with menacing gangs out to get them at every turn. Meaning one thing: They have to fight all night long.
Their “War Chief” goes by the name of Swan and it’s his job to get them back home.
Swan immediately has them regroup and verifies everybody’s whereabouts. Then he makes a plan to get them back home. He coordinates and directs the group’s actions and takes the lead. Even when he is challenged within his own group, he keeps his cool and simply says to the challenger, “make your move.”
He tried to keep the peace at first, but when challenged he didn’t back up or back down.
STREET SMARTS
The Warriors know that they are in rival gang territory, so they play it safe. They don’t draw any attention to themselves and wait for their opportunity to get on the subway train to get back home.
My favorite shot of the film is when they are waiting for that train. The feeling of desperation and need was palpable and it sets the tone for the rest of the film.
Instead of just going out on the platform the leader waits. When asked why they are waiting one group member named Fox (appropriately named as he is sly and crafty) responds, “a train for one thing unless you want to get japped on an open platform.”
They hide from other gang members until their train comes and then make a run for it. After a short ride, the train is stopped for a fire. Fox tells the group what are the odds of that happening and he says they should be more concerned about who started that fire. Very smart indeed young man.
At one point of the film, Swan also tells the group if they get separated, to meet at a central location.
I learned it is always best to have a plan A, B, C, and so on. Pay attention to your surroundings and not to underestimate an enemy. It is not enough to be book smart, you have to know how to handle yourself with people and your environment too.
DIPLOMACY
The group has to walk to the next train station. They run into a gang called the Orphans. Swan and Fox go over there to negotiate safe passage through their neighborhood.
Instead of being angry or conceited they are cool, calm, and collected. They know they are not in charge here. When the leader of the Orphans talks of disrespect and speaking with them prior to entering their turf for safe passage; Swan says, “we’re not invading and I’m parlaying right now.”
They come to a peaceful resolution and agree to let them pass with one caveat: to take off their member jackets. When they are instructed to take off their group colors Swan flatly refuses. Fox says the jacket merely symbolizes who they are (their mark) and what they represent, it is not a sign of superiority or war. They have to choose to be civilians or soldiers.
They decide to refuse this stipulation and then Swan tells the group they are moving on ahead without consent with no fear or shame and heads held high.
This scene ended with an incredible surprise involving a Molotov cocktail (AKA a poor man’s grenade)that you have to see to believe.
I learned that peace is the route always worth taking, but not at the price of sacrificing your dignity.
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
The Warriors are a fitting name for the group. At every turn, they find themselves having to run, hide, or fight.
Acts of valor is constant throughout the film.
These guys had tons of stamina.
The members have to deal with gangs on roller skates, with baseball bats, women combatants, and the police.
Fight or flight is the name of the game. In this movie, with every gang out gunning for you that means one thing.
Run.
And run they do, from night until dawn.
All the while a sinister commentary by a female deejay is ongoing in the film.
It was the ultimate cat and mouse game of “us against them,” and not knowing what may happen next.
Darwin wasn’t kidding with his statement of those who are fittest survive. I got to see that put to the test in this film. No matter who they were put up against, they fought hard and bravely.
When it was time to act they didn’t hesitate. I have learned to do the same.
NEVER BE ASHAMED OF WHO YOU ARE
After fighting all night long, the group gets on another train headed for home. While on the train a group on nicely dressed, seemingly well-to-do young people get on. At first, they are oblivious to the Warriors, but then they take a look at them and fall quiet.
The woman that is with the Warriors knows she looks battered down and then starts trying to make herself look more presentable. Swan merely puts her hand down to stop her from doing this.
This scene gives you perspective. It doesn’t matter if you’re poor. You still should have dignity and self-respect.
I learned that you should not be ashamed of who you are, where you come from, what you look like or what you have.
If all you can afford is second -hand, then so be it.
“Learn to sit on an apple box until you can afford a chair.” – Joel Osteen
LIES HURT
The morale of this story comes into play from the very beginning. A lie leads the Warriors down a path of being victimized and guilty without proof. Even though, they are innocent.
I learned that lies can hurt people and destroy lives. Secrets are a burden.
TO TELL THE TRUTH
Knowing the truth is good no matter how painful it is because once you know the truth, and then you can deal with it.
“Truth is the only safe ground to stand on.” – Elizabeth Cady Stanton
STAND YOUR GROUND
The Warriors fought only when they had no other choice, but when they did they didn’t mess around.
They did not fight for glory, fame, or vengeance, but as a reckoning.
I learned in this life you may not be presumed innocent as you are more likely to be considered guilty. You do not give into this if you are truly innocent. You stand firm on your convictions. Period.
VINDICATION
In the end, the perpetrators get what is coming to them.
In life, you may not always get what you. There is no guarantee that bad things won’t happen, but it is how you deal with them that counts.
I have learned a good name and reputation can take you a lot farther in life than infamy.
PARTING WORDS
The film is a story of having insurmountable odds placed upon you and still coming out ahead. This film, like in life, has many layers of complexity. You just have to see it for yourself to believe it. So, go ahead and press play to check out the trailer if your warrior enough.