Peaceful Warrior

Based on the cult book by Dan Millman, Peaceful Warrior revolves around the mentor/mentee relationship that ensues between mysterious gas-station attendant Socrates (Nick Nolte) and ace gymnast Dan (Scott Mechlowicz). The two become fast friends as Socrates passes on valuable life lessons to Dan that assist him in his athletic pursuits, though their work is eventually threatened by a motorcycle accident that leaves Dan virtually crippled. Director Victor Salva has infused Peaceful Warrior with an egregiously deliberate pace that sometimes feels oppressive, and there’s ultimately no denying that the film could’ve used some judicious editing (the two-hour running time is just excessive). That being said, Salva’s surprisingly inventive directorial choices go a long way towards keeping things interesting, while stars Mechlowicz and Nolte aquit themselves nicely in their respective roles (Mechlowicz, in particular, more than holds his own opposite powerhouse Nolte). And while there are certainly a number of intriguing concepts and ideas for the viewer to chew on contained within Kevin Bernhardt’s script, the screenwriter does occasionally bog the proceedings down in abstract philosophical notions that will undoubtedly leave some viewers baffled. Still, for those patient enough to see it through, Peaceful Warrior does possess more than enough positive attributes to warrant a mild recommendation.

**1/2 out of ****