The Warriors: Ultimate Director's Cut (1979)

Prominent New York City gang leader Cyrus (Roger Hill) has called for a summit asking the city's gangs to set aside their turf wars and petty arguments for the better good. United, Cyrus believes, the gangs of New York could run the city. At the meeting, a rival gang leader assassinates Cyrus. The Warriors, a Coney Island gang, are wrongly blamed for the death. The unarmed Warriors: Swan (Michael Beck), Ajax (James Remar), Cowboy, Vermin, Cleon, and Conchise must travel miles through rival gang's territory to reach their own. When the Gramercy Riffs call for their heads, their journey becomes a matter of survival of both cops and gang bangers alike.

The Warriors is actually an adaptation of a graphic novel of the same name by Sol Yurick which {I've discovered} is loosely based on a Greek tale by Xenophon. Anabasis is the account of an army of Greek mercenaries who, after aligning themselves with Cyrus the Younger in the battle of Cunaxa (401 BC) in his attempt to seize the Persian throne, found themselves isolated behind Persian enemy lines and fought to return.

The Warriors is very much a cult film and it's easy to see why. The gangs of New York pull from the Greek tale in names only-- it's the stylized nature of the film that is so riveting. Viewers will easily make comparisons to some of today's films. Those coming to mind include 300, Sin City, Bullitt and 2001: A Space Odyssey

Truth or not, director Walter Hill has woven a simple story about a group of young men. Friendship is a bond easily broken only by death. The cast of virtual no-names {at least to me} are real and reflect the time {again, so I'm told}. Hill contrasts the rough and tumble world of 'boppers' {one of the least threatening words, ever} with interacts of the more affluent in such a glaring manner, he hardly needs dialogue.

The cinematography is brilliant in it's simplicity. The angles and views serve to enhance tight action sequences. Although much of the film is dated, it feels futuristic in many ways. Hill's technique evokes a very Kubrick feel-- minimal, yet expansive.

As the Warriors make their way through enemy territories the group encounters various gangs and considerable risk. Each Warrior knows the code 'stick together, fight to survive' but applies it in different ways, thereby creating further moral dilemma for Warrior and viewer.

As I see it, The Warriors is ultimately a story of brotherhood much like Stand By Me told in a stunning, unique way. {One word QT: Remake.)

The Warriors are packing. Can you dig it?