Rating of
2.5/4
"The Warriors" by Yojimbo
Yojimbo - wrote on 06/25/12
When a charismatic leader is assassinated while trying to unite the warring gangs of a near future New York City, The Warriors are framed for his murder and they must fight their way across the city to reach the safety of their home turf.
This comic strip thriller from XY chromosome-pleasing action aficionado Walter Hill is far more about attitude than content. Looked at objectively it is largely plotless - the story is essentially just a long chase through the darkened city - there is literally zero attempt at visually representing the sci-fi aspect, and the dialogue and performances are rather amateurish. It has become something of a cult classic however thanks to the combination of an inventive soundtrack and the iconic costume design of the various gangs who all have their own distinct uniforms; one is a bat-wielding, face-painted baseball team, another are flamboyant Blaxploitation style pimps, one gang is even a troupe of mimes! But the city is definitely the star as the iconic streets of late 1970's New York are a hugely atmospheric setting.
Those expecting any kind of depth or complexity will be disappointed but The Warriors has a certain brand of zeitgeist that is difficult to capture.
