Peaceful Warrior

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Peaceful Warrior
Promotional movie poster for the film
Directed by	Victor Salva
Written by	Kevin Bernhardt, based on the novel Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman
Starring	Scott Mechlowicz Nick Nolte Amy Smart
Distributed by	Universal Pictures Lionsgate
Release date(s)	June 2, 2006
Running time	120 Minutes
Country
Language	English
IMDb profile

Peaceful Warrior is a 2006 American film, starring Scott Mechlowicz, Nick Nolte and Amy Smart. Released on June 2, 2006, it is based on the novel Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman. Director Victor Salva first became familiar with the work while in prison for child molestation, and he credits it with being "a story that changed my life."^[1]

The film takes place at U.C. Berkeley, and features a troubled, but talented gymnast (Mechlowicz) who meets a spiritual guide (Nolte).

Contents 1 Detailed Plot Summary 2 Marketing 3 Awards 4 References 5 External links

[edit] Detailed Plot Summary

Dan Millman (Mechlowitz) is a university student as well as a locally famous gymnast who dreams of winning a National Championship. He sleeps with numerous young women who are impressed by his agility and skill, but finds himself restless. On one occasion, Dan attempts to compensate for the restlessness by running along streets before sunrise. At a car-service station, he encounters an old man he nicknames "Socrates" (Nolte) who seems to know more about Dan's problem than Dan himself. Dan is unsettled by the fact that Socrates had appeared in a nightmare as a faceless janitor, clad in mismatched shoes (by which he is identified in waking life), who sweeps up the pieces of Dan's shattered leg; and by the old man's extraordinary speed, agility and coordination. As a result of his exposure to the last, Dan seeks to learn the secret behind it.

Socrates, prodded by the impatient and defiant Dan, gives the boy a series of tasks and lessons. The central concept of "Soc"'s philosophy is this: that one must live entirely in the present moment. Other ideas include the related notion that at no time is "nothing going on" and the idea that an appropriate time exists for fighting and another for abstaining from violence. These lessons are conveyed through practical lessons, long contemplation, and one spectacular mystical experience. Dan gradually learns to appreciate every moment; to view the journey toward a goal as more meaningful and significant than the attainment; and to pay attention to and control every action. Throughout the lesson, Dan learns virtually nothing about his mentor, other than the philosophy: that service is the most noble action possible (hence his choice to work as a car serviceman), and the presence of another protegé.

This protegé, Joy (Smart), has learned and integrated Socrates' philosophy into her life, to the extent that she seems as wise as Socrates himself. Dan attempts to ask her for information regarding Socrates, but receives little. Joy is very compassionate and does not attempt at any point to seduce or be seduced by Dan.

One day, Dan drives his motorcycle recklessly, runs a red light, and collides with a car, breaking his right femur. He is rushed to a hospital, where a metal bar is placed in his leg. As a result, his coach stops believing that Dan can compete in the Nationals, which upsets Dan greatly. He recovers from the injury and resumes his training under Socrates' tutelage. He eventually recuperates, while his co-ordination improves and his mind is set entirely on the present moment. He competes in the U.S. Trials for the Olympics and wins.

Just before the competition, Dan diverts the bus he is riding to Socrates' station, only to find that Socrates has vanished without a trace. At the arena, he attempts to teach another student that which he has learned, but fails due to the other's emotional insecurity and lack of comprehension. Dan realizes his friend doesn't understand and continues his routine which he does near perfection.

Useful quotes from Socrates:

1. Life has three aspects: Paradox, Humour, and Change.

2. Paradox: Life is a mystery; don't waste time figuring it out.

3. Humor: Keep a sense of humour, especially about yourself. It is a strength beyond all measure

4. Change: Know that nothing stays the same.

5. There is never nothing going on. There are no ordinary moments.

6. This moment: The past and the future do not matter; all that matters is now, this moment.

7. It's not the destination that brings happiness, but the journey.

8. Take out the trash from what's inside your head.

9. Empty your mind.

10. Everything has a purpose, even this, and it's up to you to find it.

11. A warrior does not give up what he loves, he finds the love in what he does.

12. I call myself a Peaceful Warrior... because the battles we fight are on the inside.

13. A warrior is not about perfection or victory or invulnerability. He's about absolute vulnerability.

14. There is no starting or stopping - only doing.

15. There's no greater purpose than service to others.

16. Everyone wants to tell you what to do and what's good for you. They don't want you to find your own answers, they want you to believe theirs.

17. I want you to stop gathering information from the outside and start gathering it from the inside.

18. People are not their thoughts, they think they are, and it brings them all kinds of sadness.

19. Death isn't sad. The sad thing is: most people don't live at all.

20. What time is it? Now.

[edit] Marketing

It was reported March 14, 2007 that Universal Pictures gave away $15 million worth of free tickets for the opening March 30th weekend.^{[2] [3]}

[edit] Awards

• Best Feature Award (tie) at the 2006 Maui Film Festival.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Movie website
• Peaceful Warrior at the Internet Movie Database
• Peaceful Warrior at Rotten Tomatoes

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