Filmmaker reacts to The Warriors (1979) for the FIRST TIME

Hope you enjoy my filmmaker reaction to The Warriors. :D
Full length reactions & Patreon only polls: / jamesvscinema
Original Movie: The Warriors (1979)
Ending Song: / charleycoin
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Twitter: / jamesadamsiii
Website: www.senpaishot...
*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. All rights belong to their respective owners.

[@dylandaly2002]

One of my favorite 70’s Cult Films of all time. FUN FACT: I met two actors that were in The Warriors at a Tattoo Convention few years ago. The actors that played Cochise and Vermin, they were really nice and friendly and they even signed my warriors vest, which I always wore sometimes in high school and my teachers would always say quotes from the movie every time I wore it to class, lmfao.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Yo that’s so dope hahaha!

[@Jar0fMay0]

Nice. My dad and his friends made those same vests in middle school back in the day.

[@dylandaly2002]

@@BabyNoah22 he’s also Sully from Commando

[@brucechmiel7964]

What’s really important is Gravity. Now you should know dis is ma weak ahrm.

[@chrisgobeil4751]

@@dylandaly2002 He was also in The Longest Yard with Adam Sandler, can't remember his characters name though.

[@JohnBham]

"Warriors, come out and playyy-ayyy" was indeed an improv line. So good they kept it in and now it's a cultural touchstone.

[@Daslatcher]

Not really. The director, Hill, wanted tension in the scene, so he and Kelly(the actor) collaborated on that. Hill came up with the line, and Kelly came up with the bottles+the way he delivers the line. So it was always going to be in the movie.

[@jonnyyen7169]

@@Daslatcher still super cool.

[@MarquisLeary34]

Half right; the bottles were improv. The whole line, though, was inspired by someone that used to torment David Patrick Kelly when he was a kid.

[@Daslatcher]

@@MarquisLeary34 No, the line was fed by the director. The way he performs the line however was partly inspired by the creepy neighbor you're referring to who used to say Kelly's name in a sing songy manner. It was also partly inspired by Broadway.

[@MarquisLeary34]

@@Daslatcher I just watched the interview again, and it seems you're correct. Thank you.

[@oaktree1626]

The Warriors novel was even grittier and let you know these guys could be grimy. It really gave you a sense of how young these guys were. It was loosely based on the ancient Greek story called Anabasis - where a group of Greek soldiers were stuck behind enemy lines in Persia and they were fighting to get back home.

[@Reno_Slim]

I didn't know that but I had a feeling that the concept of the story had deep roots.

[@georgekazangas1005]

And trains played the role of Deus Ex Machina

[@totallytomanimation]

I know that it's common knowledge that Anabasis is the source inspiration for "The Warriors", but I've always felt that the story owes more to "The Odyssey", story about a band of Warriors trying to make their way home from a distant land through hostile and dangerous lands. Hmm, sounds familiar. Likely Anabasis is a riff on The Odyssey since The Odyssey pre-dates it by 200 plus years.

[@Mauther]

You get some hints from the names. Cyrus the leader of the summit was a Persian king the Greek mercenaries fought for who was assassinated at a truce. Cleon (Clearchus) and Ajax are Greeks. Their destination of getting to the Coney Island and the sea echoes the plot of the Anabasis, where the goal was to reach the coastal Greek cities of Asia minor. "Thalatta" meaning "the sea!" As for how it was received, there was gang violence at several theaters on opening weekend including some murders. The movie was popular with gang members who ended up at the same theater and well you know. So most advertisements were pulled and some theaters actually pulled the film. But once things settled down the film was actually decently successful.

[@Girkon]

@@Mauther that is both morbidly funny and depressing.

[@fourthhorsemendeath218]

The Warriors is one of my favorite films ever made. How dangerous it would actually be to try and get back home over miles of travel when almost the whole city is looking for you

[@kzfive]

Real dangerous

[@TexasTrip]

I remember watching this as a child, being enamored with the concept and on my seat in anticipation for the next rumble. Solid choice James.

[@JamesVSCinema]

My man. Let’s get ready for the next rumble brotha. 🙏🏽

[@endoraismygma]

Same

[@iamtheowl9631]

What they did to create the perception that the crowd was running chaotically, they had half the crowd run continuously in a circle in one direction, and the other half run in the other direction. It worked surprisingly well.

[@kevinsnazz]

The Warriors is another example of how a Director's Cut isn't always the best cut.

[@antoinettelopes]

Coppola ruined one of my favorite films, THE OUTSIDERS, with his director's cut. I almost cried in the theater. No kidding. He took out the original music his own dad did for it and put in the rock songs he would have used if he could have afforded it in the first place. The film gods stopped him the first time on purpose. They knew those songs would ruin it. 😔

[@Brooklyn_Bleek]

The comic panel transitions were cool; they grew on me tho.

[@DogmeatDied989]

Right.

[@Russelshackleford]

I liked the original cut myself.

[@kevinsnazz]

@@Brooklyn_Bleek they're okay, but they mess with the pacing of the film and Illustrator comic panel illustrations don't feel right in a 70s film.

[@21stcenturyhiphop]

The woman on the bench is Mercedes Rhule, who went in to have a respectable career. The Warrior who got thrown on the tracks is Thomas Waites, aka Windows from The Thing.

[@colbymasvidal2397]

And Rembrandt died young😭 RIP YOUNG BLOOD❤🌹

[@MariMiniattL]

My husband has a theory that the character Luther "come out to play" was not actually talking to anyone on the phone. Never do you hear the coins drop. When you used payphones at that time, the coins would drop after the receiver was replaced. You could hear them drop. So this means he was talking to himself.

[@samaxechuckfinley3593]

LMAO!!! 😅 Cool observation!!! 😎 I too remember that!!! 😁👍

[@darylobey8867]

I always thought he was callin the cops or the riffs to keep the heat off him and his boys informing some one but luther showed how crazy he realy was so talkin to him self sounds more fitting

[@forgottenmma3694]

I always thought Luthor was in cahoots with the police to take out cyrus and prevent gangs from centralizing power to run NYC

[@robwalsh9843]

One of the best opening credit sequences of any movie. They made the NYC tunnels look like some magical portal. Amazing cinematography.

[@pothocket]

Love how this movie was able to give off a fantasy vibe despite taking place in our world. It's got a unique style.

[@Sixfoot8m]

I felt the same sorta like streets of fire.

[@pothocket]

@@Sixfoot8m Nice. Just watched the trailer and 100% on board with everything. Thanks, will watch it soon

[@HorsePower-iq1qc]

it is fantasy.. that place now lives only in my memory.. nyc is much better now

[@Polymathically]

This is one of my favorite movies. As for recognizable actors, Fox was played by Thomas Waites, who you know better as Windows from The Thing (1982). But he was killed off early due to clashing with the director. He'd already been fired, so his double was the one thrown in front of the train. He even demanded that he be removed from the credits, but later came back for the video game. The radio DJ was played by Lynee Thigpen, who had several film and TV roles in the 80s and 90s, most memorably The Chief on Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego? The "Warriors, come out to play~" was indeed ad-libbed; it was based on a crazy man the actor encountered he was younger. He originally wanted to hold dead pigeons for that scene, but they ended up going with the bottle clinking. Ajax's threat to turn one of the Baseball Furies into a popsicle was ad-libbed as well. James Remar, the actor who played Ajax, actually spent some time at Coney Island to observe the gang there to make his portrayal more authentic. The film was shot in real gang turfs, to the point that they had to have an advisor on set to let them know where the gangs were, how dangerous they were, etc. Local gangs disrupted production more than once. Also, the huge crowd at the beginning included real gang members because they couldn't afford to hire that many extras. They also had real police as cameos to make sure nothing went off the rails. The director had wanted Orson Welles to narrate the movie's intro, but the studio refused. There's tons of other interesting stuff about this movie; if you have time, the documentary is very much worth watching.

[@allwalledup]

Never even put it together that windows and fox had the same actor. Must have been the beard he had while playing windows

[@Polymathically]

@@allwalledup Yeah, it took me a few watches. I knew I'd seen those eyes and hair somewhere before. It helped that The Thing is also one of my favorite movies.

[@halfmanhalfamazing2152]

You forgot that two actors from this movie was in the movie "48 Hours". Also one of the actors played a main character in the TV show "Black Lightning"

[@BIBeast291]

Plus, Cyrus was going to be portrayed by an actual gang leader but before principal photography started, he disappeared. That, or he was killed. I've read it both ways.

[@gattonero2716]

@@halfmanhalfamazing2152 they were actually Four actors from the movie in 48 hours the two that you were talking about which was James Remar and David Patrick Kelly and the other two were Marcelino Sanchez where Eddie Murphy parked his car and Sonny Lanham who played James Remar's partner in crime in the Warriors Sonny played the policeman who threw Thomas Waits character Fox into the train tracks

[@maximillianosaben]

I have a proper leather Warriors vest that I have worn for many Halloweens. The PS2 game was freaking awesome; another Rockstar classic. It was a prequel, and then the 3rd act of the game was playing through the movie. So darn good. The late Tony Scott had been planning a remake set in California and was going to feature real life gangs such as the Bloods, Crips, Latin Kings, etc. It was going to start on the Golden Gate Bridge and then The Warriors would fight their way back to wherever.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Loved the video game! And really!? Had no idea they’d attempt to remake it again. Should be interesting who they chose.

[@John57945]

Ditto that. It was one of my fav games on PS2. My favorite part of the game was the stage where the Warriors wipe out the Destroyers. So much fun to play. This game was up there with Manhunt & GTA: Vice City

[@christopherbrown6049]

Someone told me that game was great, it is available on ps4 maybe 5 through digital copy

[@archivemediavault]

@@JamesVSCinema Robert Rodriguez was also going to be remaking it too, since then.

[@bajaborracho9139]

The biggest gang in California is the homeless

[@DogmeatDied989]

That scene in the train car with the kids who just got out of prom is the most powerful in the movie for me. Swan pulls her hand down from trying to clean up as if to say, “don’t compare yourself to those people.” We are poor, and we live on the streets and in the ghettos, but we didn’t choose this life, so we have nothing to be ashamed of. We are real people with real lives. We are survivors. Those pretty prom kids wouldn’t last an hour on Coney Island, or on anyone else’s turf for that matter.

[@jgarcia4721]

Yes, and so well done. Today it would be a long speech that is entirely less effective.

[@rajch2000]

@@jgarcia4721 it depends on writers. Stupidity is high these days so subtlety has no place!

[@briangarcia8384]

Yes I love that scene so much. I used to think swan was a dud of a character because his personality is much smaller than the other characters but small bits like this make me realize why he's second in command.

[@aerthreepwood8021]

I always forget just how long the "WARRRRIIIIOOOOORRRRRSSSSS, COME OUT AND PLAAAAAAAYAYAY" scene goes on for.

[@JamesVSCinema]

😂😂😂

[@aerthreepwood8021]

@@JamesVSCinema And James Remar is Ajax. He was never a huge star but he's been a working actor in big budget stuff for decades.

[@gloriabaquera5434]

That scene in the subway train is my favorite scene in the whole film. The whole thing. My interpretation of that moment was the same as well. She closes her eyes and then the other kids are gone. Like they were never there. Because they may as well not have been, for all the affect they have on each other. They live in different worlds. And when Swan stops her from trying to clean herself up. Just, ugh! I love it!!

[@liammech6694]

The game makes the movie so much better. The last half of the game is the start of the movie and you play through it all. But the first half of the game is learning how and why the Warriors formed, and how they rose to the level that put them on the Riff's network to get invited to the meeting.

[@jordanbass705]

Yes that’s what I like about the warriors video game on ps2 and Xbox cleon plays a bigger role you’ll get a chance too play him and many other warriors. Cleon and the fox role was larger role and Ajax had a bigger role as well it gave more too the story of how the warriors were formed.

[@MEKK01]

@@jordanbass705 Great that they got most of the living actors back to voice their characters, even the ones that play a small role like Cleon

[@jordanbass705]

@@MEKK01 yes they got Michael beck James remar Dorsey wright Thomas waites Deborah Van Valkbenburgh it was good for them too come back and voice their characters the warriors video game was like backstory and prequel from how the warriors were formed cleon was well respected I’m glad he plays a bigger part I always hated that cleon got killed off early in the movie I felt like they didn’t have too attack on him when he didn’t kill Cyrus.

[@LordVolkov]

A favorite cult film of mine. Caught it on cable as a kid and it's lived in my head ever since. Colorful gangs, great characters, and I love the lingo. Fun fact - there was (don't know if it's still done) a yearly event where people would make the trek through New York to follow the Warriors journey home to Coney Island.

[@windsaw151]

One detail I didn't notice at first but occured to me later was that the Riffs all had black t-shirts at the end. Their colours were red! The Warriors never took off their colours the whole time out of pride, but the Riffs, out of respect, took them off when they entered the Warrior's territory. My father said that pretty much everybody that learns ancient Greek at school has to translate Anabasis by Xenophon at one point or the other. So he was well familiar with the theme. According the Wikipedia this is because it is straightforward and comparably easy to read.

[@LordVolkov]

I've seen this movie dozens of times and never put that together. Amazing insight! 🤝

[@angelripper_420]

@@LordVolkov yeah me too

[@sheen-4509]

So much about this movie was so iconic to me, I loved the hierarchy of the gangs and of course the awesome cuts to the radio personality. Underrated gem.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Could be a whole series honestly.

[@sydneymeanstreet]

Shout out to Lynne Thigpen as the DJ. An iconic voice and an iconic character.

[@Pengi_SMILES]

The movie was based on a novel which is itself based on an Amcient Greek story (Xenephons Anabasis) about a Greek mercenary army that has to fight its way back to the sea once their sponsor (a Persian king) gets killed. Its a really cool concept translated into gangland New York. Walter Hill is a director who is largely not talked about anymore but made some brilliant films- 48 Hrs, The Driver and my own favourite Southern Comfort.

[@nateshort8945]

Anabasis is a good book.

[@bobdude42]

Also from director Walter Hill, check out "Streets of Fire", a rock n' roll fable and a movie like none other. With great music and starring a young Diane Lane and Willem Dafoe, amongst others.

[@ViKatamari]

One of my all time favorite movies! i absolutely love how raw the fighting scenes are with no crazy choreography, over-stylized moves or weird kung fu shenanigans, just dudes beating the crap of each others! i also played the videogame SOOOOO MUCH when was a kid, i love how it expanded the lore of the gangs and gave backstory to all the characters we met in the movie. I would die for a remastered version! 11:21 i think the only actors who got a few recognizable roles are David Patrick Kelly (who plays Luther), he was in Commando, The Crow, Twin Peaks, John Wick... and James Remar (Ajax) was in A TON of TV shows through the years and also doing small roles in a few big movies like Django, One Upon a Time in Hollywood, The Phantom and (i'm typing this one grinning) Mortal Kombat Annihilation. Awesome reaction, as always, James! ♥

[@JamesVSCinema]

♥️♥️♥️

[@adrianpeart]

David Patrick Kelly was in 48hrs too with James Remar. Another Walter Hill movie.

[@texantompaine4509]

Bro! I let out a "let's goooo!" when the notification popped up. What a dope movie. First movie to soundtrack on a synthesizer, ancient Greek roots, colorful cast. Freaking love it. Glad you got to it, man. Now I gotta rewatch again. Oh...and that PS2 game though! Straight fire. Many hours of childhood. No regrets.

[@JamesVSCinema]

My guy!! 👊🏽

[@timb7257]

This movie is a work of art. It represents the struggles we all face in life and how around every corner, lurking in the shadows, there may be something out there waiting to get us. Like a Warrior, you must be fearless, strong, and ready to "bop" your way through... Notice Swan's expressions. He hates the cards he's been dealt but he powers through it all with all the grace of a "Swan." After 40 years, still one of my favorite films...

[@BaileeWalsh]

Love this movie! I haven't seen it in such a long time. I would say James Remar who plays Ajax and David Patrick Kelly who plays Luther are the most recognizable actors. Remar is in a number of well-known films but he's probably most recognizable as Harry, Dexter's dad, in the show Dexter. And DPK is Jerry Horne in Twin Peaks (my favorite show, btw!!).

[@markanthony9141]

Also both actors played in 48 Hours with Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte.

[@HardcoreRGProdigyXTR]

Not to mention Tales From The Darkside - The Movie / the INFAMOUS MK Annihilation (replacing Lambert as Rayden) / Sex and the City / Pineapple Express!

[@MilkSteak55]

James Remar is great as a cop in Drugstore Cowboy. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it

[@ChipJones421]

The only actors of note (who went on to still star in films) would be Ajax- James Remar (Psycho, 2 Fast 2 Furious) Rogue's Leader- David Patrick Kelly (Commando, Longest Yard, Twin Peaks) DJ- Lynn Thigpin Vermin- Terry Michos (news anchor) The guy who played Fox also was in The Thing as Windows. Also fun fact: the cop that tosses Fox onto the tracks right as the train comes through was Sonny Landham who played Billy in Predator (director Walter Hill was a producer on that film). What makes this movie so special is the concept of no weapons. Instead of every encounter with a rival gang devolving into a shootout, you get to see creative approach to each encounter. A modified school bus chasing then down. Bargaining with a smaller stature gang, running from the Furies only to have to stop and take them on, being lured in by the Lizzies, the tight confines of the bathroom fight with the Punks. If you wanna check out another amazing film from this era, I highly reccomend Sorcerer.

[@tommyboy049]

I would suggest "The Wanderers" after this. Another gang movie that came out around the same time. Set in the 60s. Not as much fighting but you get to know the characters. It does bring up some racial tension that goes on during that time too. Very Underrated movie.

[@dreamweaver1603]

I loved that movie! It had Freddie “Boom Boom” Washington in it, right? If that’s the same movie, that was the guy from Welcome Back, Kotter. Great show when I was a kid. Okay, just looked it up and I was totally wrong. The movie I remember was called Cooley High. I don’t know why I thought it was The Wanderers. I looked that one up and I’m pretty sure I never even saw it though I thought I had all these years 😂

[@rogergeyer9851]

@@dreamweaver1603: It happens to ALL of us after enough decades. I'll hear a song and then recall some band I used to like and forgot ALL about, since having cassette tapes for the music well over 30 years ago, for example. It's sad, but our brains slowly deteriorate as we age.

[@angellopez3202]

Such a classic movie in The Warriors! The video game that came out for it in the mid 2000s was pretty fun to play as well!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Yeah bro, the game was legendary haha

[@antonyledsom5171]

Absolutely love this film. Visually stunning. I love how distinct all the different characters and different gangs are. A clear sign of a good movie. I appreciate your style. Thanks for the content.

[@Uncle_T]

Such a classic, I love this movie. Walter Hill knew what he was doing. You should watch his Streets of Fire for an even more fantastical take on street gangs, action and some really good music. And Diane Lane. 😉

[@JamesVSCinema]

Agreed! The direction in this is super unique!

[@smokeymcpot982]

Totally agree!

[@jstratton1981]

I triple this recommendation. Dont sit on it James!

[@duanevp]

+1 - check "Streets of Fire".

[@chrisinfiesto835]

“Streets Of Fire”! YES! 💯🔥🤙🏽😎

[@zooks527]

"A simple story about going home." The start of the trip. The hazards along the way. The defeat of the enemy at the end. It's effectively a retelling of the Odyssey. "Can you dig it" was also a call back to the Theme From Shaft.

[@SirWrecksy]

Absolutely, my favorite moment in this epic film when he moves her hand down as she tries to fix her hair and look respectable/pretty... 'don't apologize' super powerful moment

[@ajax3748]

Dude!!!!! My favorite movie of all time

[@JamesVSCinema]

Ajax!!! My guy!

[@ajax3748]

@@JamesVSCinema dude Everytime I comment on something no one gets my name or profile picture. Now someone will. 😂

[@laurakali6522]

Debra Winger’s first movie. Uncredited role as prom girl on the subway. Not too long later she was in Urban Cowboy, Terms of Endearment and An Officer and a Gentleman.

[@nuworldremix]

Definitely in my Top 20 favorite films. The gritty aesthetic with the rising tension never gets old. I’m currently writing a screenplay and the story idea I have definitely pulls from films like The Warriors, Thief, and La Haine. Great reaction!

[@JamesVSCinema]

That’s awesome to hear that you’re writing homieS haven’t seen Thief but those other two films have loads of great references to pull from..happy writing homie!

[@nuworldremix]

@@JamesVSCinema Thief is a great heist film. It’s a Michael Mann film (who directed Heat). Definitely recommend that one for sure. Has one of the best opening sequences.

[@MarquisLeary34]

Walter Hill is my favorite director, and this movie was one big reason why. For a time in the 80's, that man could seemingly do nothing but hit home runs.

[@patrickfreitas3549]

One of my fav small budget 1970s movies. Ranks up there with Car Wash, Coolie High, and Roller Boogie.

[@08191906]

Walter Hill (Dir) specifically wanted to maintain the comicbook aesthetic; minimal dialogue and letting the visuals tell the story.

[@LeeKD93]

The double fist line had me weak lmao

[@JamesVSCinema]

LMFAO, I was like… HOL UP.

[@waltsoph3]

This is one of my favorite films. I love the intro and the rolling of the credits in the subway. I love the whole trying to survive mentality and the variety of characters used along with the creativity they put into each gang faction. It was truly an original work of a film. Just so you know the majority of The Warriors video game your talking about is a prequel that then leads up to even playing the the events of the movie itself by then end of the game as well. If you never got the chance to finish the game you definitely need to finish it. They did a fantastic job keeping it true to the movie and content. Another movie I highly recommend if you enjoyed this is the movie: Colors staring Robert Duvall and Sean Penn. Its a movie that takes place in East Los Angeles about two cops patrolling the areas of street gangs and how Robert Duvall's character playing a veteran officer is teaching Sean Penn's character a rookie cop about the ways of the street and how to learn to deescalate situations. It also involves a turf war between two rival gangs in the midst of the whole event that they get pulled into as well. Amazing acting. Hope you check it out sometime. Thanks as always and keep up the awesome work.

[@alexa.english174]

It's hard to believe, but this story is actually based on a moment in Ancient Greek history.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Really!? Honestly I could get the sense that there was a metaphorical theme to it. Didn’t know there was a historical one too!

[@cryogenixoldskool5803]

No it isn't, the directors cut explains this at the beginning

[@alexa.english174]

@@JamesVSCinemaYep, it's pretty much the same story. Just replace the gang- bangers with mercenaries.

[@alexa.english174]

@@cryogenixoldskool5803 Anabasis by Xenophon ? Or Sol Yorick's more recent story ?

[@LordVolkov]

@@alexa.english174 Correct.

[@dymond66]

Remember seeing this as a 12 year old in a theater in the Bronx. Crowd was bonkers. Glad to see a younger generation still enjoying this classic. Good job on the insightful analysis.

[@ste.6026]

I don't know how well 'Warriors' did at the cinema but it did really well on VHS, my three most rented films of the time were 'The Warriors', The Wanderers' & ' Southern Comfort' all are equally good my personal pick is 'Southern Comfort' with Keith Carradine & Powers Boothe also directed by Walter Hill (also involved with 'The Warriors')... 'Southern Comfort' also has an amazing soundtrack by Ry Cooder...

[@03cobra4]

One of my favorite movies of all time. Have probably seen it 50 times. The atmosphere, pacing, story, everything, is perfect. The movie was released and did really well the first week or so but then got pulled because of violence at multiple screenings of the movie. Its an all time classic.

[@thunderstruck5484]

Saw at the theater loved this movie and in my opinion still holds up you just have to put yourself in that era and enjoy it for the sort of artwork it is in my opinion, thanks again

[@JamesVSCinema]

Agreed! Which is something people should do whenever they go to the theaters! Happy you dig it fam!

[@CheerUp2]

Honestly I feel like it had to be done in this era, I dont think it would achieve the same the effect today. This grittiness could not be done successfully now

[@scottlette]

The Warriors was a very popular VHS rental in its day. Such a dope movie with a nice series of layers to its storytelling.

[@clearsmashdrop5829]

I saw this movie on cable back in 80s. It scared the crap out of me (I was in junior high). I should probably watch it as an adult and see how different or not I feel about it.

[@Pikminer-5087]

This is one of my dad's favorite escape movies as a kid. He always quotes the obvious line and "Can you dig it?" at the beginning. It's a neat film to me as well, so many years later.

[@coryH420]

Let's go 🔥🔥🔥🔥 love this movie James your bring the heat lately hope your doing well brother.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Anytime brother. I’ve been super good man! Focusing on the mental 🙏🏽

[@mikebaxter6771]

This movie is the reason for my passion of film. I just couldn't wrap my head around why I was so captivated by such a small movie that few people talk about. I'm glad more and more people are realizing how iconic it is.

[@Uncle_T]

Forgot about the knife throw at the end, clearly Walter Hill had seen Kurosawa's Yojimbo. 😉

[@Red-Eyez420gaming]

Was born 10 years after this was made. Still one of my favourite movies to watch as a kid. And you must know who James remar is.

[@austenbin4068]

Such a great movie! Based on the Anabasis by Xenophon, about ten thousand Greek mercenaries caught 1000 miles behind enemy lines and had to fight all the way home to Greece. Fun facts: The "Warriors come out to play" scene was improve by the actor, who took inspiration from the bullies that picked on him as a kid. Also, he was on Twin Peaks. The tough guy who got caught by the cops went on the play Dexter's dad in Dexter. The girl was in a sitcom for a long time that was popular in the 80's. The lead actor was in some things, but I don't think his career went too far.

[@rogergeyer9851]

Interesting re the historical reference - I had no clue about that (history being a weak point for me). I just LOVED the Axel character and the way he played the part. Especially calling all the guys attacking them wimps (like the Telly Savalas character in "Capricorn One" calling everyone "preverts"). I never consciously realized why I liked the Furies chase / fight scene so much, and after several decades remembered that scene the best. It was the MUSIC. I only realized that upon looking at comments discussing that, watching the scene, and PAYING ATTENTION to the Music. Like it so much I ordered the soundtrack mainly for the Warriors Theme and the Furies Chase version of that. To me the movie has weaknesses re acting, overall plot, lots of the writing, etc, but that scene perfectly sums up the action and theme of the movie. I watched it several times in the early 80's at a big old cinema that showed all the classic cult movies for a buck, recycling them every few months or so for years -- and then forgot all about it until seeing it by accident on KZbin.

[@TheMrsmartass13]

I love how the baseball fight is directed like a sword fight from the old ancient greek movies, they way they swing their bats and block each shot is very much like how the fighting is directed in Jason and the Argonauts

[@HeavenlySword]

David Patrick Kelly (Luther) is a great character actor. Always plays the best snivelling villains in movies.

[@richardrobbins8067]

Commando, and of course 48 Hours with James Remar/Ajax (same director I believe) also a very convincing villain in Dreamscape.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Hahaha dude was next level haha

[@66RainySuper]

He was just in the Ray Donovan movie

[@jstratton1981]

I love him in twin peaks

[@WrathOfTheGoth]

The Crow was a great one.

[@thelocusst]

I’ve watched a few of your reviews. This movie is one of my all time favorites. You earned my subscription. Your assessment is always fair and you always point out something I didn’t notice. Keep doing this. It rules

[@theman4884]

James great review. If you have not seen it I suggest you watch Sorcerer from 1977. It is a film by William Friedkin that was not nearly as successful as it should have been. But it is awesome. It is a remake of the 1953 French film Le salaire de la peur (The Wages of Fear). In my humble opinion the American remake is superior.

[@barrycohen311]

Cinematographer Andrew Laszlo is a total badass. Up there with the best of them. Very artistic style....

[@andrewwilson803]

The Director's Cut version of this movie is also great. They do a lot of comic book-esque cuts between scenes.

[@LeviBoldock]

No.

[@andrewwilson803]

@@LeviBoldock yes

[@phantomzone2725]

The director's cut was so unnecessary. I get what he wanted to do at the time, but why ruining a classic with those stupid comic inserts?

[@jmacmcfc4662]

My all time favourite… used to watch it and play the game as a kid religiously

[@parsasadri8015]

Thanks for reacting to this. I'd definitely recommend Boulevard Nights after watching this since it was apart of the few gangster films of 1979 that were attempted to be banned along with The Warriors. It was also the first Latino gangster film

[@JamesVSCinema]

Noted! I dig the title honestly!

[@bgcorporation]

Here's something many don't notice right away. The Warriors turf is at Coney Island. That's the final scene on the beach. They were on their turf. The Gramercy Riffs colors is orange. If you noticed, they went on the Warriors turf not wearing their colors. They were showing respect to the Warriors by not wearing their colors on the Warriors turf.

[@rhino3784]

All of the audio of this movie very much stands out. It made the whole feel of the film feel like a 1970s psychedelic trip.

[@CORP86]

I remember watching this movie with my cousin everytime it was on tv. Its one of my all time favorites. Can throw it on anytime

[@manleychenoweth8144]

I saw this in the theatre when I was 4, so maybe that colored my impression of this film, but it's always seemed like a fantasy epic like Lord of the rings, but set in New York city

[@noirerequiemvi3906]

LOVE THIS FILM SO MUCH, got introduced to this by my uncle, it was super awesome to me, plus the look of the gangs esp baseball furies really made this larger than life

[@JamesVSCinema]

This is like...Mad Max but in an urban setting! Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Revisiting Aliens (the second OG) Friday! Enjoy the day!

[@maximillianosaben]

Part of the set design for this movie involved them spraying the streets with hoses so that the streetlights of varying colors would shine along the wet road.

[@JamesVSCinema]

That’s honestly really dope and something I’d definitely would’ve done myself haha. It gives such a great atmosphere!

[@mpotter9944]

If you haven't seen Mad Max 2 (The Road Warrior in the US) you should definitely put it on your list, no need to bother with the first one.

[@patrickmassonne1919]

@@mpotter9944 For the place and time I find Mad Max more creative and bizarre. Cops gone wild in the outback, biker gangs, and lawless zones in an Australia that didn't seem too far away from in time given the culture and music comin' from there (to these American eyes). Plus, did you see that caravan explode? ( :

[@imarxb]

@@JamesVSCinema you've watched The Warriors. Now try Once Were Warriors.

[@CptColumbo]

The DJ is Lynne Thigpen, who was the chief on Where in the World is Carmen San Diego.

[@matthewconstantine5015]

The aggressive Warrior, Ajax, is played by James Remar. You've seen him in a bajillion things. He's still working and is one of the great "that guy" actors of the 80s, 90s & 2000s. Lynne Thigpen who played the DJ was, before her early death in 2003 another prolific actress. For Millennials, she's likely most familiar as The Chief on the original Where in the World is Carmen Sandiago? The squirrely bad guy is David Patrick Kelley, who is a similarly skeevy villain/henchman in a million movies, especially in the 80s and 90s (Commando, Dreamscape & Total Recall among others). A few others had notable roles and a lot were frequent supporting & bit players in film & TV. I think a bunch were theater folks, too, but I may be wrong.

[@rickymorphew2245]

james remar keeps popping up in things i have been watching and is always amazing

[@frommymind4639]

Your comment about Clockwork Orange, YES! I've always felt that the gangs in this movie reminded me of ones in Clockwork Orange.

[@steveshute3810]

This is one of my favorite movies ever! Iconic! I love at the end how several of the Riffs are armed w/ hockey sticks.

[@gowkie3940]

Okay Boppers. One of my all time favorite films. Glad you got around to this. Walter Hill went to to produce the Alien movies, Deadwood and the 48 hour series.

[@MrEnergee1987]

The Warriors is the best and most futuristic film of the pre-80s

[@gggooding]

Always disappointed that The Golden State Warriors don't start *every* game with the announcement: "Warriors, come out to play!"

[@JamesVSCinema]

Missed opportunity right there. That and probably legalities.

[@Aka_Miles_OToole]

I saw this as a kid and it really stuck with me, have to watch it every year or so.. classic!

[@robertmccauley754]

I’m not sure if you’re the first to add the subtitles but that’s so smart. Thank you for thinking ahead.

[@scottcunningham799]

I'm so glad to see you react to this one. One of my all time favorite movies :)

[@steelekeepinitreel4909]

Walter Hill (director) was in a class all by himself in the late 70's into the 80's(Long Riders, 48 Hrs, Crossroads). He had a knack for simple looking and gritty. BTW one of the Prom Girls on the train was 3 time Oscar nominee, Debra Winger and the cop on the park bench is Oscar winner Mercedes Ruhl. The Lips from the radio station(Lynne Thigpen) is the Chief from the Tv show "Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?". Ajax(James Remar) , you just have to look up because he's done too much to list!

[@gattonero2716]

Four actors from this movie were later used by Walter Hill in 48 hours they were James Remar, David Patrick Kelly who once again played a character named Luther Marcelino Sanchez as the parking garage valet where Eddie Murphy's character had his car parked and last but not least Sonny Lanham who played James Remars partner in crime in 48 hours in the Warriors, Sonny was the policeman who threw (Thomas Waites) Fox's character into the train track

[@EricPalmerBlog]

Brilliant movie. Happy that someone with your skillsets saw this.

[@glamazon6172]

I follow another channel called "Shan Watches Movies". He just did the Warriors a few days ago and now I want you guys to collab. He's so gosh darn charming. Have a great day, James, from the Sometimes Early Squad!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Hahaha he’s a dope dude! Watch his videos here and there! 🙏🏽

[@arthurgoerner488]

It was a "B" movie, not a lot of press, almost no budget. We almost all saw this on cable or DVD in the early '80's, not in the theaters. It was instantly a cult classic. Any teenage boy from the '80's who was a movie buff fricking loved this movie. I saw it in a Dorm room for the first time with my 7 buddies, and we had a BLAST watching this, cheering and yelling at some parts, laughing at others, but we all had the same reaction. High Art? No, but deeper than most people would give it credit for at first glance. The Subway scene was a magnificent touch. When he stops her from fixing her hair, what a moment, so deep. "we don't make excuses or apologize for who we are, especially to those who cannot possibly comprehend." Great film-makers do not need words to convey concepts and realities. Totally original in the way it was done? Hell yeah. Great stunt work, imaginative script, moves fast, surprises at every turn, on the edge of our seat as to what would happen next. This movie is special, although not Academy worthy, it stands the test of time, and is a wild ride. By the way... the female gang that tried to kill them? They were representing the Sirens, the monsters whose beautiful songs led sailors to their deaths on the rocks in Greek mythology. The entire thing is based on Greek tradition. Crazy man.

[@josephcasanova1975]

Michael Beck who played Swan was in a musical with Olivia Newton John called Xanadu, James Remar who played Ajax and David Patrick Kelly who played Luthor we're in another Walter Hill(who directed this movie)film together, 48 Hours and had decent careers. Dorsey Wright who played Cleon was in the musical Hair. Debra Van Valkenberg who played Mercy was in the TV Sitcom, Too Close For Comfort. The female DJ played by Lynn Thigpen had a very successful movie career is mostly supporting roles

[@J4remi]

This is a quintessential NYC classic. Really glad you got put on to it. Another throwback with group scraps is the Wanderers. But the Warriors has a special place because of the familiarity that comes with it for me growing up in a family of New Yorkers and spending my whole life on those trains and hearing stories about some of those places.

[@r.saints]

My absolute favorite movie of all time. After playing the game on the PS2 back in the early 2000s, had go watch the movie, and ever since watching it for the first time 18 years ago it’s been like a tradition to rewatch the movie every summer.

[@thelucky1]

I've been waiting for this one!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Woo we are finally here to play!

[@demonik2108]

The dude clinging the bottles is also the Old cleaner from John Wick and the old prisoner in the Longest Yard (Adam Sandler) The fighter (Ajax) played Raiden in MK part 2 , and other movies haha

[@Bill-en7kw]

The three actors that had a considerable career were, Ajax (James Remar) the woman in the park (Mercedes Ruell), and guy who shot Cyrus (David Kelly)

[@garganrose]

19:53 it was. I heard somewhere that an interview. The actor said that he was told to improvise that scene so what he did was, he looked around, found these bottles on the ground and thought it would be funny to clack them together, and he remembered this bully from when he was in school would be outside his house calling out to him to come out to play.

[@Liberator130]

An actor's running really showcases their dedication to the story

[@rogermorris9696]

This movie reminds me of The Odysssy , a classic Greek tale about a bunch of solders returning from the seege of Troy.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Someone did mention how it took reference form Ancient Greek I believe?

[@LordVolkov]

@@JamesVSCinema The Anabasis, by Xenophon. Greek soldiers trapped in Persia have to fight their way back to their boats through enemy lines.

[@thunderstruckgypsy9848]

it is influenced by the odyssey- even has Ajax in it

[@EBlank3807]

Don't think I ever clicked on something so fast. Bruh! Been subbed since early on and you consistently push out absolute bangers, my guy! CAN! YOU! DIG! IT!

[@WrathOfTheGoth]

The last thing I ever saw at the original Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, TX before it closed and moved was a beautiful new 35mm print of this movie that looked almost neon the colors were so bright. Pretty much everyone in the audience bought a bucket of beer at the start of the showing so that at the end we could all put bottles on our fingers and clink them while chanting along with the screen when that scene came up. One of the best times I've had in a movie theater. 100 people clanking bottles is LOUD. lol

[@DreadKnightDre]

Anything warriors is gold. Top ten film all time for me the way they captured the time and space is insane.

[@tinastar1972]

The actor who played Ajax (the beast) is James Remar and he's actually been in quite a few movies and tv shows. He was in 48Hrs., Django ( he was a the first guy to get shot and also the guy in the bowler hat who worked for Candyland) and he played Dexter's father.

[@suppliziante666]

You can find David Patrick Kelley, who plays Luther, in many many films and series, like twin peaks, wild at heart, commando, Malcolm x , the crow and many more

[@johnallen4465]

I'm been waiting for this man.