“The Warriors” (1979) directed by Walter Hill / Z-View

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The Warriors (1979)

Director: Walter Hill

Screenplay: David Shaber, Walter Hill based on The Warriors by Sol Yurick

Stars: Michael Beck, James Remar, Dorsey Wright, Brian Tyler, David Harris, Tom McKitterick, Marcelino Sánchez, Terry Michos, Deborah Van Valkenburgh, Roger Hill, David Patrick Kelly, Mercedes Ruehl and Lynne Thigpen.

Tagline: These are the Armies of the Night. They are 100,000 strong. They outnumber the cops five to one. They could run New York City. Tonight they’re all out to get the Warriors.

The Plot…

Cyrus, the leader of the biggest, most powerful gang in New York City has called a truce and requested every gang send nine representatives to a late night meeting at a Park in the Bronx.  Thousands of gang members show up to hear Cyrus announce his plan.  Gang members outnumber police 5 to 1.  If the gangs join together they can take over the city.

Suddenly Cyrus is shot by someone in the crowd.  Luther, the leader of Rogues is the assassin.  As eyes turn towards Luther, he yells, “It was the Warriors!  The Warriors killed Cyrus!”  At this same time, police arrive.  All hell breaks loose as gang members are running from the sound of the shot and the police.

When the Warriors regroup they realize that they have been marked as Cyrus’ killer.  They are 27 miles from home with every gang in between looking to kill them.  It’s going to be a long night.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Walter Hill was on a great directing streak when he made The Warriors.  His previous films were Hard Times and The Driver.  He would follow The Warriors with The Long Riders, Southern Comfort, 48hrs and Streets of Fire.  Hill was on fire!

Hill’s co-writer was David Shaber who would go on to write the screenplay for another of my favorite films, Nighthawks starring Sly Stallone.

Hill was smart to use mostly unknown actors for The Warriors.  James Remar was the standout.  One of my favorite scenes in the movie has Remar and another Warrior chased by some members of the Baseball Furies.  The Furies dress like baseball players and carry bats.  Remar’s partner is winded and says, “I can’t make it.”  Remar, “Are you sure?” His partner: “Yes, I’m sure.” Remar stops running and says,  “Well, good! I’m sick of runnin’ from these wimps!”

The Warriors (1979) rates 5 of 5 stars.