Peaceful warrior: a quality film for those who want to reach their dreams but don't know how

Lamp, The, April, 2008 by Rachael Allen

A film based on a novel by Dan Millman tells the story a journey of self discovery for an elite sportsman.

A self-absorbed young gymnast played by Scott Mechlowicz has everything a college boy wants: looks, girls, money and an aspiring future as a Olympic gymnast. Plagued by torturous nightmares about his future aspirations being shattered, he suffers sleepless nights for fear of his dream becoming reality. So disturbed is he by these thoughts, late one night he goes for a run to the local service station where he meets an old service attendant (Nick Nolte). When leaving the premises Dan witnesses a chance event that proves to be a life-changing experience.

Peaceful Warrior is a poignant story of self discovery portrayed with underlying themes of success, failure, hopes and dreams. It takes you on a philosophical journey teaching viewers that life is not just about the end destination. Rather, it is an understanding and appreciation of small things along the journey which, when combined, can create happiness.

This movie is a critical reflection of one's self on the journey to self discovery. I found its insights valuable to my life and my nursing practice. It exposes how experience, knowledge and skill, applied at the right time, will provide beneficial outcomes. It helps explore the way one's consciousness makes sense of reality.

This is a film for lovers of philosophy and those who like to think beyond the square.

Review by Rachael Allen, RN at Prince of Wales Hospital

The Lamp's rating ***