clarity
September 2008 
Peaceful Warrior: Premiere
Posted on Apr 29th, 2006
by 
Jessica
Jessica
What an amazing night!
I just got back from the Inspiration Film Fest's screening of Peaceful Warrior, based on the book by Dan Millman. It was the most wonderful movie-going experience I have ever had. First of all, how cool is it that there IS an Inspiration Film Fest? The audience was full of expressive folks seeking spiritual sustenance. They weren't afraid to laugh, cry, or applaud. The film itself is beautiful, hilarious, and mind-blowing. The acting is tremendous. I have never seen a film speak so directly, with such a modern voice about the principles I have studied in Taoism and Buddhism .
The characters are remarkably real. I saw myself and my teachers over and over again through Nick Nolte and Scott Mechlowicz. I connected with the path of personal growth described therein as well as the snares of attachment that spring up for the main character again and again.
The film is full of poetic scenes of a visual and verbal nature. I can scarcely describe them; they are exquisite, but imagine seeing the death of the small self on screen or the brilliance of a moment captured in a single action. I love this movie and this story. It is full of miracles. Yet, its message is beyond the miraculous. It's really about the true heart, clarity, letting go, and knowing who you are.
Since this was the premiere, we were fortunate enough to be part of the Q&A following the screening with the director, Dan Millman, production team, and cast. The people from Lions Gate spoke about how difficult it is to get a film like this made. They were inspired by the burgeoning audience for such projects and thrilled to be connected with Peaceful Warrior. Nick Nolte was the most moving of speakers and expressed true resonance with the character of Socrates, wanting the film to help guide viewers to that peace within, that moment, that sense of self that exists beyond and within the outer shell of thoughts, emotions, passing attachments and desires. So awesome.
Please get out there and see this movie. It is both entertaining and nourishing. Bring your friends and your family.
It rocks. Go watch it.
Access: PublicTagged with: clarity, growth, true heart, LOHAS, movies, dan millman, peaceful warrior, film, non-attachment, santa monica, nick nolte, miraculous, premiere, hilarious, inspiration film fest
Wow!! So wish I (little I) was there! Can't wait to see it!!
How true was the movie to the book? What kind of questions were asked in the Q&A?
Let 's see. I must say that I haven't yet read the book! Can you believe it? We all start somewhere. But, I'm happy to to have been part of the Q&A and I'll tell you about that.
An audience member asked Nick Nolte about his preparation for the character of Socretes. In response he spoke of his experience during the 60s and how he hoped that opened the way for new thinking and new consciousness, but he thought these new ideas didn't really last and petered out. He talked about his own spiritual journey, studying various teachers and his own search for peace within.
The directors and production team were asked about choosing Nick Nolte for the role. They said he had come as a kind of godsend, serendipitously. They considered quite a few people for the role including Ben Kingsley, but they decided he just wouldn't be believable as a gas station attendant. Scott Mechlowicz (Dan) said there were a lot of lines in the script that didn't really make sense to him until Nolte uttered them in scene. Everyone was in awe of his performance.
Amy Smart was asked about her experience in the film. She said that she got the book about two weeks before she was offered the role. She had no idea that they were planning a film and synchronistically imagined a movie based on the book only two days before she got the call. She felt so honored to be a part of the project and was almost in tears. Amy Smart is very cool.
I got a chance to speak with the director, Victor Salva after the crowd cleared. He usually does horror films for Warner Brothers but had went close to broke to work on this movie. It's truly a labor of love on the part of the entire team. He tries to put a little philosophy into all of his films, even the standard horror stuff. He's a very nice guy.
So, those are the highlights:)
Wow, thanks for the summary! I love stories about serendipity. I'll see the film!
Hi Jessica! So glad you enoyed it - it sounds like an incredible experience. Bummed I wasn't able to be there, but I'm trusting in the divine purpose of the night. And, now I have something to look forward to in terms of the June release date! =)
this review rocks!
Just read it after getting this email from Dan:
Bri –
Did Canadian radio show today. Lynn, the host, read a wonderful PW movie review from a blogger.
She just sent me the blog reference….
hi again Dan, Criss forwarded the link to the blog of “the old soul”, for
you and your producers' reference.
http://jessica.zaadz.com/blog/2006/4/peaceful_warrior_premiere
COOL, OR WHAT?
More now to follow,
DAN
….
too cool.