NO-SPOILER REVIEW!

3.5 Stars.

This was in tough. I felt mixed about it. Had I watched it when it came out, it might've been different. Because at the time, it might not have felt so cheesy in terms of production values and standards. But in reality, there were some things in this film that just felt cheesy and forced. Production values weren't entirely bad, but also at times it felt like a movie from the 90's (in that sense)...
Example, a gymnastic routine performance that is a climactic scene in the film it takes little effort to see that it is a stunt-double and not the actor who's supposed to be doing it. Things like that just kinda take away from the story or make it feel cheapened in my opinion...

Yes, the story overall isn't bad. And Nolte is cast perfectly with his white beard and gruff voice being a sage/wise-old-man type. AND, some dialogue is brilliant. I mean there are lines that are powerful and could be life-changing type advice that I'd endorse. However, it's always about HOW the story is told and presented that makes or breaks the art of storytelling right? Well, yea, the main character I think seems a little ridiculous at a lot of times which I'm not sure if that's a scripting problem or what but again it just makes it feel a little cheese...
This could have been a great inspirational type flick, had it lost all the cheese and poor-production value spots on it. Instead, it's a real mixed bag with some profound points to reflect on life, and some cheesy storytelling you gotta put up with in-between the highlights. So... that's my summary of this one.
But make no mistake about it, this movie is 100% sets out to be that "uplifting, inspiring" flick. Sidenote I will say the fact it was based on a real dude's story does make it have a little more weight to it. But that at the same time does not forgive the things lacking in the movie.

Timeless tale of mentor and student in the Buddhist and Taoist traditions without being necessarily religious. Great motivational and spiritual lessons in this film based on Dan Millman's experiences overcoming a terrible accident that almost ruined his gymnastic career. Nolte gives a low key, meaningful performance. One of my favorite movies. You see something new in it every time you watch it.

This movie deals with the development of a man learning to live in the moment, overcoming obstacles that most would never consider. It is inspiring to see. Many of the scenes deal with typical student, master wisdom, somewhat zen. It is a worthwhile movie for those who are open to seeing the truth about life. The biggest conquest just might be yourself. Not a typical movie.

Anybody who ever competed knows how frazzled your nerves can get. Can you still your nerve just by liberating yourself from, well, yourself? No. You can lose your attachments and desires all you want, but you are still left with your automatic fight-or-flight response. You have to conquer that to be a peaceful warrior. The enlightenment is just the first step; it still takes lifetime of practice to overcome your fear and be at the moment, unless you are a born with the nerve of steel.

Easily one of my favorite movies from 2006; this is a true story about faith in the human condition of one individual who faces defeat but becomes motivated by a very strong drive and will to succeed no matter what the odds. Based on the book by Dan Millman "Way of the Peaceful Warrior", it features Scott Mechlowicz, Amy Smart, and Nick Nolte (known as Socrates). Truly an inspirational movie about enlightenment, this movie comes highly recommended. A must see that belongs in every ones collection.

An over-comer movie. Having been a trauma patient in my early adult life, there was a certain element of truth in the main character's experience in addition of the themes of focus over fantasy, being in the moment instead of waiting for THE moment. But there were also some glaring errors in philosophy that have to be overlooked. Kind of a mix of Karate Kid, Rocky, and other over-comer movie themes. Could be inspiring but I wouldn't use it to teach self discipline or philosophy. Somehow it still teaches 'it's all about me."

There are already many excellent, in-depth reviews of the movie which go over the specifics of the story, so I will not cover that here.

I watched this movie last night w/ my 14 year old son and we both enjoyed it immensely!

While it's not an "exact" representation of the book (which I read many years ago and just requested from my library... my original copy was borrowed and never returned :)) it's certainly "close enough" and most importantly captured may of the key transformational ideas.

The idea that there are truly "no ordinary moments" and the notion that "A Peaceful Warrior practices EVERYTHING rather than just certain...more important... things" was presented powerfully!

Also, the notion that the majority of people (especially in our culture) seem to spend their lives waiting for some future accomplishment to bring them lasting happiness, and the lie contained in that notion, is also well expressed (especially during the gymnastics match at the end during Dan's conversation with his teammate).

I would hope that people who were moved by this movie might explore further the teachings on mindfulness (the essence of the movie).

There are great books by Thich Nhat Hanh, Eckhart Tolle, Jon Kabot-Zinn, The Dalai Lama, as well as Dan Millman and others, that can help them learn more about these teachings.

I'm currently reading Dan Millman's "Everyday Enlightenment" and it's definitely one of the most transformational as well as "real life practical" books I've come across in a long time.

In summary (getting back to the movie :)), I am very appreciative to the folks who made this film. It's refreshing when one can watch a film that is not only entertaining but that can help to reinforce the transformational ideas contained in "Peaceful Warrior".

I have purchased this movie over and over since it first came out. This movie is life-changing. The first time I watched it I didn’t understand the meaning. Then I watched it again it was great! I learn something new every time I view this movie. This movie does change lives in a positive way. I highly recommend this product. Thank you Amazon.com