Peaceful Warrior

Aroview: Empowering soul food from dir. Victor Salva about an injured, Olympic-aspiring gymnast who finds solace and spiritual growth in the imparted wisdom of a mysterious stranger dubbed ‘Socrates’ (Nolte).

A marked departure for Salva, who cites Dan Millman’s source novel as a turning point in his life while serving time in prison for child molestation (see: CLOWNHOUSE), the film weighs in with some enriching meditations on overcoming setbacks, and living in the moment. This path to happiness, especially in the context of a sports movie, is indeed sappy and corn-fed, though will hold special appeal for New Ageists and lost souls as a form of enlightened entertainment.