Product Details

• Actors: Scott Mechlowicz, Amy Smart, Nick Nolte, Ray Wise, Karen Landry
• Directors: Victor Salva
• Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Universal Studios
• DVD Release Date: June 26, 2007
• Run Time: 121 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (133 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000QEIOSU
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,870 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

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Interview With Dan Millman, author of The Way of the Peaceful Warrior

Dan Millman, the author of Way of the Peacful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives, took the time to answer a few questions for us about the making of the film, the creation of a new genre, and five movies that you should see.

Many writers have found the process of getting their books onto the screen to be frustrating, for many reasons, usually dealing with creative issues. How did you find the whole process? How much control over the final script did you have?

Novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was drafted into screenwriting, once suggested, "Any authors interested in seeing their work adapted to the screen should stand at the California border, throw their manuscript in the direction of Hollywood, and run the other way." This sentiment may be good advice for authors who expect or insist that all their precious narrative and dialogue be transferred directly to the screen. I understood, going in, that adapting a book to film is like turning a painting into a sculpture -- changes are sometimes necessary and even desirable. Once film rights were sold, I had (like most authors) no control over script, casting, or any other aspect of the film-making process--but I was able to at least achieve some influence with the producers and director based on earned credibility. I served as a consultant, offering notes along the way. The director also incorporated about ten pages of material from an earlier script I had written. But overall, the process was an exercise in letting go and getting out of the way.

It seems we're seeing a wave of positive-thought/spritually based work in literature and movies lately, for example, The Secret, The Celestine Prophecy, and What the Bleep Do We Know. Is this a temporary fad or do you see this as a larger cultural shift?
There are apparently millions of people today who find comfort in metaphysical and so-called "quantum" ideas that promise to help them attract all manner of good things by intending, focusing or thinking positively. The Peaceful Warrior's way is a call to move from wishful thinking to constructive action. In other words, it's fine to have big dreams, but our lives are shaped by what we actually do, moment to moment. The smallest good deed surpasses the grandest good intention. As Thomas Edison wrote, "Most people miss opportunity because it's dressed in overalls and looks like work." Let's keep our head in the clouds but our feet on the ground.

)Who exactly was Socrates? What can you tell us about the actual person he's based on? And how did Nick Nolte come into this role?
Way of the Peaceful Warrior provides a glimpse of life's bigger picture through a story that blends autobiographical material and fictional elements. I did meet an old service station mechanic about three a.m. on a starry morning. And I did call him "Socrates." He impacted my life not only with his words, but with the light in his eyes and the way he carried himself - and he became the archetypal Mentor described in my book. As to how Nick Nolte came to play the role (quite brilliantly) -- that was simply a conjunction of the stars, of timing and fortune, along with the good casting sense of the director and producers. I'm glad it turned out that way.

What are your thoughts on the final cut of the movie?
When my wife and I saw an early screening of the film, I was both moved and relieved. It was not an easy adaptation. The screenwriter, director and producers made some choices different from mine, but I enjoyed the result. Every film, like every person, has both flaws and virtues. In my view, the virtues of Peaceful Warrior outweigh any flaws. Although the movie covers only the first two-thirds of the book -- leaving out the most important part of the story -- it still manages to capture the spirit of the book, and to offer wisdom that can impact the lives of those who view it. Peaceful Warrior reflects a new genre -- "cinema with substance" -- transformational film..

This is being billed as "a movie that changes lives." What are five movies you would recommend that, in your opinion, change lives?
The subtitle of the book, based on reader feedback, is "A book that changes lives." Universal Pictures adapted this for the film as well. If any film can change lives, it does so by providing stories and role models that expand perspectives about what is important in our lives, and about the human spirit. Although others might come up with quite a different list, here are a few films that I consider examples of transformational film: It's a Wonderful Life; Groundhog Day; Rudy; Contact; To Kill a Mockingbird; Twelve Angry Men. There are many more; hundreds more. But these films in some way call us to living with a peaceful heart and a warrior spirit - to live with courage and love, to stand tall even when we stand alone, to do what is right and speak and live our truth. This is what the peaceful warrior's way is all about.

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Product Description
An inspirational and triumphant film about the power of the human spirit, Peaceful Warrior is the incredible true story based on Dan Millman's bestselling novel. A gifted young athlete, bound for Olympic gold, Dan has it all: trophies, talent, and all the women he wants. But after a life-changing event, Dan comes to rely on Socrates (Nick Nolte), a mysterious stranger, and Joy (Amy Smart), an elusive young woman, to teach him the secret to overcome incredible odds and tap into new worlds of strength and understanding. Hailed by celebrities and critics alike, Peaceful Warrior is "an inspiring film that could change lives." - Sting

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

79 of 84 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Peaceful Warrior is a inspirational movie that I highly recommend, May 15, 2007

By	Porfie Medina "Porfie Jr. Medina" (Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I saw this movie back in April and I can say it was truly awesome and very inspirational! According to previous reviews this movie has been out since last summer. I received free tickets to see this courtesy of blockbuster, otherwise I probably would have never came across this movie. Dan Millman is a gymnast who is a popular jock and seems to have it all. Dan has a great body, good looks, and has a charm that allows him to get almost any girl. All this seems to be great for Dan's ego, but deep down inside he is far from happy. He starts to have these violent dreams that keep him up late at night. One night when Dan can not sleep he wanders in to a service station and meets a mysterious man. This man who Dan calls "Socrates" will help take him on one of the most amazing journeys of his life. This journey will become one of the most important things when Dan has a motorcycle accident and shatters one of his legs along with his dreams of being in the Olympics. Peaceful Warrior is based on a book, and the movie is one of the most inspiring movies to come out in a very long time. I will not say any more because I don't want to ruin it for those who have not seen it. I will say this is one great movie and Im glad it is finally coming to DVD. I highly recommend this great movie!

43 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Take Out The Trash Dan" ~ There's No Higher Purpose Than Service To Others, July 2, 2007

By	Brian E. Erland "Rainbow Sphinx" (Brea, CA - USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Based on allegedly actual events chronicled in Dan Millman's book `Way of the Peaceful Warrior' the film `Peaceful Warrior' released in `05 takes the audience on a shamanic spiritual journey in the most unlikely of places, a twentieth century urban center, more precisely, Berkley, California.

Synopsis: Dan Millman is a top gymnast at U. C. Berkley yet despite his many successes he feels empty and incomplete inside. Plagued by dreams of failure Dan is unable to sleep and finds himself wandering the streets in the early hours of the morning. When he stops at an all night gas station and service mart he meets a man of unconventional wisdom who begins to instruct him on the process of clearing his mind of all the useless garbage it contains in order to view himself and the world around him in a brand new way.

`Peaceful Warrior' is one of those rare films that both entertains and teaches without sacrificing one for the other. The production values are high, the dialogue believable and the performances strong. Scott Mechlowicz was definitely the right choice to play the role of Berkley gymnast Dan Millman and Nick Nolte delivers one of his best performances in years as the mysterious Socrates, garage attendant and "New Age" Zen Master. Add to the mix Amy Smart as Dan's love interest Joy and you have a little romance as well. I did find the film to be slightly uneven here and there, the best moments taking place whenever Nick Nolte (Socrates) is on screen. However the message is so well presented and the actors so amiable any minor gliches are forgivable.

My Rating: 4 1/2 Stars.

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great movie to share, June 22, 2007

By	Daydream Believer (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews

This film is a wonderful experience worth watching several times to get the full impact. Let me preface this by saying I had not read the book prior to seeing the movie. Some people told me that they preferred the book (which is often true of book-to-film adaptations). I disagree- while I have since read the book and think it is great, I prefer the film. The film is about a young man's lessons in life--what works and what doesn't. Yes, the philosophy could be considered simple or basic, but it's also true and it doesn't hurt to be reminded of some of these "truths" once in awhile since most movies don't do that. The acting is excellent-- the characters are given some depth- particularly the lead role, Socrates, and the coach. Believable and honest. I think it has universal appeal-- but I particularly hope that a lot of adolescent boys see it-- it will give them something to ponder-- something which most "car crash" movies usually aimed at that demographic don't do. Parents- this is a movie for your teenagers (I don't think children under 13 would get it--plus there are some semi-violent images). When trying to convince friends and others to watch it, I often show chapter 8 from the disc (where Socrates teaches the athlete a lesson- won't spoil the surprise here)-- it definitely makes people want to see the film.