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The Warriors is a 1979 film directed by Walter Hill about the journey of eight young members of a New York City street gang as they flee the vengeance of rival gangs. The film, very obviously a 70s movie, is seldom taken seriously today, but at the time was somewhat controversial, as many believed it incited real life gang violence.
The plot of the film (which was adapted from the novel by Sol Yurick, and loosely based on Xenophon's Anabasis), focuses on how nine members of the American Indian-themed gang 'The Warriors' flee a giant gang truce meeting following the murder of the rival leader who led the convocation. The Warriors are wrongly accused of the murder, and have to flee from The Bronx to their home turf of Coney Island, on the opposite side of the city. Thousands of rival gang members search for them (although few are actually seen doing so in the film) guided by an underground radio DJ, who broadcasts reports of the Warriors' progress and whereabouts.
The film has gained something of a cult status, largely for its retro feel. The gangs, both the Warriors and their rivals, are not terribly threatening by today's standards. Few carry any weapon more dangerous than a baseball bat or knife, and most don identical uniforms that today most would consider laughable: face paint/clown makeup, baseball uniforms, wide-brimmed fedoras, silky purple vests and ties, to mention nothing of the Warriors' Indian costuming.
A remake of the film, to be directed by Tony Scott, has been announced with a tentative release date of 2006.
Comparisons between The Warriors and the Anabasis
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