Reliving my childhood, here is a movie that was rated R back when I was 14 and I couldn't see then.
The Warriors are a Coney Island street gang in this West Side Story line. The various gangs across the city assemble in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx for a city wide assembly with Cyrus, who called for all to come together. All the various gangs were very distinctive outfits with their names on the back.
But when Cyrus is shot, the Warriors are blamed and they have to make it back to safe ground while all the other gangs are looking for them. In a throwback, they have to travel on foot and by subway, leading to various confrontations. The subway plays a big part, as danger is lurking always with the rumbling train coming through.
Billed at the time as a gritty, dark underground tale, it really comes across as somewhat theatrical with the chapter-like gang v. gang battles. The Baseball Furies are a great example, with their pinstripes and face paint. The costuming and cinematography were excellent.
A bit ahead of its time with an interesting multiracial cast. It does fall squarely in its time in the late 70s, with the effect of some earlier movies, especially Clockwork Orange and American Grafitti. Directed by Walter Hill, it is very similar to a fine later movie, 48 Hrs, plus other 80s classics, Risky Business and Lethal Weapon.
* * * * of 5
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