“The Warrior Class” is an American legal drama directed by Alan Hruska which attempts to combine litigation, personal interest and moral question, released in 2007. It is a more obscure film under the legal-thriller subgenre, but still earns some notice thanks to its heady plot and lead actors.
Synopsis
This film tells us about Alec Brno portrayed by Anson Mount, a bright and good-hearted young lawyer on his way up. When assigned to a case of a big company’s embezzlement, he meets the attractive but elusive Annie Sullivan (Erica Leerhsen) who appears to be crucial for the resolution of the case. As the investigation goes on, he comes across dirt and rot that puts not just his career in limelight but even his belief of being right at stake.
Wherever you go there is always ambition, and with it, loyalty or the lack of it, and a great deal of ethical slip, because these people in the story had a goal and didn’t step back from donning the mask of righteous evil to succeed or to find the truth.
Cast and Key Performances
- Anson Mount as Alec Brno: Mount was quite good, fully interpreting the role of a lawyer who weaves in and out of complex professional relationships with conflicting stakes while working his way through the stone-cold world of business. It is a role that adds to his many including later works in shows such as Hell on Wheels.
- Erica Leerhsen in the role of Annie Sullivan: The character of Annie comes across as mysterious, her motives and loyalties only revealed later on in the film and Leerhsen does justice to this character.
- Robert Vaughn: The experience of Vaughn was a great strength in his supporting role, which helped to raise the tension and the stakes of the narrative.
- Jake Weber: A talented actor whose presence certainly added depth and nuance to the courtroom drama.
Cultural and Social Significance
Although “The Warrior Class” one can simply view as a courtroom drama, it is an analysis of the greater, sometimes, ethical vacuum present in the American legal system and corporate boardrooms. It depicts the life of young people working their way up the professional ladder with dreams in their eyes who have to balance their career, ethics, and relationships, something that many will be able to relate with.
Aesthetic Style
The aesthetics on display through out the film is quite bare bones, preferring to concentrate on interactions and legal movements rather than using stylish camera angles. The washed out colors convey the moral confusion in the characters, and the rhythm helps the viewer understand the tension and weight of Alec’s quest.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, “The Warrior Class” garnered a mixed reception. It was noted that actors Anson Mount and Erica Leerhsen gave captivating performances, however, some disturbances had been caused by the plot which strayed off into familiar abuse of legal thrillers. Even so, the film has enjoyed some level of popularity among enthusiasts of the courtroom and character based genres of films.
Recommendations for Similar films
If you liked “The Warrior Class”, here are some films you might also like:
- “Michael Clayton” (2007) – It is a legal thriller which focuses on the issue of corporate injustice, featuring George Clooney and giving us a thrilling corporate drama.
- “The Lincoln Lawyer” (2011) – Is a legal drama film that follows the angled exploits of a fast paced defense lawyer who is a respectable attorney played by Matthew McConaughey.
- “A Civil Action” (1998) – A John Travolta starred legal drama that was inspired by true events revolving around environmental case and the need for corporations to take accountability.
- “Primal Fear” (1996) – Depicted as a psychological courtroom thriller with good portrayal seen from Richard Gere and Edward Norton.