The Peaceful Warrior (DVD, 2007)

Based on his series of philosophical books, this is the story of Dan Millman (Scott Melchowiz), an arrogant college gymnast who finds a guru in the form of a mysterious gas station attendant called Socrates (Nick Nolte). Poised to qualify for the Olympics, Dan is nonetheless troubled and Socrates seems to have the answers. It's an intensely personal journey that Dan is invited to undergo, with Socrates seemingly able to influence Dan's dreams and knock him into states of heightened awareness. It all gets to be too much, and Dan gives up the training, but when a motorcycle accident shatters his leg Dan may not have anything else left. He has to learn to let go of the person he thought he was and start living in the moment by appreciating the journey and accepting his lack of control over the future. Though undoubtedly allegorical, much of the film rings true (it's based on Millman's life) and Nolte gives his stoic, grizzled best in a difficult part. Director Victor Salva (POWDER, JEEPERS CREEPERS) clearly loves the material, and makes good use of tracking shots and slow motion in capturing the athletic grace of these young men. Amy Smart is memorable in a too-small role as an enlightened friend of Socrates, and Ashton Homes and Paul Welsey are suitably pumped and insecure as Dan's unenlightened teammates.