Watch Warrior (2019)
- TV-MA
- 2019
- 2 Seasons
-
8.4 (28,242)
Warrior is a historical action-drama TV series that premiered on Cinemax in 2019. It is based on the writings of Bruce Lee, which he intended to adapt into a TV show in the 1970s but failed to do so due to racial discrimination in Hollywood. The creators of the show, Jonathan Tropper and Justin Lin, used Lee's notes to develop the series, making it a tribute to the martial arts legend's visionary ideas. The show is set in 1870s San Francisco during the Tong Wars, which were violent clashes between rival Chinese gangs fighting for territory, power, and influence. Into this world comes Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji), a skilled martial artist from China who comes to America in search of his sister, who had been sold into prostitution. Ah Sahm is recruited by the Hop Wei Tong, led by the wise and cunning Father Jun (Hoon Lee), to join their ranks and work as a hatchet man, a killer who does the Tong's dirty work. Ah Sahm's loyalty to the Hop Wei is tested as he navigates the treacherous underworld of Chinatown, where every person has a hidden agenda and no one can be trusted. Along the way, Ah Sahm meets several other characters who shape the course of the story. There's Ah Toy (Olivia Cheng), a powerful madam who runs a brothel and has her own agenda for the Tong Wars. There's Young Jun (Jason Tobin), Father Jun's hot-headed son who is eager to prove himself as a leader. There's Mai Ling (Dianne Doan), Ah Sahm's estranged sister who has risen through the ranks of the rival Long Zii Tong and is embroiled in a complex power struggle with her husband, the ruthless leader of the gang. The show weaves together different themes that explore the complex sociopolitical landscape of 19th-century America. It addresses issues such as racism, immigration, gender, and class, offering a nuanced perspective on the struggles of marginalized communities trying to survive in a hostile environment. The show also portrays the richness of Chinese culture and how it has been appropriated and distorted by American stereotypes, while also showing the diversity of perspectives within the Chinese community. But perhaps the show's most impressive feature is its stunning fight scenes. Warrior features some of the best choreographed and executed martial arts sequences ever seen on TV. It not only showcases the different styles of Chinese martial arts but also blends them with other influences, creating a unique and visceral experience. The fight scenes are not just there for spectacle but are integral to the story, as they represent the extreme violence and brutality of the world the characters inhabit. Overall, Warrior is a must-watch for fans of historical action-drama and martial arts. The show offers a fresh and original take on a familiar genre, while also paying tribute to the legacy of Bruce Lee. With a talented cast, gripping plot, and jaw-dropping fight scenes, Warrior is a thrilling ride that leaves audiences craving for more.