You don't get to catch films like Warrior that often. Warrior's box office turn-out was one of the bigger upsets of this year. Fortunately, it was also one of the best films Hollywood had to offer moviegoers. Why this film was so underwatched is a mystery in itself, as it boasts some of the best performances and gut-wrenching dialogue I've seen/heard in years. But for every powerful film, there's a soundtrack just as emotionally driven. 

Composer Mark Isham has crafted some remarkable tracks to provide some of the noteworthy emotions in Warrior. Isham isn't afraid to tap into some of the darker themes, such as the relationship between Tommy (Tom Hardy) and his father, Paddy (Nick Nolte), but mostly focuses on the more uplifting tracks to show how both fighters have risen in their own ways. The opening track, "Listen To The Beethoven", is a track based solely around one of Beethovens' more well-known pieces. Out of context, the track seems a little cliche' and could throw off a majority of the listeners. But in context, however, it fits perfectly with the subject matter and captures the joy and struggle quite well. 

As the runtime continues on, Isham introduces his listeners to some slower tracks, such as "I Can't Watch You Fight" and "Brandon & Tess", sporting some heavy synth notes over a minor orchestra part. If Isham has accomplished one thing for the Warrior soundtrack, it's knowing when to hold back and when to give it your all (which is an interesting trait for the themes of Warrior). Riddled throughout the tracks of overpowering drums and celebrating bells, there are a few songs that succesfully grab you and force you to embrace the emotion and heartbreak in every note. The most powerful of these songs is "The Devil You Know". Located towards the end of the soundtrack and running at a time of only a minute and 33 seconds,"The Devil You Know" studies each character with a clean slate. While listening to it, I can see each character doing what is most important to them at time. Being able to lose yourself and focus on a story inside the track is the reason soundtracks were created in the first place. And Isham never forgets it.

Featuring some of the more emotionally invested orchestral pieces in films this year, the Warrior soundtrack is one that may not get many listens to those who haven't seen the film, but will be revisited time and time again by those who have. Whichever way you take it, this soundtrack knows exactly when to go for the knockout.