Two brothers slug out their emotional baggage in the moving, melodramatic sports movie Warrior.

Joel Edgerton plays Brendan, a family man who earns a living as a teacher and extra cash moonlighting as a fighter. His brother Tommy, played by Tom Hardy, is a brooding war veteran who has returned home under mysterious circumstance.

Their father Paddy, played by Nick Nolte, is a once-violent alcoholic who is sober. The only thing the brothers have in common is their hatred for their father.

After a series of mixed martial arts (MMA) fights, the two brothers face off in a winner-take-all cage match. Brendan needs the money to save his home and family. Tommy wants to win for a friend and fallen soldier. Paddy just wants his sons back.

The brutal MMA fight is the perfect backdrop for a family drama that could leave a lump in your throat.

The flick-o-meter gives Warrior a five out of five. This film should be recognized come awards time. Is it in the same category as a Rocky, Raging Bull or The Fighter? We will see.