FAMILY disfunction. Sibling rivalry. Unresolved issues. Sound familiar? That’s because it is.

These are just three of the cliches rolled out in more than a few Hollywood films, and they’re clear as day in Gavin O’Connor’s Warrior. But here’s the kicker – they, at no point, detract from what is an outstanding film.

Tommy Conlon (Tom Hardy) returns home, much to the surprise of his recovering alcoholic father Paddy (Nick Nolte). It’s evident from the outset that the two don’t get on. Tommy isn’t there for a reconciliation. All he wants is for Paddy – a retired boxer – to train him for an Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) tournament with big money up for grabs.

Unwilling to toe-the-line Paddy draws for him, the personalities clash as the training intensifies.

Not too far away, Tommy’s brother Brendan (Joel Edgerton) is a married teacher who’s struggling to make ends meet. Payments for the family home are stacking up and he turns to parking-lot MMA fights for extra cash.

When Brendan wins a fight that gives him the chance to be included in the big tournament as the underdog, it sets him on a collision course with his estranged brother that will see old family wounds reopened and emotions run high.

For a film using sport as the vehicle for a human story, it’s not unfair to say it’s cliche-ridden. However, what sets Warrior apart from many of its rivals is that it involves flawed characters who are easily empathised with regardless of what they’ve done in the past.

Both Tommy and Brendan have their reasons for hating Paddy, while Tommy’s grudge with his brother runs deeper than first expected.

Hardy and Edgerton are great as the warring siblings. At times sympathy will fall on the side of one before switching to the other, such is the way they portray their respective characters.

However, it’s Nolte as the sober former addict who steals the show with some heart-rending scenes that would easily bring a tear to a glass eye. His eyes show a defeated man living with regrets, and when his past unfolds for everyone to see, it’s hard not to dislike him while simultaneously feeling sorry for him.

Such are the conflicting emotions that one confrontation between Tommy and Paddy ends so distressingly that the wells will burst.

As for the MMA itself – while enthusiasts of the sport will possibly complain that what goes on onscreen isn’t proper MMA fighting, the bouts – especially those involving Tommy – are brutal enough to satisfy those just looking for some bone-crunching action.

If, by the finale, you still don’t find yourself teary-eyed, then the climax will push you over the edge.

It’s easy to assume Warrior will be A-typical sport-cum-family drama fayre, but it’s refreshing to be able to ignore the cliches and simply enjoy the heartbreaking performances that dominate the screen.

Extras (Blu-ray Double Play only):

Redemption: Bringing Warrior To Life Documentary

Brother Versus Brother: Anatomy Of The Fight

Philosophy In Combat: Mixed Martial Arts Strategy

Simply Believe – A Tribute To Charles ‘Mask’ Lewis, Jr.

Feature Audio Commentary With Filmakers And Actor Joel Edgerton

Full Contact – Blu-Ray Enhanced Viewing Mode

The Diner: Deleted Scene (With Optional Commentary)

Cheap Shots: Gag Reel

Warrior is released on Blu-ray and DVD on February 20.