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New York is a city of movies, and of all the movies about New York, The Warriors (1979) is one of the cult classics that has definitely earned its place in the canon. Directed by Walter Hill, the film follows a leather-clad gang as they make the dangerous journey through the city and back to their home turf after they are framed for the murder of a powerful gang leader.
On September 13, 2015, the cast reunited on the Q train to make one last ride together to Coney Island. An event organized by fans, sporting costumes inspired by the film, was also held at the Surf Pavilion to celebrate the spirit of the movie, which is still alive and strong 37 years later.
Coney Island urban youth groups have formed around the film’s ethos of brotherhood and camaraderie. In areas of the city where gang violence and recruitment continue to threaten teen communities, Warriors fans offer a social outlet for at-risk youth.
“I just love being here with all the fans. I see kids coming here, eight years old, and I go ‘How do you even know about this movie,'” actor Michael Beck, who played the leader of the Warriors, told Rolling Stone.
In addition to the main cast, several actors who played minor roles from rival gangs were also in attendance, a testament to the legacy of the movie. You can now watch a video of the reunion subway ride here.
-by Rachel Veroff
