10 Greatest Christ Figures In Film

By Sam Heard /

4. Cyrus (The Warriors)

At first glance, Cyrus is the opposite of a Christ-figure. He lives his life outside the laws of the state, promotes crime in New York City and is in charge of a violent street gang; the Gramercy Riffs. On the other hand, Christ was all-loving, all-forgiving and, most of all, not a dangerous gangster. Cyrus certainly seems a far-cry from the morally pure saviour of mankind€ When Cyrus calls a midnight summit of all of New York€™s wacky gangs (Baseball Furies, anyone?), we begin to see some of the qualities that make him one of film€™s great Christ-figures. In the very act of gathering the warring gangs, he shows his messianic qualities and he reinforces this interpretation with his powerful oratory abilities. Though he may be a gang leader, the reason Cyrus has arranged for this summit is to propose that there be a citywide truce which would allow the gangs to divert their attention to the city€™s corrupt cops. The corruption of the NYPD bares resemblance to the depravity of the Romans occupying Jerusalem while Christ was there, thus Cyrus€™ anti-state sentiments cannot be seen as an obstacle in the way of his being a Christ-figure. Having tried to save the gangs from themselves, Cyrus is thanked for his actions with being shot by the leader of the Rogues gang, who frames the Warriors €“ it is this event which will trigger the main narrative of Walter Hill€™s cult classic. The Riffs prove themselves to be as dedicated as Jesus€™ apostles (though somewhat more violent) as they eventually discern the truth about the assassination of Cyrus and punish Luther €“ the man responsible.