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 Yorks wacky gangs (Baseball Furies, anyone?), we begin to see some of the qualities that make him one of films 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 citys 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 Hills 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.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
