This movie, more than any sports film, gets to the nuts of what makes someone excel at a sport more than anything: passion.
I come from a rural area. Not a lot of big-time athletes. While working in the local sports section I was fortunate enough to cover a kid from a neighboring high school who graduated as the No. 1 high school wrestler in the US. Getting to know him changed my perspective on sports.
Being bigger or faster or stronger always helps. And he was a solid athlete. But long story short, he lost at state his freshman year and said never again. You and I were home with our families Christmas Day. He was in the wrestling room. From his sophomore season on he obsessed about excellence and he obliterated the competition. So much fun to see.
You and I? We aren't running to work or doing pushups outside the elevator or wearing a rubber suit. We are sane. Loudon Swain, at least for a time, was an absolute maniac. He was obsessed with greatness and he attained it. Plain and simple. This movie is true and authentic to that truth.
As a movie the direction is solid. The team utilized the setting in thoughtful ways. The wrestling felt reasonably real. Modine is oddly magnetic. And the soundtrack slaps.
It's on my sports movie Mount Rushmore along with Major League (captures the communal passion of sport) and a rotating duo of Rocky, Warrior, Field of Dreams, The Hustler and The Longest Yard. Highest recommendation.
I come from a rural area. Not a lot of big-time athletes. While working in the local sports section I was fortunate enough to cover a kid from a neighboring high school who graduated as the No. 1 high school wrestler in the US. Getting to know him changed my perspective on sports.
Being bigger or faster or stronger always helps. And he was a solid athlete. But long story short, he lost at state his freshman year and said never again. You and I were home with our families Christmas Day. He was in the wrestling room. From his sophomore season on he obsessed about excellence and he obliterated the competition. So much fun to see.
You and I? We aren't running to work or doing pushups outside the elevator or wearing a rubber suit. We are sane. Loudon Swain, at least for a time, was an absolute maniac. He was obsessed with greatness and he attained it. Plain and simple. This movie is true and authentic to that truth.
As a movie the direction is solid. The team utilized the setting in thoughtful ways. The wrestling felt reasonably real. Modine is oddly magnetic. And the soundtrack slaps.
It's on my sports movie Mount Rushmore along with Major League (captures the communal passion of sport) and a rotating duo of Rocky, Warrior, Field of Dreams, The Hustler and The Longest Yard. Highest recommendation.