The Boys in the Boat

[sasha_feather]

The Boys in the Boat is very enjoyable, kind of cheesy, nice sports story. a BOATS (based on a true story) of some young men rowing crew in the 1930s, and they went on to win the Berlin Olympics. Directed by George Clooney. I especially liked the costumes. Not a great deal of conflict in this which makes it relaxing viewing but not outstanding. The character development could have been better, but overall it's a good time, very pretty, and no flashing lights!

Next I am going to watch the PBS documentary about this same subject.

Comments

[hrj]

Funnily enough, I just finished watching this myself. As you say, not a lot of conflict -- I assume it was being historically accurate in having them win every (major?) race they entered. And one knows from the genre going in that they're going to win in the end.

It got me thinking about whether one could make a dramatically satisfying movie about the sports underdog who struggles, overcomes adversity, yet falls short of being champions. There could be a lesson in there about not needing to win to learn useful and valuable life lessons. On a hunch, I checked out both film versions of "The Bad News Bears" and I guess they fit the bill (if one considers the story satisfying).

[sasha_feather]

I agree! What comes to mind is the baseball episode of Deep Space Nine, "Take me out to the holosuite".