The true story of coach Herb Brooks and the 1980 U.S.
Olympic hockey team that won gold against the Soviets. BIOPIC/DRAMA/SPORT
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Miracle (2004)Directed by Gavin O'Connor
Written by Eric Guggenheim Starring Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich, Sean McCann, Kenneth Welsh, Eddie Cahill, Eric Peter-Kaiser |
In 1980, the United States hockey team accomplished the impossible. They defeated the highly favored Soviet team to take the gold at the Winter Olympics. This was the first time in 20 years that the Soviets had lost to the United States at hockey, and it came at a time when America needed a massive boost of patriotism over Soviet ideals. I learned that Miracle is one of the most accurate biopics ever made, with even the dialogue being lifted straight from the game. It's a surefire heartwarmer from beginning to end, especially if you already know the story of the Miracle on Ice.
Kurt Russell plays Herb Brooks, the third choice to coach the team. Brooks had the novel idea to teach the U.S. team how to play hockey like the Soviets, and it paid off in dividends. The performances are all great, but the real star is John Gilroy, who edited the film's incredible hockey sequences. Throughout, you feel Brooks's determination to prove his worth, as well as the worth of the 20 young men he handpicked to represent the nation. It's very exciting. Miracle is a well-told biopic that fully delivers in its promise of patriotism and pure feels. Also, it doesn't demonize the Soviet team. It shows them as strong, talented athletes who excel because they have proven that they're the best. That's why it was labeled the Miracle on Ice. Nobody thought the U.S. team had a chance, but they did it. They proved to the world that the Soviets weren't invincible. It's a great movie and a great moment in sports history. |
Gavin O’Connor is a director who has a knack for intensity, so I understand why Disney chose him to make their film based on the U.S. Olympic hockey team that won gold at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Those Olympics were very special because our hockey team was made up of collegiate level athletes while the favored Soviets were stacked with the best of the best. Coach Herb Brooks is played wonderfully by Kurt Russell, who picks a strange group of players to compete at the games in Lake Placid, New York.
They recruited actual hockey players instead of actors to play the U.S. team, which I respect a whole lot even though it does take a toll on the acting. But, it’s also a Disney script and those are usually pretty cheesy to begin with. Herb Brooks wasn’t just a coach but also a really good player in the 60’s. He barely missed the cut for the 1960 Olympic team, so his hunger for victory was on another level. Herb leads the team through a wild run that did include losses, but it’s about how the team finishes in this story. Kurt Russell is a monstrous performer that I have grown to appreciate more and more as I get older. He can be smoking cigarettes, driving stunt cars, or coaching hockey and I totally believe he is doing exactly what he’s supposed to be doing. Noah Emmerich plays Herb’s assistant, Craig Patrick. Kurt and Noah have a tremendous chemistry that make this film memorable. There are some classic sports moments recreated to visual perfection in Miracle and that makes it worth the watch. |