When the Game Stands Tall
Director: Thomas Carter
Cast: Jim Caviezel, Alexander Ludwig, Michael Chiklis, Laura Dern
How do you hold onto hope when everything you believe in is destroyed?
Inspired by a remarkable true story, “When the Game Stands Tall” is about a team of football players from De La Salle high school who are renowned for their 151 game winning streak. When that streak is suddenly broken, the team must rally together and find the courage to live again. The story is about more than just football; it is about life, and how a bond forged between brothers can sometimes be stronger than winning a game.
One of the most important themes that is reflected in the film is the ability to recognize the true meaning of winning. For people like Chris Ryan’s father, Mickey Ryan, football was only ever about winning. When the team’s 151 game winning streak is broken, Mickey’s only desire is to see the streak restored and to see his son break the record for most touchdowns. What is most heartbreaking is that he is willing to go to extraordinary lengths, even inflicting physical and psychological abuse on his child, to ensure his dream becomes a reality.
For Coach Lad, football was never about scoring the most points or winning the most titles. Rather, it was about instilling something much more infinite in his team; the values of faith, brotherhood, and an unbreakable love that would bind them together as a family, and give them strength when nothing else could. When his team’s 151 game willing streak is broken, their faith is momentarily shaken, but in the end, it is that same faith that inspires Coach Lad and his team to recognize that the true meaning of winning is not about the game, but the people who stand by you as you play it.
While I am generally not a fan of sports movies, “When the Game Stands Tall” surprised me because the story is not so much about football as it is about the unbreakable bond of family. The casting for the movie is stellar, particularly in the choice of Jim Caviezel who gives the character of Coach Lad an aura of quiet strength and remarkable faith as he guides his team in their darkest moment. If you enjoy a good solid drama, this film is definitely worth your time.
© 2013 – 2016 Keriane Kellogg. All rights reserved.
Director: Thomas Carter
Cast: Jim Caviezel, Alexander Ludwig, Michael Chiklis, Laura Dern
How do you hold onto hope when everything you believe in is destroyed?
Inspired by a remarkable true story, “When the Game Stands Tall” is about a team of football players from De La Salle high school who are renowned for their 151 game winning streak. When that streak is suddenly broken, the team must rally together and find the courage to live again. The story is about more than just football; it is about life, and how a bond forged between brothers can sometimes be stronger than winning a game.
One of the most important themes that is reflected in the film is the ability to recognize the true meaning of winning. For people like Chris Ryan’s father, Mickey Ryan, football was only ever about winning. When the team’s 151 game winning streak is broken, Mickey’s only desire is to see the streak restored and to see his son break the record for most touchdowns. What is most heartbreaking is that he is willing to go to extraordinary lengths, even inflicting physical and psychological abuse on his child, to ensure his dream becomes a reality.
For Coach Lad, football was never about scoring the most points or winning the most titles. Rather, it was about instilling something much more infinite in his team; the values of faith, brotherhood, and an unbreakable love that would bind them together as a family, and give them strength when nothing else could. When his team’s 151 game willing streak is broken, their faith is momentarily shaken, but in the end, it is that same faith that inspires Coach Lad and his team to recognize that the true meaning of winning is not about the game, but the people who stand by you as you play it.
While I am generally not a fan of sports movies, “When the Game Stands Tall” surprised me because the story is not so much about football as it is about the unbreakable bond of family. The casting for the movie is stellar, particularly in the choice of Jim Caviezel who gives the character of Coach Lad an aura of quiet strength and remarkable faith as he guides his team in their darkest moment. If you enjoy a good solid drama, this film is definitely worth your time.
© 2013 – 2016 Keriane Kellogg. All rights reserved.