Review of McFarland, USA (2015) by Hansenjw91 — 02 Dec 2015

McFarland U.S.A: Running away with accuracy.

McFarland U.S.A, didn’t turn too many heads when it came out, but the movie has important qualities that many overlook. It is an impressive sports drama that accurately portrays running.

Having myself run Cross-country in High school, I have always been skeptical of Running movies — especially ones that are not based on true stories. One example is the recent film, “The four minute mile.” One may argue that it is an amazing movie of one’s personal achievement: It losses power though in being fictional, as does any other sports movie. The film McFarland U.S.A, is based off of actual events, and therefore becomes even more meaningful as you see the characters triumph. I would say director Niki Caro did an excellent job of portraying the lives of the characters, their battles and setbacks, up until their victory in the end. There are of course skeptics who point out that the film is not 100% historically accurate. However, what Hollywood film has been true to that? The film, nevertheless, receives 3 ½ stars from me.

A striking quote from the film states, “We fly like blackbirds through the orange groves, floating on a warm wind. When we run, we own the earth. The land is ours. We speak the birds' language… When we run, our spirits fly. We speak to the gods. When we run, we are the gods.” From my own experience, I would say this quote describes a runner perfectly. You feel powerful and unstoppable when you run fast.

This film is true to the sport of Cross-country, it is for anyone who knows the hard work and dedication it takes to be a runner.