Review of Rudy (1993) by Ben L — 29 Feb 2012

"Having dreams is what makes life tolerable." If that is a true statement, then no one has lived a more tolerable life than Rudy Ruettiger. This movie, that is apparently based on true events, shows how grit and determination can drive someone to achieve even the most outrageous goals. We all have dreams of some future that seems so unattainable we refuse to allow ourselves to get caught up in it. What sets Rudy apart is that he ignores the detractors around him, and even the doubts in himself and he pushes forward towards his goals, without wavering.

A lot can be learned from this movie. A measure of success can be attained through hard work, but even then it may take the assistance of others who believe in you. This movie teaches these lessons in the most heartwarming way. We follow Rudy on his journey from a young man to an adult. His dreams are so much bigger than his body, and you can honestly feel that desire in Sean Astin's performance. It's impossible not to root for this kid as he faces one challenge after another. The story gains extra significance because it is based on something that really happened. It's always easy to root for the underdog, but Rudy is presented as a genuinely likeable guy so you find yourself emotionally invested in everything he does.

That is perhaps the toughest thing about this movie. There are so many moments that are absolutely gut-wrenching. I swear I tear up at least 5 times every single time I watch this film. I need to be in a specific mood in order to watch a movie that brings that kind of emotion out of me. At times it can be therapeutic, but it's not a film I find myself always anxious to watch. Some will not enjoy this movie because it is so emotional. Certain people might even consider it to be too melodramatic because of the situations they concocted which create those intense moments. I, however, find these scenes to be absolutely wonderful, and when I'm ready for a good cry I'm always ready to watch Rudy.