Review of The Other Dream Team (2012) by Micheal K — 19 Oct 2012

I'm actually stunned at some of the poor reviews I've read. They reflect the growing distance in time from the Cold War era and a telling example of how history can be so delicately skewed once removed from the first hand accounts and experiences of those involved.

When reviewer criticized the film as a "flag-waving work of Lithuanian nationalism", he was absolutely right. Unfortunately, he meant it as a criticism which only illustrated the broader lack of understanding for the Baltic states' plight (or any occupied state) while under Soviet control and the resounding impact it had on the preservation of national and cultural identity for those forced to endure during that time period.

The film itself does an excellent job of highlighting the incredibly difficult realities of living under Soviet rule, the profound role sport played for millions as a an escape from the harsh realities of daily life and the new lives many have found as a result of the fall of the Soviet Union.

It's ironic that some have criticized the film for glorifying the role of sport in the film...while we live in a country (the US) where sport has come to be an exaggerated, overarching influence in virtually every aspect of our daily lives.

If anything, this documentary should be exalted as an example of the positive influence sport can have instead of the scandal ridden, profit driven commercialized industry it's become in our own country.