Film_Review

Remember the titans, directed by Boaz Yakin is a sports drama based on true events that take place during the racial struggles of 1970’s, Virginia. It is, in my opinion one of the most inspiring films ever and was very successful upon its release in 2000. In 1971, new African-American head coach, Herman Boone is hired to lead the high school football team, the Titans. He has taken the position of Bill Yoast(Will Patton), yet due to the commotion between the black and white athletes, Boone offers Yoast the assistant coaching position to ease the racial tension. This racial abuse is portrayed in many scenes of the movie, for example, the diner in the small town refused to serve black people and the captain of the team, Gerry Bertier’s girlfriend who offensively refused to shake hands with Julius when they were first introduced. However, many of these tensions are eased during the two-week training camp in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania where the ruthlessly consistent training of Coach Boone has made the team overcome their differences and achieve both racial harmony and triumph. Since the training camp the Titans became very successful, winning the majority of their games and eventually competing for the state championship. Sadly, a week prior to this game, Bertier is involved in a car accident, leaving him paralysed. As this tragedy leaves Bertier unable to play football ever again, this does not break the Titans. Instead they are motivated and win the championship. The end of the film depicts Bertier’s funeral, seven years in advance of the championship game, being attended by his former football colleagues, both white and black. This film portrays a very powerful racial message that is extremely effective on many levels and because it is based on true events, this message is further enhanced. Performances from actors, particularly Denzel Washington’s powerful portrayal of Coach Boone, also make this film such a success. The setting of the film provides a very realistic insight into 1970’s Virginia i.e. segregation, racial tension etc. and makes the film a lot more believable. Equally convincing in their roles are Wood Harris and Ryan Hurst, who play Julius Campbell and Gerry Bertier. What starts as a racially abusive clash transforms into a long lasting friendship. Lastly, director, Boaz Yakin has succeeded in portraying this movie as exceedingly realistic which greatly contributes to us the audience, who want to see a drama movie as though it would actually happen instead of scenes that do not seem real. Overall, Remember the Titans is in my opinion, one of a kind. It may be slightly predictable but with the phenomenal acting crew, the film succeeds on its own terms. It is a deeply moving film where athletes, who are separated by the colour of their skin, are forced to see past this and to become united and victorious. Who would have thought this could come from the likes of Disney'