WIth the 2024 Paris Olympics in full swing, there is a lot of energy that transcends media from online to television to films. You may want to kick back and watch a sports movies because why not? Competition is in the air and there’s some great cinema out there that identifies with the culture and hits on all cylinders when it comes to great sports stories. Now this list is not all derived from the Olympics but we felt like if it as least is a sport that’s played during the big games, then why not!
“Race”
Director: Stephen Hopkins
Young Jesse Owens (Stephan James) becomes a track and field sensation while attending the Ohio State University in the early 1930s. With guidance from coach Larry Snyder (Jason Sudeikis), Owens gains national recognition for breaking numerous records. After heated debates, the United States decides not to boycott the Olympics in Nazi Germany. Overcoming racism at home and abroad, Owens seizes the opportunity to show Berlin and the the world that he’s the fastest man alive.
“Pride”
Director: Sunu Gonera
In 1970s Philadelphia, Jim Ellis (Terrence Howard), who is driven by a love of competitive swimming, fixes up an abandoned pool building with the help of a janitor named Elston (Bernie Mac). But when city officials mark the place for demolition, he fights back by founding an all-black swim team. Facing racism, violence and a hostile city official, Jim struggles to prepare his novice swimmers for the state championships.
“Cool Runnings”
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Four Jamaican bobsleighers dream of competing in the Winter Olympics, despite never having seen snow. With the help of a disgraced former champion desperate to redeem himself, the Jamaicans set out to become worthy of Olympic selection, and go all out for glory.
“Invictus”
Director: Clint Eastwood
After his 27-year imprisonment and subsequent election as President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela faces the task of unifying a country divided by race. Only months since the end of Apartheid, divisions still exist between the country’s whites and blacks, something Mandela notices during an international rugby match. Realising black supporters cheer on the opposing side when their white Springboks take to the field.
“Ali”
Director: Michael Mann
With wit and athletic genius, with defiant rage and inner grace, Muhammad Ali forever changed the American landscape. Fighting all comers, Ali took on the law, conventions, the status quo and the war — as well as the fists in front of him. Ali both ignited and mirrored the conflicts of his time and ours to become one of the most admired fighters in the world. Forget, now, what you thought you knew.
“The Gabby Douglas Story”
Director: Gregg Champion
Gymnast Gabby Douglas (Imani Hakim) makes personal sacrifices to train with coach Liang Chow (Brian Tee) and become an Olympic champion in 2012.
“I Am Bolt”
Directors: Gabe Turner, Benjamin Turner
Following the sprinting legend as he prepares to go for gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Competing in the 100m and 200m races, Bolt attempts to make history by winning these events for a record third time.
The post 7 Sports Films Celebrating the Culture in the Spirit of Olympic Competition first appeared on The Source.
The post 7 Sports Films Celebrating the Culture in the Spirit of Olympic Competition appeared first on The Source.