The Boys in the Boat

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)

Daniel James Brown’s 2013 historical novel captured the world's attention with the true-to-life story of the rowing team from the University of Washington from the 1930s. His biographical tale gave life to the backgrounds of Joe Rantz (Callum Turner) and his classmates, who would unexpectedly become University champions and Olympic gold medallists in the eight-man rowing competition. Coached by the legendary Alvin Ulbrickson (Joel Edgerton), the squad was picked out of the masses who tried out and assembled for the junior varsity team before setting new records for the school.

Directed by George Clooney (The Tender Bar), this screenplay focusses on the journey the boys make together as crew members. He gives more time to Joel Edgerton’s character and looks into what the team needed to do to overcome the odds stacked against them in the pre-World War II period. The book gives more time to Joe and the other students' backstories, but this does not take away from the film's overall experience. This artistic choice makes it purely a sporting movie overlaid on the Depression to add thematic tension to this unique tale.

One concern for fans of the book may be how accurate the characters are to the true-life individuals within the film. Callum Turner embodies the stoic and stalwart role of Joe Rantz, and Joel Edgerton is perfect as coach Ulbrickson. Yet the standouts within the cast are Luke Slattery as the cocky boat leader Bobby Moch and Peter Guinness as boatbuilder George Pocock. His anchoring within the team shed allows wisdom and care to prevail in this testosterone-driven atmosphere.

The Boys in the Boat is a book worth discovering, and the film complements this fascinating underdog story. George Clooney makes a beautiful picture that shows the heart of the crew’s lives and their outstanding achievements. This quiet adaptation is worth getting in the boat during this cinematic season and rowing to discover a bygone era worth remembering.

Reel Dialogue: Why do we love sporting films?

Sporting stories like The Boys in the Boat have fascinated audiences throughout history, because they depict the inside story behind a seminal event in the sporting past. The story may tap into a deep inner desire to do something extraordinary with our lives or allow people to connect with sporting legends who have influenced their lives.

Most of us will never have our lives become the focus of books, news articles, or movies. Does that mean our lives mean any less to the world than that of Joe Rantz and his crew?

Not according to the Bible, in Psalm 139, it states that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, which moves our lives from ordinary to extraordinary. Not because of who we are but because of who created us. Just keep rowing along in life; you never know what is in store for you.

If you would like to discuss the topic of purpose and God, reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat with you about this and more.

BE SURE TO GET YOUR COPY OF THE WORD BECOMES FILM FOR YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS