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You know what? I love this movie. Another Jerry Bruckheimer masterpiece. Its set in 1971 Alexandria, Virginia. For those who don't know, it is about an integrated school's football team and the struggle the team has to get along. And did I mention that the head coach was replaced by a black man, Coach Boone? Not only do the players need to learn to respect each other, they need to learn to respect Coach Boone. Its really good. The school board threatens to fire Coach Boone if he loses just one game. And they have to put up with white refs throwing the game for the other team. Wonderful writing and a great soundtrack. I can't believe I just now discovered this movie. And did I mention its based on a true story. Its really good. You could say its a story of tolerance and brotherhood.
Posts: 6026 | Registered: Dec 2004
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It is a good movie. I attended school in Fairfax County, VA during the time of integration. TC Williams is the Alexandria school the movie is about. Alexandria is an independent city on the east side of Fairfax County. While Northern Virginia was (and still is) different politically and curturally from the southern part of the state, during the time period of the movie there was real racial tension in many Fairfax schools.
TC William and James Madison played each other during the time of the story (in fact there is a quick scene showing the unfortunate Madison Warhawks being defeated by the Titans), so I felt a connection with the history and the setting of the story.
This is a really good sports film, right up there with Hosiers, IMHO.
Thanks for the post.
Posts: 440 | Registered: Oct 2001
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You were there, so to speak? That is pretty cool. I just finished watching it. I think Denzel Washington is wonderful in this movie.
Posts: 6026 | Registered: Dec 2004
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I got to witness history kind of first hand when the separate but equal doctrine of the Commonwealth of Virginia became compliance with Browne vs Board of Education Topeka. The real tensions in Northern Virginia schools really took a few years to develop. Fairfax began to integrate around 1963.
I liked Denzel in this film also. Have you visited the website?
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