"It is not strength, but spirit that makes the team."

Rating: 7/10 (30 November 2017)

While watching, I didn't know if this story was based on real events or not but the question was answered once I came to this board. That's okay, I think any film that can inspire to achieve one's best and shoot for an impossible goal is always worthwhile. Not knowing the Indian culture, I was kind of shocked by the attitude of the members of the 'Association' sponsoring the women's hockey team. You would think this was 1807 or 1907 instead of 2007 when the movie was made. That alone would have been enough to fire up the ragtag team of players from India's far flung states, but first, Coach Kabir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) would have to see his way through an entire gamut of individual dynamics in order for his players to come together as a team. The McDonald's incident was the catalyst, and from there, Khan's deft handling of each player's personal issues was the key to making his team gel as winners. Other reviewers making comments here point to "The Miracle" as the basis for this film's story line. Oddly, I've never seen that movie yet, which is something I'll have to correct in due course. Given that this picture is quite formulaic in execution, there's still something to be said for it's positive message and pride in a national identity.