More than I expected.

Rating: 9/10 (26 October 2004)

I like how the film was shot from the perspective of the side lines, observing the chatter among the players and coaches. You are there with the players, you feel the hits and tackles, and lose your breath. When there's an injury, you are like the trainer and you experience the anguish. I was worried the writers would depart from the book and put rose-colored holly-wood glasses on it and that the racism and athletics over academics would be glossed over. They didn't. I liked how the next generation of players were shown, emulating the heroes, the appropriateness of the final scenes as the staff get ready for next season. This will be a classic for the ages.