It's More Than Just A Game

Rating: 9/10 (7 December 2009)

Glory Road is set in 1966, when the Texas Western University coach Don Haskins changes the history of collegiate sports by starting five black players in the final match-up against national powerhouse Kentucky. This inspiring film parallels the plot of many sports movies in that the underdogs undergo intense training and face tremendous obstacles in order to emerge victorious. But, the underlying message is deeper and more significant than just winning a game of basketball. The film serves as a revolutionary vehicle, telling the story of a diverse team united by sport in a world obsessed with racial segregation. Glory Road succeeds in establishing a true sense of tension between racial groups outside of the team and contrasts this with how the teammates overlook, but do not condone, this conflict. The emotional and dramatic appeal created by the outstanding cast performance and cinematography techniques add to this masterpiece and make it an enticing film to watch.