The accomplishment

Rating: 8/10 (3 June 2007)

The story of how hockey coach Herb Brooks brought together a group of college age young men and trained them to beat the best hockey team in the world at the time, the USSR Olympic Team, at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.
Some pleasant surprises that the viewer can expect is that the film is not just about hockey. Hockey is the obvious focus, but there is good ensemble acting and the spirit of teamwork, friendship and Brooks's tough love training methods make for a good sports movie. There is more to anytime team game than just the game itself. Also there is a lack super patriotic tone that pervaded countless 80s movies, even sports films like Rocky IV. "Miracle" manages to show a great event in sports that undoubted filled many Americans with national pride, but it doesn't over do it. The only pride in the film is Brooks's and his team's, which is just how it is supposed to be - it is their accomplishment. Though, it will make any viewer feel good. --- 8/10
Rated PG for a few expletives, basically suitable for all ages.