NOT your typical sports drama

Rating: 9/10 (2 December 2008)

Do you love sports dramas but are sick of the same plot played out over and over again? I know I was too, so I wasn't anxious to check out the movie, Remember the Titans (2000). However, from the moment the opening credits started rolling, I knew that this was not only a movie that would hold a place in my DVD collection, but in my heart as well. Due to the fact that this film was based on a true story, it draws the audience in. The story begins in 1971 Virginia at a time when race is a major conflict. A school by the name of T.C.Williams had just been established, forcing black and white students together. The battle of overcoming prejudice was raging not just in the schools, but also on the football field. Players and coaches alike needed to find a way to put aside their differences and work as a team to reach the common goal, a perfect season. The task was not easy, however, as we witnessed several heartbreaking altercations between the players.
The turning point of this inspirational tale proved to be an early morning run as part of training camp at Gettysburg College. Coach Boone (Denzel Washington) delivered a speech telling how the team was still fighting the same battle as their ancestors did during the Battle of Gettysburg. Upon returning from camp the team is finally viewed as one, instead of the black players and white players.
It seemed that every scene in this film filled me with a different emotion. From one moment to the next the audience is thrown about from the excitement of winning the first game to tears whenever the unexpected happens. The movie is shot in a way that the viewer experiences what the players are going through. This is evident during the football games when I found myself on the edge of my seat, feeling as if I were a Titan.
What seals the deal for Remember the Titans is the stellar cast. As always, Denzel Washington nails the part of Coach Boone, giving the character passion, but also determination. His counterpart, Coach Yoast (Will Patton) delivers a love of the game that fuels the boys' desire to win. Standout performances by Wood Harris (Julius Campbell) and Ryan Hurst (Gerry Bertier) allow the audience a glimpse into the inner workings of the team.
I was very impressed by this film. From the intense football drills to the touching portrayal of the characters, Remember the Titans has me hooked. At the end of the movie, an adult Sheryl delivers the following quote: "People say it can't work,black and white; well here we make it work,everyday. We have our disagreements, of course, but before we reach for hate, always, always, we remember the Titans". After watching this movie, I promise that you will too.