One of the greatest sports films ever made

Rating: 10/10 (18 April 2006)

In my humble opinion, THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED is one of the greatest sports films ever made. Director Bill Paxton, and Walt Disney Pictures bring you the true story surrounding the legendary 1913 U.S. Open face-off, between 20 year old, Francis Ouimet, and reigning British champion Harry Vardon. Early in the 20th century, golf was a game for gentleman, and reserved for the snobby upper-class. Francis has been caddying for years, and is urged by his peers to play in a qualifying match. Francis' working-class dad discourages any ambitions his son has in the game of golf, seeing it as not his son's place in the world, out of his class, with those people. This movie tells the timeless underdog tale of a young amateur, qualifying for the 1913 US Open and not letting the pressure stifle him from accomplishing his dreams. Leading up to the rousing finale where he faces off against (then only 3 time) British Open winner Harry Vardon in an epic battle in the pouring rain. The fairways and greens are the battlefield. The wooden clubs are the weapons. Who will be the victor: experience or youth? What makes this movie a masterpiece, surprising you on every level, is the issues it examines. From the class system, and how that dominated the game of golf early on, to the stunning visuals, like the camera riding the golf ball literally, as it flies toward the flag at the other end of the grass. This movie is heartwarming, keeping you in suspense throughout, sort of a "Seabiscuit" tale on a golf course. Rated PG.