A gorgeous mythical sort of baseball film that even non-sports fans can love.

Rating: 9/10 (26 January 2012)

Before I get into the review, I want to relate a little story about when I first saw this film. My girlfriend (now my gorgeous wife) and I set in front of some elderly folks who seemed to be having a hard time keeping up with the film. Repeatedly, we kept hearing them asking each other what had just happened. However, near the end of the film, I had a big laugh. When Roy (Robert Redford) hit the huge home run and the film went into slow-motion with sparks flying everywhere, we sat--marveling at the predictable but wonderful finale. When it was all over, we heard one of the folks behind us say "Did he hit the ball?!"---well, I guess you had to be there.
This is an amazingly loving tale--told with amazing care to get the look and feel of 1939 just right. It also showed an amazing reverence for baseball--not just real baseball, but the mythical and metaphorical game. The cinematography was amazingly beautiful and helped set the wonderful mood. And, the acting was terrific. The film is simply among the best sports films ever. But unlike some other great sports films (like "Raging Bull"), this one never attempts to be realistic and presents an amazingly idealized and nostalgic version of the game. Well worth your time and nearly deserving a 10.