We are a symbol and we give people hope. Woodlon is one example of an atypical movie. This film combines several genres - sports, Christianity and biography. The filmmakers had to work hard to ensure that all three genres harmoniously took root in the film and the viewer did not see the sharp transitions between the Christian sermon, training athletes and biographical history. As a result, it turned out to reveal the real life of a young African-American who was on the way to victory and in this he was helped by God.
The story itself is biographical, so all the events in the film are not fictional. Everything we see in the movie actually happened. It helps us believe what the director and the story want to tell us. From the film, I personally drew some inspirational theses: “Every man has a purpose and must fulfill it in his life,” “God puts a goal in each person and helps him achieve it” and “We need people who will inspire others to rise up and take action.”
At the beginning of the film, we see current issues of racial hatred, oppression of African Americans and racism. Indeed, it is sometimes surprising how the most democratic country in the world had problems with racial tolerance 50 years ago. More than one film has been made about the problem of oppression of African Americans in 50-70. In the United States, this film also explores the subject. But only in the first half of the movie. The further the plot goes, the less the topic is raised, but the theme of hope, purpose and life purpose is revealed – something that is universal for all people. Something that is important to everyone, regardless of skin color. But the important thing is that the problem of racism cannot be solved by political changes. This problem is solved by faith in Jesus Christ. It was in him that all rival teams united, white and African-Americans united. In the film, this is perfectly shown and I think that this is what the creators of the film wanted to convey to the viewer.
The film is based on one of the classic plot schemes - through personal problems and the drama of one person to reveal the problems of society and the whole world. In my opinion, it worked out great. Especially when the importance and importance of the protagonist among other people was emphasized, which gives the viewer a sense of belonging to the problems of the protagonist.
The main philosophy of the film was fully revealed. There are people who inspire other people. There is a God who helps fulfill life’s purpose. There is a family that is always there. There are victories and defeats, there is friendship and betrayal, and God can help with all this. The film perfectly shows the peculiarities of American life of that time. It is not filled with religious fanaticism, but sincerely shows Christianity and faith in God of the people of America of the second half of the twentieth century.
The film is perfect for viewing teenagers, because the film shows the basic principles of life - good and evil, truth and deception, help and betrayal; that every person in life has a purpose, we must know it and fulfill it to be happy. I think this film is also worth reviewing for those people who for some reason have lost the meaning of life. The film can help them gather their spirit and continue to live, fulfilling their purpose. The film is also suitable for sports film lovers. Because in sports, belief in victory plays a special role.
Personally, I liked one of the characters' thoughts about why people come to see the game. They look at the players and they see that every person has a lot of potential to use. I will add that some people play on the field and use this potential to the maximum, while others just watch and do nothing. Of course, this is a very exaggerated metaphor, but in life it often happens.
I will also note the work of the directors, the operator and the editing. The film has vivid visual effects. In some cases, it is thanks to them that it is noticeable that the film belongs to the genre of sports. The rest of the camera work and installation are satisfactory. Although sometimes you can see docking between shots and blunders already during the first viewing of the film, but this does not prevent you from looking further. To the musical accompaniment, I am ambiguous. On the one hand, the unusual selection of instruments and motifs characteristic of the big-budget films of the same Christopher Nolan with Hans Zimmer at the helm of music, which sometimes gives the impression that the musical accompaniment is out of place. On the other hand, it seems that, perhaps, thanks to such musical accompaniment, the personal story of the protagonist is revealed in the context of the lives of many people. This highlights the importance, significance and drama.
Thus, this film has a great story with deep meaning, which is suitable for everyone to familiarize themselves with, as well as action, drama, emotion and authenticity. Ambiguous, in my opinion, are the editing and musical accompaniment.
7 out of 10