Woodlawn
Woodlawn

Woodlawn

2015Movie123 minEnglish

Love and unity in a school torn by racism and hate in the 1970s. A gifted high school football player must learn to embrace his talent and his faith as he battles racial tensions on and off the field.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes43%
Metacritic45/100
Google Users81%
Director: Andrew Erwin, Jon ErwinGenres: Sport, Drama, History, Family

Plot Summary

In 1970s Birmingham, Alabama, racial tensions are high and football is a unifying force. Tony Nathan, a talented African American running back, struggles with his identity and the pressures of the community. When Coach Jim Donnan implements a bold new strategy, he inspires the team and the city to overcome their differences through faith and the sport they love.

Critical Reception

Woodlawn received a mixed reception from critics, with praise for its inspiring message and football sequences, but criticism for its heavy-handed religious themes and occasionally melodramatic storytelling. Audiences, particularly those with a faith-based perspective, generally responded more positively to the film's uplifting narrative.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its inspirational message and exciting football scenes.
  • Criticized for its overt religious messaging, which some found preachy.
  • The film's performances, particularly from the younger cast, were often highlighted.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated Woodlawn for its powerful message of faith, redemption, and unity, finding it a moving and motivating film. Some viewers noted that while the football action was exciting, the strong religious underpinnings might not resonate with everyone.

Fun Fact

The film's climax features a real crowd of over 13,000 people gathered at Legion Field, a number that surpassed the attendance of the actual 1974 championship game the film depicts.

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