The Boys in the Boat
The Boys in the Boat

The Boys in the Boat

2023Movie123 minEnglish

The triumphant underdog story of the University of Washington men's rowing team, who stunned the world by competing at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

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Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes52%
Metacritic54/100
Google Users97%
Director: George ClooneyGenres: Drama, Sport

Plot Summary

Based on the true story, 'The Boys in the Boat' follows the University of Washington rowing team as they go from obscurity to the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Facing economic hardship during the Great Depression, these young men, led by their coach Al Ulbrickson and assistant Tom Bolles, overcome immense challenges. Their journey culminates in a historic showdown against elite competitors on the world stage, embodying the resilience and spirit of a nation.

Critical Reception

George Clooney's adaptation of the popular non-fiction book received a mixed to positive reception. Critics generally praised the film's inspiring true story, strong performances, and emotional core, particularly highlighting the underdog narrative and historical context. However, some found the execution to be somewhat conventional and less impactful than the source material, with occasional pacing issues.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its uplifting true story and historical backdrop.
  • Noted for strong performances, especially from the lead actors.
  • Some critics found the direction and storytelling to be a bit by-the-numbers.

Google audience: Audiences largely embraced 'The Boys in the Boat,' appreciating its feel-good, inspirational true story and its depiction of perseverance against the odds. Many viewers found the film to be a moving and satisfying watch, celebrating the historical achievement of the rowing team.

Fun Fact

Director George Clooney was inspired to make the film after reading Daniel James Brown's best-selling book and felt it was a story that needed to be told, especially given the themes of hope and teamwork during a difficult economic period.

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TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
jimb15122

jimb15122

A well made period piece. Near total absence of woke themes and perversions. Bravo George Clooney!!
Brent Marchant

Brent Marchant

When it comes to underdog stories, there are offerings that are decidedly inspirational and those that are riddled with clichés. As for the latest in this genre from director George Clooney, the film falls squarely in the latter category. A...
r96sk

r96sk

A pretty standard sports biopic. It successfully tells a feel-good underdog story. Events do meander in parts, but for the vast majority it's a solid watch. Callum Turner is, as you'd expect given he's the main character, the film's stan...
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Living out of a dilapidated old car on a piece of waste ground in a suburb of Seattle, Joe Rantz (Callum Turner) travels each day to the University of Washington where he studies engineering. Using newspapers to stop-up the holes in his boo...