Posts

42

By -
Image
42 tells the story of Jackie Robinson, who was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946, breaking Major League Baseball's infamous color barrier. Even though Robinson faced a great deal of racism, he remained professional, displayed remarkable character, and eventually won over his team and the fans, changing baseball forever.

Released 2013; Runtime 128 minutes

Concepts

Race & Ethnicity Issues: The movie is about how Jackie Robinson was the first black MLB player, starting his first game in 1947.Motivation (Intrinsic): Robinson loved to play baseball and was determined to prove himself worthy enough to play in the MLB.Leadership: In every bad situation Robinson was put in, he remained positive, supported his team, and always strove to do the right thing on and off the field; He set an example for everyone to follow.Team Cohesion: Initially his teammates were not accepting of him, but eventually realized they all had more things in common than they did different, leading to Robinso…
Read more

Trophy Kids (HBO State of Play)

By -
Image
Trophy Kids follows families in four different sports who are pushing their kids to succeed. But what are the kids playing for: their own dreams, or someone else's dream? This documentary takes an honest look at how sport parents can go wrong.

Released 2013; Runtime 107 minutes

Concepts

Parents & Family; Youth Sport: The entire documentary is about the state of youth sport and overbearing parents; Fascinating look at how well-intentioned people can push their children in counter-productive and negative ways.Motivation (Extrinsic): Many of the parents talk about their children obtaining a scholarship, playing professionally, living up to their expectations, etc., but rarely is anything intrinsic cited as a reason for playing.Anxiety & Stress: It is clear that the kids are stressed out by the forceful and negative parenting.


Read more

The Marinovich Project (ESPN 30 for 30)

By -
Image
The Marinovich Project recounts the career of Todd Marinovich, who was slated to be the NFL's next big star. The documentary outlines Todd's upbringing, his legendary training and diet regimens, his high school and college careers, his tumultuous NFL career, and what happened to him afterwards.

Released 2010; Runtime 90 minutes

Concepts

Burnout: Todd Marinovich is one of the best-known cases of burnout; Plenty examples are given throughout the first half of entrapment, overtraining, foreclosed identity, and chronic stress.Parents & Family: A prominent fixture throughout Todd's early life was his father, who started training Todd when he was still in a crib; Todd's family goes through a lot of stress because of his intense training, plus when he is homeless following his NFL career.Substance Abuse: Todd becomes addicted to marijuana while in high school, using it as a release; His drug and alcohol use skyrocket in college and while in the NFL, causing him to leave foo…
Read more

Pelé: Birth of a Legend

By -
Image
Pelé: Birth of a Legend chronicles the life of one of the best soccer players of all time, starting from the slums of Brazil to competing on the national stage.

Released 2016; Runtime 107 minutes

Concepts

Goal Setting: Pelé promises his dad that he will win a World Cup for Brazil one day and that goal motivated him throughout his life.Anxiety & Stress: Pelé leaves home for the first time at age 15 to play; He also leaves school and risks not having an education.Confidence: His confidence drops while he is playing for Santos FC because he wasn't allowed to play his style. As he struggles, he believes that he is a bad player and almost quits soccer.Injury & Illness: Pelé injures his knee in a match and tries to play through it; He doesn't want to sit out, but clearly struggles with it on the field.Pursuing Your Dream: This is what the entire movie is about; Specific moments include deciding to leave home to play, realizing he cannot quit, or playing through an injury to he…
Read more

Glory Road

By -
Image
Glory Road is about the 1965-1966 Texas Western University basketball team as they fought against racism in college basketball by regularly playing seven black players, which was unheard of at the time.

Released 2006; Runtime 118 minutes

Concepts

Anxiety & Stress: The team experienced anxiety over playing in places that did not want them there.Cultural Differences: The team had to fit into a culture where having so many black players on the team was unusual.Race & Ethnicity Issues: Many people in the community felt uncomfortable about seeing so many black players on the court, and some were even mad that the team was successful with a predominantly black lineup.

Read more

The Blind Side

By -
Image
The Blind Side, based on the best-selling book by Michael Lewis, tells the story of Michael Oher's life leading up to his decision to play college football. The support of his new family allowed him to go from being homeless to a football star.

Released 2009; Runtime 129 minutes

Concepts

Parents & Family: Oher's adopted family drives his love for football and the people around him; Michael comes to view his team as his family too.Economic Issues: Oher was homeless, living on the streets of Memphis, TN, when a wealthy family takes him under their care.Goal Setting: Michael sets new goals about football and school, which motivates him to try in ways he never did before.


Read more

Cinderella Man

By -
Image
Cinderella Man is about a boxer in New York City during the 1930s who must battle poverty and the loss of his career. He receives a new opportunity to prove himself in the ring and to save his family from the cruelty of the Great Depression.

Released 2005; Runtime 144 minutes

Concepts

Anxiety & Stress: This is shown before the final fight as Braddock is afraid of dying.Injury & Illness: An injury forces Braddock to lose his only steady source of income and must struggle with the challenges of a broken hand.Economic Issues: The movie takes place during the Great Depression, when poverty was rampant.Motivation (Extrinsic): During a fight, Braddock has a vision of his family starving which pushes him to gain the strength he needs to win the fight.Peak Performance: Towards the end of his fights, Braddock clearly gets into a zone and narrows his focus onto his opponent.


Read more

The Greatest Game Ever Played

By -
Image
The Greatest Game Ever Played is about Francis, who dreams of being a professional golfer. However, he is from a low-income family and faces serious resistance from the elite who play the game.

Released 2005; Runtime 120 minutes


Read more

The Flying Scotsman

By -
Image
The Flying Scotsman is based on the true story of Scottish champion cyclist Graeme Obree. His unusual riding style and custom-made bike Old Faithful (which included parts from an old washing machine) made him a well-known and controversial figure in the cycling world. Graeme also battled with bipolar disorder.

Released 2006; Runtime 96 minutes


Read more

Peaceful Warrior

By -
Image
Based on Dan Millman's book "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior," Peaceful Warrior is filled with sport psychology concepts and spiritual and philosophical questions that cut to the core of the viewers. Guided by a spiritual teacher who poses as a gas station attendant, the fiery world class gymnast, Millman, goes through a lifetime of adventure focused on finding meaning, truth, happiness, and joy in the pursuit of excellence.

Released 2006; Runtime 120 minutes

Concepts
Imagery: Through learning to harness his mind though mental preparation, Millman prepares his body to return to the sport he loves; Specific examples include him imagining satisfaction from the journey, not the destination, and the image of "taking out the trash" let him focus on his goals.Injury & Illness: Millman gets into a major motorcycle accident, and it was thought he would never be able to walk again; 10 months later he was walking, running, and getting back onto the rings.Peak Performanc…
Read more