The Boys in the Boat is a film based on the #1 New York Times bestselling non-fiction book. Written by Daniel James Brown and published in 2013, it tells of the American rowing team that beat the odds and stunned the world at Adolf Hitler’s 1936 Olympics.
As a rower myself, I read the book voraciously back then and found it a compelling read. I loved how it captured the heartwarming tale of underdogs. An unknown crew that came out of nowhere to make an indelible mark on sporting history. It’s a true story that is truly better than any fiction that could ever be written.
Book reveals depths of real-world drama
What I liked best is how the book juxtaposes the athletes’ story set during the Great Depression, with what was happening in Germany at the same time. How the Nazis had already been laying the foundation for the horrors of what was to come. But successfully hid evidence of harsh and inhumane treatment towards Jewish people and other minorities as worldwide attention turned towards the Olympic Games in Berlin
When the book was released, there was initial buzz of a movie that was sure to come. And I would definitely make a point to see it! Jump ahead to 2023, when the highly anticipated motion picture finally hit theatres on Christmas Day.
Directed by George Clooney, and starring Callum Turner and Joel Edgerton, the movie grabbed me from the start. But as much as I loved the love story, the underdog story, and the rowing story… and as much as I wanted to adore this whole movie with my whole heart… something was missing.
If the goal of The Boys in the Boat is to convince audiences this cast knows how to row, that mission was accomplished. With the rowing scenes shot in sequence, you can witness for yourself the technical progression of actors-turned-athletes. By the end, to see them rowing together to reenact the University of Washington’s Olympic race was nothing short of inspiring. They depicted rowing quite realistically, and it made me want to cheer out loud!
The 1936 Olympic Games
But with all said and done, the movie left me feeling like there were opportunities lost. Like the opportunity to reflect the world outside of America. Establishing the temperature of the global arena back then. Revealing how successfully the Nazis covered up how serious things already were in Germany in 1936. And how the games simply went on, despite suspicions of what might be happening there.
Most of The Boys in the Boat is dedicated to the ragtag group of boys who captured America’s national rowing title. And don’t get me wrong, it’s done very well. But after all of the effort and care put into the first three quarters of the film, the rest feels rushed.
It’s as if, after using up most of the screentime on the American action, filmmakers realized there wasn’t enough time left. So instead of making it a three-hour movie – what this easily could have been – they opted to gloss over the Germany stuff.
Even the reference to Jesse Owens was throw into The Boys in the Boat quickly and awkwardly. Owens, who won four Gold Medals at the same Olympics, and whose participation as an African-American drew deep disdain from Hitler himself, was introduced in the film in a moment that feels like an afterthought.
All things considered, those seeking the depth depicted in the book might leave the theatre feeling a little disappointed. Like I did.
The Boys in the Boat inspires
Overall, though, The Boys in the Boat is a touching movie that will satisfy those looking for a feel-good story. It’s a fantastic and fun movie that authentically portrays the excitement of rowing through an impassioned real-life story. So I really do encourage you to go see it.
After all, I fell in love with rowing many years ago, just by chance. And after seeing this movie, there’s a good chance you just might fall in love with rowing, too.
