An underdog story always manages to pull at the heartstrings. The idea of someone deemed a loser by society being able to rise above all kinds of adversity thrown their way is the warm and uplifting type of story to make one's heart swell with pride once the underdog has finally achieved their goals. And Running Brave, the story of Native American long-distance runner Billy Mills, is one of the best underdog movies to watch. For it allows one to feel that amazing sense of victory once Billy crosses the finish line to win the gold medal in the 10,000 meter run in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.The beginning of the movie really sets the mood of hardship, adversity, and racial prejudice that will permeate the very being of the movie throughout the whole ride. It begins with Billy being brushed off as a possible candidate for a true athlete simply because of the race he belongs to.
The movie could have ended there. It could have been a small blurb of a white man passing off on a Native American athlete simply because he wasn't white. Billy could have quit right then and there and not given any damns about his future as an athlete.But he didn't stop. He persevered. He fought on. And because of this very perseverance, the audience is treated to quite the whirlwind of an adventure as the movie follows Billy's experiences from leaving his reservation, the only home he had ever known until then, all the way to him competing in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics to take the gold medal.
This movie isn't just about a man following his dreams and overcoming adversity. It doubles as one of the greatest movies out there to help understand the large berth there was (and still is) whenever it comes to one's race. It holds no punches in the sentimental department to force the viewers to reflect on racial inequality and find their own stance on it.
In my most humble opinion, I believe this is one of the greatest movies to find that presents a full package: Interesting characters, a profound and well thought out story-line, a dash of 'Wake Up and Smell the Racist Roses', and a heartwarming ending that will leave anyone smiling like a complete idiot.
I think it's about time we try and find the wisdom to be found in the wolf's glowing eyes. Maybe then we'll finally start treating each other as equals.
Irene, I’m glad you specified that there is still racism going on in the world. If we take a look at the most recent presidential election, were Donald Trump (a racist and narcissist person) won, one can see how the themes of Running Brave are extremely fresh in today’s society. As president-elect, many USA citizens, now fear to go out in the streets. For example, Muslim women have opted to stop wearing their hijabs, to avoid getting bullied or even killed in the streets. It’s sad that after all the years of progress and acceptance, society has retroceded due to many uneducated people from the USA. As you said, the themes of Running Brave have transcended through the years, which is extremely awful and disappointing.
ReplyDeleteBilly Mills is definately an inspiring individual and his story motivates me on my own goals. Nevertheless, it's sad how there's still prejudice towards Native Americans. Hearing about people wanting to forcingly dismantle sacred and important territory of Native Americans to make commercial buildings is disrespectful. After whites having taken everything else, they want to take this territory too. What will it be of these Natives, the true americans?
ReplyDeleteThis movie touched me very much also. It motivated to achieve all of the goals I have set. It seems as if we were stuck in an era. It is unbelievable how, after so many years, racism is still present. Now there has been several events that have happened in which you notice that racism is back and that people have forgotten what happened in the past. There's one quote that a special teacher said to my class: "He who does not know it's story is more likely to repeat it". You should learn about everything, even if it's a little.
ReplyDeleteThe mood established a the beginning of the movie is crucial for the artwork's meaning: one may overcome any obstacle and be victorious. Billy is the epitome of fighting to achieve a goal. He is an inspiration. Everyone should see his movie because it encourages one to follow his or her dreams. If Billy was able to win his race, why can't we win our own?
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