We are Marshall is an inspiring and moving movie based on true events. Matthew McConaughey and Matthew Fox lead a cast that brings the tragedy and triumph home.
Sports produce strong emotions in and of them self. The story of the 1970 Marshall University football team brings a range of emotions most other sports stories fail to muster. We Are Marshall captures all of the tumultuous emotions of the events after the university lost most of their football team and coaches as well some distinguished citizens in a plane crash. Now the DVD can be added to a sports fan’s collection, next to Rudy and Brian’s Song.
We Are Marshall Tells a Moving Story
We Are Marshall tells the story of the tragedy that befell the 1970 Marshall University football and the aftermath for those left to pick up the pieces. The plane carrying the varsity football team, coaches, and some fans crashed on its way back from an away game. All onboard was killed. The only ones left from the football team were an assistant coach, Red Dawson, who was away recruiting players, and four players that were injured.
With the encouragement of many at the school and in the town, the decision was made to rebuild the football program. Jack Lengyel was hired as head coach and, with the help of Red Dawson, and three of the four varsity football players, he set out to field a team for the 1971 season. Together, they smashed through barriers set before them and made their brothers proud.
Matthew McConaughey and Matthew Fox Give Powerful Performances
Bringing a story of this magnitude to the screen can be a daunting task. So can playing a character like Jack Lengyel. Matthew McConaughey brings his A game to We Are Marshall in his portrayal of this legendary coach. He brings the quirky and loveable Lengyel to life without going over the top. He brings just enough passion but is not overdramatic. It’s the subtleties that made Lengyel who he was and McConaughey captures those perfectly.
Red Dawson was also instrumental in the arduous task of building the football team from the ground up. Matthew Fox traps the essence of the tortured soul that is Dawson after the tragedy. Dawson’s survivor’s guilt laden with heart is captured perfectly by Fox. Hi powerful performance even beats that of his Lost brooding.
Beyond the two stars, this movie is riddled with fine acting. David Strathairn plays the beleaguered college president with such believability. Anthony Mackie brings a strong performance as Nate Ruffin, one of the remaining members of the varsity team. We Are Marshall is wonderfully casted, with each actor pulling their weight.
We Are Marshall Special Features
They only thing that may be lacking on the DVD are the Special Features. There is a little documentary called Legendary Coaches: How Coaches Overcome Adversity. It has an overview of some truly legendary coaches like Bobby Bowden, Lute Olsen, and of course Jack Lengyel. It’s a fluff piece though, without a lot of substance. There is also a commercial for Marshall University and a theatrical trailer for the movie.
It really would have been nice if they were able to have some interviews with those involved with this incredible story. Don’t be shocked when the special edition comes out in the future.
We Are Marshall is powerful enough to move the die-hard sports fan or the stay-at-home mother. It is well done in every aspect, paying respect to the those involved in this story. This DVD would be a welcome addition to anyone’s library and is an instant classic.
