- PG-13
- 2h 14m
- Directed by
-
- Stephen Hopkins
- Writer
- Joe Shrapnel
- Premiered
- February 19, 2016
- Language
-
- English
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $5,000,000.00
- Revenue
- $24,804,129.00
- Awards
-
- 6 wins & 11 nominations total
- Country
-
- Canada
- Germany
Race
- Production
-
- Trinity Race
- Solofilms
- Trinica Entertainment
- ID+
- and 3 more
Spoiler
Race is a compelling drama that chronicles the life of Jesse Owens, portrayed by Stephan James, a young African American athlete whose remarkable journey leads him to the global stage of the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The film opens in Cleveland, Ohio, where Jesse is seen sprinting through the gritty streets of his neighborhood. He is preparing to leave his family home, packing his bags for college while his mother lovingly tailors a suit coat for him. Although Jesse expresses concern about the cost, she reassures him that he is destined for greatness. A poignant farewell to his father, who receives a modest $2 from Jesse, sets the tone for the sacrifices and aspirations that lie ahead.
As Jesse arrives at Ohio State University, he finds himself amidst a struggling track team under the leadership of Coach Larry Snyder, played by Jason Sudeikis. The team is in a slump, and there are whispers about Snyder's job security. When Snyder receives a file on Jesse, he sees potential in the young runner. Meanwhile, Jesse's personal life is complicated; he has a girlfriend, Ruth (Shanice Banton), and a young daughter, but he is determined to improve their lives.
Jesse's initial experiences at Ohio State are marred by the racial tensions of the time. He and his friend Dave (Eli Goree) face derogatory remarks from the football team, highlighting the pervasive racism that Jesse must navigate. Despite these challenges, Jesse impresses Coach Snyder with his speed during training sessions, and Snyder emphasizes the importance of commitment, urging Jesse to focus solely on track.
As the U.S. Olympic Committee debates whether to boycott the Berlin Games due to the rising tensions in Germany, Jesse continues to train diligently. He juggles work at a gas station with his athletic commitments, sending money home to support Ruth and their daughter. Coach Snyder learns about Jesse's family situation and becomes more invested in his training, recognizing the weight of Jesse's responsibilities.
In Berlin, the atmosphere is tense as the Nazis prepare for the Olympics. Avery Brundage (Jeremy Irons), a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is sent to assess the situation in Germany. He witnesses the oppressive regime firsthand, including the anti-Semitic propaganda and the treatment of Jewish citizens. Despite this, Brundage is determined to proceed with the Games, believing in the power of sport to transcend politics.
Back in Ohio, Jesse's training intensifies, and he begins to break records at the Big Ten Championships, much to the delight of Coach Snyder. However, Jesse's personal life becomes tumultuous when Ruth confronts him about his relationship with Quincella, a woman he meets at a jazz club. This leads to a brief setback in Jesse's performance, but he ultimately reconciles with Ruth and proposes marriage.
As the Olympic trials approach, Jesse qualifies for three events, but the racial dynamics of the time loom large. The press scrutinizes the participation of Jewish athletes, and tensions rise within the team. Coach Snyder fights for Jesse's right to train under his guidance, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of adversity.
When Jesse arrives in Berlin, he is met with both admiration and hostility. The American team is treated well, but the underlying racism persists. Jesse's friendship with Luz Long (David Kross), a German athlete, becomes a focal point of the narrative. Luz's support during the broad jump event exemplifies the camaraderie that can exist even amidst political turmoil.
As the Games unfold, Jesse excels, winning gold medals in the 100-meter dash, broad jump, and 200-meter dash. His victories are not just personal triumphs but also serve as a powerful statement against the Nazi ideology of Aryan supremacy. However, the political implications of his success are palpable, as Jesse is confronted with the reality of his achievements in a racially charged environment.
The film culminates in the relay race, where Jesse and his teammates set a new world record. Despite the oppressive atmosphere, Jesse's triumphs resonate far beyond the track, symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of discrimination. The story concludes with Jesse returning home, celebrated as a hero yet still facing the harsh realities of racism in America.
In the end, Race is not just a biopic about Jesse Owens; it is a poignant exploration of race, identity, and the power of sports to challenge societal norms. The film captures the essence of Owens' legacy, reminding viewers of the struggles he faced and the impact he made on the world stage.
Top Billed Cast
Core Crew
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