Running Brave

Running Brave is a wonderful film. It sends out strong, positive, messages of life, and pursuing goals. As a Cross-Country and Track runner, Running Brave gave me the inspiration to continue to work hard and focus to be the best out there (like the Prefontaine movies did). Billy Mills did not let the stereotypical attitude towards his origins bring him down, it just fuelled him even more to showcase his talents.

The last segment of the 10,000 meter final is filmed exceptionally well.

--If your a runner, then Running Brave is for you. If your a person that likes inspirational, good-hearted films, I highly recommend this movie. *** stars out of 4

While there are many films made "based" upon a true story, few come as close to portraying the actual events as Running Brave. Billy Mills' amazing finish to win the gold medal in the 10,000 meters, not to mention announcer Jim McKay's call of this race, have become legendary. Robbie Benson's understated acting style and athleticism made him an ideal choice to play the shy Mills, a Native American who was uncomfortable with the attention and notoriety his Olympic fame caused. Also, watch for veteran character actor, Pat Hingle, who gives an excellent performance in the role of Mills' college coach at Kansas.

Based on the true story of Billy Mills, who went as an American Indian, in the 1950s on a running scholarship to college, then went on to become America's favorite runner, is one of the better inspirational sports movies.

Among the reservation you can spot actors who will later appear in Dances With Wolves, and the film is filled with good performances. The camera work is slightly dated now, but it the running that shines. Shot as a time when jogging was America's national sport this is one of the best running films out there - though not Chariots of Fire it does capture something of the spirit of cross-country and track.

All in all, if social justice and / or sports are your thing then you'll love this - it really is a good watch.

Becoming an Olympic level athlete takes incredible work ethic, toughness, and resolve. The journey is painstaking and arduous. And that's if things go well. It is exponentially more painstaking and arduous when you are an American Indian in the 1960's finally leaving the reservation and entering a foreign world.

Billy Mills was that American Indian and he had what it took to become an Olympian. "Running Brave"--which is a play on words--is about Billy Mills' journey to becoming a gold medalist in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo. It's almost serendipitous that I just watched this movie considering that the Olympics in about a half a year are again going to be in Tokyo.

Like any story of triumph this one had its ups and downs. Billy had his believers and detractors. If anything, this movie is a good tribute.

This would have to be one of the best true sporting stories ever created on the screen. Billy Mills is a Native American Indian who has to fight against the odds to get to the top. A gifted athlete who is very proud of his heritage works his way to the top and wins the 10,000 metres at the Tokyo Olympics. It highlights the ups and downs an American Indian must face to get recognition as a man and athlete. Robbie Benson seems to be born for the part. He portrays Mills very well to the extent that the running style is very alike. The actual race brings a chill to your spine, especially the way he finishes down the straight. This is a great Movie and any budding athlete should watch it just to see how to become a winner and win against all the odds.