Running Brave

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.

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.

I saw this movie when I was a kid. I busted out the old vhs player and watched it again. One of the most underrated films I've seen. Sure, some, and I mean some, of the acting isn't the greatest but the heart involved in this movie is amazing. Benson and Hingle hit the spot. The draft between those two and the acting is very well received and deserved. Uncle Frank (Denis Lacroix) is phenomenal as well as Graham Greene as Eddie. Graham Greene is always a fantastic treat to watch. Great screenplay and editing for an older movie. It was well worth it to bust out the old Panasonic VHS player to see this again!

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.

Based on the true story of Billy Mills, a Native American long distance runner who overcame racial prejudice to compete at the 1964 Olympic Games, 'Running Brave' presents a detailed slice of sporting history. While he is sometimes hard to believe as a Native American, Robby Benson (who played the young priest in 'The End' among other roles) provides a sincere and heartfelt performance as Mills, and Pat Hingle is very good as his charismatic coach. Even with such promising elements, 'Running Brave' has nevertheless fallen into obscurity since its initial release and it is easy to understand why. For all its ambition, the project severely lacks focus. Subplots including Benson courting his wife to-be (who seems to fall for him awfully quickly) and Benson returning home for a brief stint always seem like a distraction from the Olympic training central plot. Sporadic flashbacks to his childhood and sentimental letters written to his sister (delivered by Benson in voice-over) likewise subtract from the immediacy of the story. Most of the racial prejudice scenes come off as rather dated too, genuinely intimidating as one policeman admittedly is. When focused on the running side of things though, the film rarely missteps. The actual Olympic race is filmed with nail-biting intensity, expertly edited by Peter Zinner (of 'The Godfather' fame) and Benson has several good moments as he clashes with Hingle over strategy. It is also interesting to see Graham Greene (from 'Dances with Wolves') younger than ever, cast as Benson's older brother.