Running Brave

I hadn't seen this movie in 34 years. Coming to view this excellent, and obviously underrated film, just last week, I was once again reminded, how inspirational it was. And this is what this solid told drama is, much more than say, a familiar film around, the same time, Heart Of A Champion, again based on truth. Billy Mills was the first Indian runner to win the Olympic Games, held in Japan, in 1964, and what a race he ran. Robby Benson was so good in this role, you almost can't imagine, or wouldn't wanna see him in anything else. It's a performance of such conviction, and you so like this character, who must overcome, racism, prejudice, and some unsavory remarks. He's not someone you wanna provoke. Pat Hingle did this film solid too, as one of the most stern and demanding sports managers I've seen, his small thank you, heartfelt compliment to Billy at the end, kind of short changes you, but is expectant of this character, who epitomizes a hard unbending attitude towards giving it your all, on that track. Benson's female love interest, who became his wife, really put in a great performance too. This is one quite dramatic scene, that involved one of Billy's sorry sack relatives, who does himself in, and was quite an impactful moment. If anything, Not sure that this is fact, as if to spice the movie up. Running Brave is one of the most inspirational movies, it's reason being, it has one of the most inspirational characters in film, who has a thought provoking line about winning, which should be pondered by all.

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.

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.

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!