Remember The Titans is based in Alexandria in 1971, where American Football is more important to the way of life than family morals. On top of that the town is split by racial segregation which was still common place at the start of the 70's. When the town is forced into integrating the all white school with the all black school, racial emotions erupt which unsettles the town right down to the core.
With the integration comes the challenge of having the first ever black high school football coach, Herman Boone (Denzel Washington), along with having to rock the tradition of having a mixed race football team. This causes the white population to rebel against the situation, as there beloved coach, Bill Yoast (Will Patton), was relegated to assistant coach along with the threat that some of there children would be dropped from the team to allow for the new black players. In contrast the black population were excited that a black coach had been awarded the position.
Although the coaches came from completely different
backgrounds, they had one joint goal. That was to mould the players into a winning team. Through a journey of discovery they unite the team as one, with no racial tension, making them into a winning force, a united family. Although things never always went as smoothly off the pitch as on. The example the team set demonstrated to the rest of the town that there was no need for racial tension and the hearts of people began to melt, finally uniting many of the town no matter what colour or creed.
Added to this is the sub story of one of the players who suffers a crippling injury of the pitch which affects his whole future. He rises above adversity to lead a powerful life which would inspire many others.
The Cast
The movie is well casted in every possible way. Denzel Washington is powerful as the black coach as he overcomes the racial tension. Will Patton is excellent as Bill Yoast as he has to discover that he has to get over his own racial issues. Along with outstanding performances from Wood Harris, and Ryan Hurst as they unite the football team.
Denzel Washington .... Coach Herman Boone Will Patton .... Coach Bill Yoast Wood Harris .... Julius Campbell Ryan Hurst .... Gerry Bertier Donald Faison .... Petey Jones Craig Kirkwood .... Jerry 'Rev' Harris Ethan Suplee .... Louie Lastik Kip Pardue .... Ronnie 'Sunshine' Bass Hayden Panettiere .... Sheryl Yoast Nicole Ari Parker .... Carol Boone Kate Bosworth .... Emma Hoyt Earl Poitier .... Blue Stanton (as Earl C. Poitier) Ryan Gosling .... Alan Bosley Burgess Jenkins .... Ray Budds Neal Ghant .... Glascoe
Technical Details
Certificate: PG Length: 109 mins No. of DVDs: 1.
Packaging
Comes in a standard DVD case, with an atmospheric picture of Denzel Washington on the cover. Enclosed is a booklet which describes the story along with the cast and as to the history behind the film.
Bonus Material
You get the usual scene selection which consists of 18 different scenes; although the menu on the DVD does not show the individual titles the enclosed booklet does label them individually.
The language selection allows for English, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Estonian and subtitles in English..
There is the option to view the film with a running audio commentary by the producer, director and writer.
You also get a behind the scenes feature which gives history on the film as well as how certain bits were filmed. Along with interviews with the people that this film is based around as well as the cast. This is as inspiring as the actual film.
Then you get the story of how Denzel Washington became Herman Boone. With interviews with both Denzel and Herman.
Next you get a selection of 6 deleted scenes which if they had been included would have complemented the already great film as well as bring a touch of light heartedness where needed.
Finally you get the theatrical trailer which really demonstrates what this film is all about.
Conclusion & Rating
This film is a modern day epic, which takes you on a thoroughly enjoyable, emotional ride. No matter if you are watching it for the football or the integration of races or the historic element, this film delivers on all fronts. If you have never seen this film I would highly recommend it, and I can guarantee no matter what mood you are in, you will be gripped within in 10 minutes.
The soundtrack is at times moving but with a great mix of soul and western, thoroughly enjoyable..
I would give this a rating of 10 out of 10 as it is in my eyes, a modern epic which delivers on story, cast, cinematography and so much more.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 1995 - Drama - Director: Ang Lee - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal - Starring: Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Greg Wise, Hugh Laurie, Robert Hardy
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 1995 - Drama - Director: Ang Lee - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal - Starring: Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Greg Wise, Hugh Laurie, Robert Hardy
One of my top-ten, all-time favourite films. Denzel Washington played Boone to perfection. His portrayal of a Black Man given a job which "should have" been a White Mans job was spot on. Every day, faced with adversity, rising above it to show strength of character, thats what I love about this film........ Louie Lastik, "someone said football and I came running"...... Bless xx
VampirePrincessLizzy 11.02.2006 00:35
very well detailed review. dont think its my cuppa tea tho. Thanks xXLizzyXx
fabfrog5 09.02.2006 11:46
a great review, great special features explanation and a good message! well done! :) aly x
Boaz Yakin'sRemember the Titansboasts only one major star (Denzel Washington), but it does ... more
have an appealing cast of fresh unknowns and a winning emphasis on substance over self-indulgent style.Set in Alexandria, Virginia in 1971, the fact-based story ...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Boaz Yakin'sRemember the Titansboasts only one major star (Denzel Washington), but it does ... more
have an appealing cast of fresh unknowns and a winning emphasis on substance over self-indulgent style.Set in Alexandria, Virginia in 1971, the fact-based story ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Based on a real-life drama, Remember The Titans is a rousing celebration of how a town ... more
torn apart by resentment, friction and mistrust comes together in triumphant harmony. After leading his team to fifteen winning seasons, football coast Bill Yoast is...
Advantages: Awesome! Soundtrack, acting, script, everything is top notch. Disadvantages: Predicatable, you laread know the outcome of the movie from the pre-release blurb.
Advantages: Great acting, great casting, a good story, tackles emotive and sensitive issues, no bad langauge and violence (apart from the football) Disadvantages: A little slow to start off with
![Remember The Titans [DVD] [2001]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78537122.jpg "Remember The Titans [DVD] [2001]")
Jan 21st, 2006
(Feb 9th, 2006)
exceptional by (6%):
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