Student Film Reviews

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1. Brendan Beaghler 02.11.12 / 10am

   I totally agree with your statement this movie was filled with “inspiration and love.” I call myself a huge basketball fan and I had NO idea about this Other Dream Team. Their stories are amazing and inspirational. On IMDb this film has a rating of 9.7 out 10, which is the highest for any film I have ever seen on the site. It definitely deserved it. Throughout the film people were clapping with each accomplishment of the Lithuanian players. I am not going to lie I was clapping with them! As a basketball player, this film just made me appreciate how easy I have it in the United States. The Lithuanian players told their stories about when they played for the USSR Olympic team. They had so little money they were buying things in the US and selling them back home to bring home extra cash to support their families. I had no idea that the USSR was so controlling of all aspects of there players. They just viewed the Lithuanians as their property and they really had no right to do what they wanted. For example, they were not allowed to play in the NBA without permission from the government. I think that is ridiculous because these players worked so hard in order to be the athletes they are and when they finally become the best basketball players from their country, they are restricted from playing in the best league of basketball in the world. This to me is the most ridiculous thing ever.Being in the NBA would change these players lives forever, especially financially. Fortunately after jumping through many hoops they were able to make in the NBA. Anyone who is a sport lover needs to go and see this movie. You will leave the theater inspired and ready to take on any task. I loved this movie, one of my favorites from the festival. I just ordered for my Lithuanian Grateful Dead shirt!
2. Rosanna Garrison 02.12.12 / 9am

   Other sports films have celebrated the triumph of democracy over communism. “Miracle” tells the true story of the United States hockey team’s 4-3 upset victory over the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. In “Rocky IV”, Rocky goes to the Soviet Union to fight Drago and defend American honor. An underlying element to these stories is that prior to the downfall of the Iron Curtain, Soviet athletes had an unfair advantage over other athletes–the rampant use of anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs.
3. Gustav Orvefors 02.13.12 / 1pm

   I have seen these films as well, and I can see the connection. It still doesn’t make the excessive patriotism less annoying. It’s also naive thinking Soviet was the only country that used steroids. Have you ever though that maybe the American media wanted to make Soviet look bad? And could it be that because of the pressure in Soviet, people tried to get a better life by working alot harder then most countries.

   Don’t take me wrong, I don’t approve with what the Soviet government did at that time, (I don’t approve with what America have done either but that’s a different subject). My point is that Americans should stop making Soviet the villain and let go. If USA wants to keep making movies about the American honor, The Government have alot catching up to do, because this country soon doesn’t have to much honor left.

   I think at least Obama is big step in the right direction!

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