Watch Miracle

Miracle is a 2004 biographical sports drama film directed by Gavin O'Connor and starring Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, and Nathan West. The movie tells the story of the 1980 United States men's hockey team, who went on to win the gold medal in the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. The film opens up in 1979 with coach Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) preparing the U.S team for the Winter Olympics. The team doesn't show any signs of being the steadfast Olympic hockey players that Herb envisioned. Herb is constantly challenging the team, engaging them in drills that test their physical and emotional limits.

The team mostly comprises of college players, and Herb believes that they are the underdogs against the Russian hockey team, who have won the gold medal for the past four Olympics. They are not just unbeatable but also have a reputation of being ruthless and intimidating opponents. The film highlights the political tension of the 80s when the United States and Russia were not in amicable diplomatic relations.

The movie is a rollercoaster ride of humility, dedication, and patriotism. The team suffers losses, and Herb is relentless in his motivation to make his vision a reality. His drive to mold these young college players into an unstoppable force is admirable.

Apart from Kurt Russell's impressive performance, the sound design and cinematography stand out in this film. It is said that the filmmakers put in a lot of effort to recreate the sound of the rinks of the time, and it undoubtedly pays off. You can almost feel the cold of the ice rinks, amplified by the cheering and jeering of the audience.

Another distinguishing aspect of this movie is the portrayal of the American players. They are flawed and uncertain, just like any group of young adults. However, they ultimately come together to form a bond that goes beyond the rink.

The film highlights how the team became a symbol of hope and unity for a country that was-yearning for something to believe in. The 1980 Olympics were a time of political, economic, and social turmoil, and the victory of the U.S hockey team over the world's most significant hockey rivals gave the country a reason to celebrate.

Overall, Miracle is an emotional and inspiring retelling of one of America's iconic sporting achievements. It's a sports movie that's not just about the sport but the values that come together behind it. The film is a must-watch for sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone looking for a good dose of motivation.

Miracle is a 2004 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 68.