Watch North Dallas Forty

North Dallas Forty is a 1979 American sports drama film directed by Ted Kotcheff and based on Peter Gent's 1973 novel of the same name. This movie stars Nick Nolte as Phil Elliott, a wide receiver for the North Dallas Bulls, a fictional professional football team. Charles Durning plays the role of Coach Johnson while Mac Davis plays Seth Maxwell.

The film is an unflinching look at the life of professional football players; their struggles, their triumphs, their vices, and the price they pay for their moment in the spotlight. The film also looks at the corruption and power plays that go on behind the scenes in the NFL.

The story follows Phil Elliott as he tries to balance his love for the game, his relationships with his teammates, his physical injuries, and the pressure from management to perform. The movie takes place over the course of a week leading up to a pivotal game against the Chicago Bears. Phil's struggles with pain, drugs, and the politics of professional football are all on full display as he battles to play in the game despite his injuries.

The film is a mix of gritty drama, action, and humor. It gives an honest portrayal of the sacrifices that professional football players make and the toll it takes on their bodies, minds, and personal lives. The film is not afraid to show the true effects of violence, drugs, and corruption in the NFL.

Nick Nolte delivers a standout performance as Phil Elliott. He portrays the character with an authenticity that makes the audience empathize with his struggles. Nolte's raw energy and emotional depth make it impossible not to root for Phil on his journey through the NFL. Charles Durning also shines as Coach Johnson. His performance captures the ruthless ambition and power dynamics that govern the NFL.

The movie is also notable for its realistic football scenes. The film avoids the common trope of making football look glamorous or glorified. Instead, the film shows the players getting injured, getting hit, and struggling to get back up. The football scenes are visceral and intense, adding to the authenticity of the film.

Another standout aspect of the movie is the soundtrack. The music by John Scott perfectly captures the mood and the era of the film. The soundtrack features country music, rock, and blues, and adds to the overall gritty and authentic tone of the film.

North Dallas Forty is a sports movie that goes beyond the genre. It is a powerful and important commentary on the NFL and professional sports as a whole. The movie is not afraid to expose the flaws in the system that governs the game, and it does so with a mix of humor, drama, and action. The film is a must-watch for any sports fan or anyone interested in the darker side of professional sports.

In conclusion, North Dallas Forty is a gritty, realistic, and powerful sports drama that explores the highs and lows of professional football. It delivers honest portrayals of the corruption, power dynamics, and physical and emotional toll that come with the game. The film features standout performances, intense football scenes, and a memorable soundtrack. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in sports, drama, or powerful filmmaking.

North Dallas Forty is a 1979 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 80.