The Boys in the Boat 2023

 "It's called Swing, when all eight are rowing in such perfect unison that no single action is out of sync with the rest of the boat. Then you aren't fighting each other, you're moving less effort. Each one of your strokes is worth one and a half of the other boats. Most groups never find it, but when they do, rowing is more poetry than sport.”

What does it take to be one? How do we overcome our innate desire to be loners, to fend for ourselves? These are questions that The Boys in the Boat attempts to answer. As a film the story of the 1936 Washington State Crew team brings us back to essentials.
What is Sport? Is it a singular endeavor or does it require a team? The truth is, even when a singular person is on the field, their skills are still being honed by many hands. This is the essential aspect of Sport that we are asked to recall in thls engaging journey of the Washington Crew team, as they seek for Olympic Gold.
It may seem like you've seen everything The Boys in the Boat has to offer. That may be true, and perhaps that is the point. This film illustrates with eloquence and poise why sports films are so effective at uplifting the spirit. With visual nuance and filmic skill, boat rowing has never looked as enthralling or as meaningful as it does here. It is a testament to the art form of film, and the sport itself that
The Boys in the Boat is able to so effortlessly embody the power and purpose of teamwork. Director George Clooney and his team beautifully illustrate a quintessential truth here. We are at our best when we realize we are not alone.

I found this film to be enjoyable, meaningful and visually enthralling. I hope in some way you do too.

Rated PG-13 for language and smoking