“We Are Marshall” is more than a football story. It’s an emotional ride that deals with the struggles of grief, the powers of perseverance, and the surrealism of fate.
The 2006 American biographical sports drama tells the story of the Marshall University football team in the aftermath of tragedy. It features a plethora of great actors and effective directorial choices to keep you engrossed throughout the 131 minute run time.
The movie opens on November 14, 1970. The Marshall Thundering Herd are about to lose a nail biter to a rival team. We see the emotion of the athletes, and the fan base back home in West Virginia, hunkered down listening to the beloved local announcer as the final seconds tick away. The game itself doesn’t really matter. All of the players and coaches on the Marshall sideline will be losing their lives in a few short hours.
“We Are Marshall” chooses to sets its focus on the aftermath of the catastrophe. We are introduced to the collegiate town of Huntington, West Virginia. It’s a close knit community that revolves around college football. The first fifteen minutes of the movie are captivating. We the viewer are included in the emotions. From losing the game to the events that follow. The camera cuts sharply to black, and the sirens roar. The plane crash sequence that is one of the most gripping events you will ever watch.
The cast is excellent.
Matthew McConaughey and Matthew Fox lead the pack as the men selected to continue the Marshall football program. Matt² are both incredible actors in their own unique ways.
McConaughey is a born leader, and seamlessly transitions to the role of Coach Jack Lengyel. No one can deliver an emotional speech like McConaughey. With his Texas drawl and undisputed charisma. He fires off lines like they’re coming from a Sunday morning sermon. “We are Marshall.” He explains with an all-knowing smirk. “We’ll take anybody.” He makes me want to suit up and play.
Matthew Fox is less flamboyant but equally stellar. As in the show “Lost,” we see he can play a character harboring demons. As coach Red Dawson, it’s a double struggle. He lost his friends and football family in the crash. He also gave up his seat on the plane to a fellow coach.
The cast is complete with other great actors. Anthony Mackie and Arlen Escarpeta play the emotionally charged captains of the squad. They do a wonderful job in showing their grief and frustration with the loss of their teammates and friends. David Strathairn plays University President Donald Dedmon. Kata Mara, January Jones, and the beautiful Kimberly Williams-Paisley also play ancillary parts.
“We Are Marshall” keeps the legacy intact. The players and coaches that died that day deserve a fitting tribute, and they get it here.
Football starts in a few short weeks! Whether you’re a rabid sports fan or not, this film is worth the watch.
“We Are Marshall” is currently available to rent on Amazon.
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