The Boys in the Boat Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of broke college kids learn to synchronize paddling to make Hitler sad.

🍿 The Boys in the Boat: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Desperate Times, Determined Measures

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression in 1936, Joe Rantz, a struggling engineering student at the University of Washington, faces dire financial straits. Living in an abandoned car and unable to afford tuition, Joe discovers an opportunity: joining the university’s rowing team. This offers not only a means to earn money but also provides room and board, a lifeline he desperately needs.

Forging a Team of Underdogs

Despite lacking any prior rowing experience, Joe and fellow student Roger Morris try out for the team. They endure a grueling selection process led by Coach Al Ulbrickson, who is under immense pressure to produce a winning team for the upcoming Olympics. Against all odds, they secure spots on the junior varsity team, marking the beginning of their arduous journey.

Rise to Prominence

The JV team begins to defy expectations, showcasing remarkable skill and teamwork. Their victories, including a record-breaking performance at the Pacific Coast Regatta, turn them into campus celebrities. Coach Ulbrickson, recognizing their potential, makes the bold decision to promote the JV team over the varsity team for the prestigious Poughkeepsie Regatta, a qualifier for the Olympics.

Overcoming Personal Demons

As the team’s success grows, Joe is confronted by his past when his estranged father reappears. The encounter deeply affects him, impacting his performance during practice. However, guidance from boat builder George Pocock helps Joe confront his emotional struggles and recommit to the team.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joe Rantz (Callum Turner): A determined but impoverished engineering student who joins the rowing team to pay for college and overcome a difficult past.
• Coach Al Ulbrickson (Joel Edgerton): The stern but ultimately supportive rowing coach who guides the underdog team towards the Olympics.
• Joyce Simdars (Hadley Robinson): Joe Rantz’s supportive and loving girlfriend, providing emotional stability and encouragement throughout his journey.
• George Pocock (Peter Guinness): A wise and experienced boat builder who offers Joe valuable advice and mentorship, helping him find his place on the team.
• Bobby Moch (Luke Slattery): The headstrong coxswain brought in to lead the JV team, whose leadership and strategic calls are crucial to their success.
• Don Hume (Jack Mulhern): An essential rower on the team who struggles with illness during the Olympics, adding tension to their quest for gold.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• George Pocock: “That bunch of kids rowed like no one else who’s ever come through here.” – Pocock recognizes the unique talent and spirit of the rowing team.
• Joe Rantz: “It’s not about the eight of us, it’s about the boat.” – Joe internalizes Pocock’s words and recognizes the importance of teamwork.
• Al Ulbrickson: “There’s no such thing as a natural athlete. You have to build it, day after day, repetition after repetition.” – Coach emphasizing hard work, dedication, and perserverance.
• Joe Rantz: “We were never eight, we were one.” – Joe reflecting on the unity and bond of the team.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $52,641,306
• Worldwide Gross: $55,501,365

💥 The Boys in the Boat Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed The Boys in the Boat! I went in expecting a simple sports movie, but I was pleasantly surprised by the historical context and the real struggles of the characters. The rowing scenes were intense and really made me feel like I was there. The ending, with the team winning gold, was incredibly satisfying. Definitely a feel-good movie that left me smiling. I especially enjoyed the old boat building guy, George Pocock, he had so much wisdom.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of inspirational sports dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in historical events of the 1930s”
  • “Rowing enthusiasts”
  • “Those who appreciate underdog stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief depictions of Great Depression-era poverty”
  • “Some thematic elements related to Nazi Germany and the 1936 Olympics”

Professional Reviews

• Hollywood Reporter: “While the film captures the historical setting and thrilling races, it suffers from a predictable script and underdeveloped characters, preventing it from reaching its full potential. The performances are earnest, but the story lacks depth.
• Variety: “Clooney delivers a feel-good sports drama that’s easy to enjoy, even if it doesn’t break new ground. The rowing sequences are beautifully shot, and the historical context adds weight to the underdog story. Solid entertainment for the holiday season.
• IndieWire: “The Boys in the Boat is visually appealing but ultimately falls flat due to its reliance on clichés and a lack of emotional resonance. The story feels rushed, and the characters are underdeveloped, making it a forgettable experience.

Audience Reactions

Inspirational true story really gets you invested in the team’s journey.: Viewers found the story incredibly inspiring and the rowing scenes visually stunning, even if predictable.

Beautifully shot but a little too predictable: Audience loved the scenery and felt-good nature but often called the story cliched

Overall Consensus: An inspiring and visually appealing sports drama that, while predictable, offers a feel-good experience for audiences.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the non-fiction novel of the same name by Daniel James Brown, which spent many weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.”
• “George Clooney directed the film, marking a return to directing sports dramas after ‘Leatherheads’.”
• “The actors underwent rigorous training to realistically portray the rowing sequences.”
• “Filming took place in various locations, including Cleveland Lakes Nature Reserve in the UK, to recreate the 1930s settings.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Boys in the Boat?

As of October 2024, “The Boys in the Boat” is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your local listings for cable on-demand availability. For physical media, Blu-ray and DVD versions can be purchased from major retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Boys in the Boat, you might like these similar films:

• Chariots of Fire (1981): Classic sports drama about Olympic athletes overcoming adversity, with a focus on determination and achieving the impossible.
• Seabiscuit (2003): Another Depression-era story of underdogs achieving remarkable success, resonating with themes of hope and resilience.
• Miracle (2004): Inspirational sports movie about the 1980 US Olympic hockey team’s improbable victory, capturing the spirit of teamwork and national pride.
• Invictus (2009): A film about Nelson Mandela uniting South Africa through the 1995 Rugby World Cup, similar to the theme of sports bringing a nation together.

🛒 The Boys in the Boat Related Products

• The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics: The original #1 New York Times bestselling non-fiction book by Daniel James Brown that inspired the movie. A compelling read delving deeper into the lives and challenges of the rowing team.
• 1936 Berlin Olympics Commemorative Coin Set: A rare and historically significant coin set from the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Features designs related to the games and the era, housed in a display case with certificate of authenticity.
• Vintage Rowing Poster – University of Washington Crew Team: A high-quality reproduction of a vintage rowing poster featuring the University of Washington crew team from the 1930s. Printed on archival paper with vibrant colors.
• Rowing Machine – Concept2 Model D Indoor Rower: Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Performance Monitor. The best selling indoor rower in the world that is often compared to the real life version.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Boys in the Boat features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Until Life Turns Your Way Again” – performed by Ian James Donaldson
• “Deutschland erwache” – performed by Herms Niel

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Four Favorites with George Clooney, Callum Turner and Joel Edgerton of The Boys in The Boat

Ever wondered what movies influenced George Clooney and the cast of The Boys in the Boat? It’s super interesting to see their favorite films and how those might have inspired their work on this movie – check it out!

‘The Boys in the Boat’ stories you won’t see in the movie

Want to know more about the real Joe Rantz? His grandson shares heartwarming stories and a peek inside his home. It’s so cool to see the personal side of the Olympic hero!

Mark Kermode reviews The Boys in the Boat – Kermode and Mayo’s Take

Thinking about seeing The Boys in the Boat? Mark Kermode’s review is a must-watch! He always has such thoughtful insights, it’s worth hearing his opinion before you go.

‘The Boys in the Boat’ cast talk short shorts and rowing

The cast’s take on short shorts and rowing is really funny. It definitely gives some good insight into their characters and experiences!

✨ Rate