Miracle Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy coach forces a bunch of college kids to skate a lot, then they beat some Russians at a game involving frozen water and sticks, making everyone feel patriotic, probably.

🍿 Miracle: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Selection Process

In 1979, Herb Brooks is selected as the coach of the U.S. Olympic hockey team. He implements a rigorous selection process, prioritizing skill and strategy over established reputations. Brooks aims to build a team that can challenge the dominant Soviet squad.

Training and Team Building

Brooks’ training methods are unconventional and demanding, pushing the players to their physical and mental limits. He focuses on instilling a European style of play to counter the Soviet’s strategy. The team faces internal conflicts and struggles as they adapt to Brooks’ methods and strive to become a cohesive unit.

The Road to Lake Placid

The team participates in exhibition games and international tournaments, facing both victories and defeats. These experiences serve to further refine their skills and build their confidence. The movie highlights the political context of the Cold War, adding weight to the rivalry with the Soviet team.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell): The determined and unconventional coach who led the underdog 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory.
• Patti Brooks (Patricia Clarkson): Herb Brooks’ supportive wife who balances his passion for hockey with the demands of family life.
• Craig Patrick (Noah Emmerich): The assistant coach to Herb Brooks, providing valuable support and strategic insights to the team.
• Jim Craig (Eddie Cahill): The U.S. Olympic team’s goalie, playing with personal loss and immense pressure.
• Mike Eruzione (Patrick O’Brien Demsey): The captain of the U.S. Olympic hockey team, who scores the winning goal against the Soviet Union.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Herb Brooks: “Great moments are born from great opportunity.” – Brooks’ pre-game speech emphasizing the unique chance they have to achieve greatness.
• Herb Brooks: “Tonight, we are the greatest hockey team in the world.” – Part of his inspirational speech before the game against the Soviets, instilling belief in his players.
• Herb Brooks: “Again!” – Brooks’ relentless command during grueling training, pushing the team to their limits.
• Al Michaels: “Do you believe in miracles? YES!” – The iconic call as the clock expires in the USA’s upset victory over the Soviet Union.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $28,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $64,378,093
• Worldwide Gross: $64,445,708

💥 Miracle Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I’m not a huge hockey person, but ‘Miracle’ got me HOOKED. Kurt Russell IS Herb Brooks, and you totally believe his intensity. The training montages? Epic! But the actual game against the Soviets… I was on the edge of my seat even though I already knew what was going to happen. Seeing the team come together and that final buzzer… chills. Seriously made me feel something about my country, which is a weird thing to say about a hockey movie! I wanted to jump up and cheer!!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Sports movie fans”
  • “Hockey enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in Cold War history”
  • “Those who enjoy inspirational underdog stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some profanity”
  • “Intense sports action”
  • “Brief scenes of thematic elements related to the Cold War”

Professional Reviews

• Empire Magazine: “Kurt Russell shines as Herb Brooks, but the film leans heavily on sports movie clichés, ultimately making it a rousing but predictable experience. The hockey action is well-shot, but character development beyond Brooks is lacking.
• RogerEbert.com: “Miracle transcends the sports movie genre with its powerful performances and the palpable sense of national pride it evokes. Russell embodies Brooks’ intensity and the film effectively captures the political climate of the time. The game sequences are thrilling, but it’s the human story that resonates.
• Variety: “While ‘Miracle’ delivers a crowd-pleasing sports narrative, it struggles to delve deeper into the players’ individual stories. Kurt Russell’s performance is a highlight, imbuing Herb Brooks with a compelling mix of toughness and vulnerability.

Audience Reactions

Al Michaels’ iconic ‘Do you believe in miracles?’ call sends shivers down your spine every single time.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s ability to recreate the tension and excitement of the actual 1980 Olympic hockey game.

Kurt Russell’s performance as Herb Brooks is considered the best part of the entire movie.: The historical accuracy and respect for the real events are frequently lauded by audiences who remember the ‘Miracle on Ice’.

Overall Consensus: A crowd-pleasing sports drama, elevated by Kurt Russell’s performance, capturing a pivotal moment in sports and American history, despite relying on genre conventions.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Kurt Russell took a pay cut so the extras could enjoy a hot meal, showing his commitment to the film’s production and the well-being of the cast and crew.”
• “The filmmakers went to great lengths to recreate the authentic look and feel of the 1980 Winter Olympics, including using vintage equipment and ensuring historical accuracy in the costumes and set design.”
• “Herb Brooks died shortly after consulting on the film, making the movie a tribute to his legacy and impact on the sport of hockey.”

🖥️ How to Watch Miracle?

Miracle is available to stream on Disney+. You can rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable providers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Miracle, you might like these similar films:

• Remember the Titans (2000): Another Disney sports drama based on a true story about a team overcoming adversity and uniting a community.
• Rocky (1976): Classic underdog story with a focus on determination and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.
• Chariots of Fire (1981): A historical sports drama from the same era, focusing on the 1924 Olympics and the dedication of its athletes.
• Moneyball (2011): A modern sports movie that highlights innovative strategies and challenging the established order, similar to Brooks’ approach.

🛒 Miracle Related Products

• Miracle (Two-Disc Collector’s Edition): Own a piece of sports history with this collector’s edition, featuring behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the players, and historical context of the 1980 Olympics. A must-have for any hockey fan or collector.
• Funko Pop! Herb Brooks: Showcase your fandom with a Funko Pop! figure of Herb Brooks, the legendary coach of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team. This collectible captures his intense demeanor and is a perfect addition to any sports memorabilia collection.
• 1980 USA Hockey Jersey: Officially licensed replica of the 1980 USA Hockey jersey. High-quality stitching and materials make this jersey a great way to honor the Miracle on Ice team.
• Miracle on Ice: The Unforgettable Story: Delve into the complete history with a detailed ebook on the real story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team, filled with untold stories and photos.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Mr. Boogie” – performed by Stephen Gaboury and MacHan Taylor
• “Mr. Roboto” – performed by Styx

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Final Minute of the “Miracle on Ice”

Ever wonder what the real ‘Miracle on Ice’ game looked like? Check out the heart-stopping final minute – it’s even more intense than the movie!

Miracle – The Name on the Front More Important than the Name on the Back

Remember that powerful scene where Coach Brooks pushes the team to their limits? This clip shows the exact moment they finally understand what it means to play for something bigger than themselves. Seriously gives me chills!

✨ Rate