Race Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A fast guy runs so fast that he accidentally proves Hitler wrong, while also dealing with relationship drama and shoe endorsements.

🍿 Race: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and College Years

The film introduces Jesse Owens as a young man in the 1930s, striving to provide for his family and girlfriend, Ruth, while attending Ohio State University on a track scholarship. He faces blatant racism, forcing him to use separate entrances and endure insults. Despite these challenges, Owens finds a supportive coach in Larry Snyder, who recognizes his extraordinary potential and pushes him to focus on his Olympic aspirations. Snyder becomes a mentor, helping Owens refine his technique and develop the mental fortitude needed to succeed. Owens struggles to balance his responsibilities to his family with the rigorous demands of training, leading to conflicts and difficult choices. These early years set the stage for his future triumphs and the obstacles he would face on the world stage.

The Debate Over the Berlin Olympics

As Owens’ star rises, the film shifts to the growing debate surrounding the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Amidst increasing reports of discrimination against Jews and other minority groups in Nazi Germany, voices in the United States begin to call for a boycott of the games. The American Olympic Committee, led by Avery Brundage, grapples with the decision of whether to participate, weighing the principles of fair competition against the moral implications of supporting a regime built on hatred. Brundage travels to Berlin to assess the situation firsthand, meeting with Nazi officials, including Joseph Goebbels, and filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl. He seeks assurances that American athletes, regardless of race or religion, will be treated fairly. A complex compromise is reached, but the controversy continues to swirl around Owens and the entire American team.

Triumph at the 1936 Olympics

The heart of the film focuses on Owens’ journey to Berlin and his remarkable performance at the Olympics. Despite the hostile environment and the presence of Adolf Hitler, Owens remains focused on his athletic goals. He faces intense competition but ultimately triumphs, winning four gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4×100 meter relay. His victories are not only a personal achievement but also a symbolic defeat for Hitler’s ideology of Aryan supremacy. The film highlights his friendship with German long jumper Luz Long, who offers Owens support and guidance, demonstrating the power of human connection to transcend political divisions. Even though the Olympic games were very politically charged, Jessie managed to push past the hate and show that skill is blind.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jesse Owens (Stephan James): A gifted African-American track and field athlete who defies racial prejudice to compete and win four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
• Larry Snyder (Jason Sudeikis): The determined Ohio State track coach who mentors Jesse Owens and helps him overcome obstacles to reach the Olympics.
• Luz Long (David Kross): A German long jumper who befriends and supports Jesse Owens, challenging Nazi ideology through his sportsmanship.
• Avery Brundage (Jeremy Irons): The president of the American Olympic Committee who navigates the complex political landscape surrounding the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
• Leni Riefenstahl (Carice van Houten): A German filmmaker tasked with documenting the 1936 Olympics, grappling with the Nazi regime’s propaganda agenda.
• Ruth Solomon (Shanice Banton): Jesse Owens’s supportive and understanding girlfriend, who deals with the struggles and complexities of Owens’s career and the racial discrimination of the time.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jesse Owens: “In those ten seconds, there’s no black or white, only fast or slow.” – This quote encapsulates Owens’ philosophy, focusing on athletic performance as a means of transcending racial barriers.
• Larry Snyder: “Records don’t mean shit. Some kid will come along and snatch those away from you. Medals are what count.” – Coach Snyder’s tough-love advice emphasizes the importance of winning and achieving lasting glory at the Olympics.
• Jesse Owens: “I came here to run.” – Owens’ simple statement underscores his focus on his athletic goals amidst immense political pressure and racial tension.
• Larry Snyder: “You belong to me” – Coach Snyder’s statement indicates that Owens will do what he needs to do in order to win gold at the Olympics.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $19,206,207
• Worldwide Gross: $25,070,261

💥 Race Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘Race’! The scenes of Jesse training and competing were so inspiring, it made me want to get off the couch and go for a run. Seeing him overcome so much adversity, both here and in Germany, and still manage to win those gold medals, it really got to me! Stephan James did an awesome job portraying the dignity and strength that Owens must have had. The locker room scene is insane! And I really appreciated the friendship between Jesse and Luz. Definitely worth watching, especially if you love a good underdog story.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of sports movies”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas”
  • “Audiences seeking inspiring stories about overcoming adversity”
  • “Those interested in stories about the 1936 Olympics and Nazi Germany”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Racial slurs and depictions of racism”
  • “Historical references to Nazi Germany and anti-Semitism”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While ‘Race’ doesn’t break any new ground in the sports biopic genre, Stephan James delivers a compelling performance as Jesse Owens. The film effectively balances the athletic achievements with the historical context of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, though it occasionally struggles with pacing.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Director Stephen Hopkins tells an inspiring story of Jesse Owens however the movie felt long for what it has to offer. What it lacks in emotional depth, it compensates with the thrill of the races and the historical significance of Owens’ accomplishments. Sudeikis was a pleasant surprise.
• The Guardian: “A well-crafted biopic of an American hero. ‘Race’ celebrates Owens’ accomplishments and bravely confronts the racism he faced both in the US and in Nazi Germany. Stephan James shines as Jesse Owens.

Audience Reactions

The depiction of the 1936 Berlin Olympics and the political tensions was very well done and engaging.: Viewers praised Stephan James’ portrayal of Jesse Owens and the film’s ability to capture the spirit of the athlete.

Jason Sudeikis exceeded expectations in his non-comedic role as Coach Larry Snyder.: People were surprised by how great Jason Sudeikis was in a more serious role. Most agreed that the coach added an important layer to the story, highlighting the bond that could rise above race. The pair’s chemistry made the movie relatable.

Overall Consensus: Race is an inspiring sports biopic that tells the story of Jesse Owens’ triumph at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, offering a compelling look at racism and perseverance.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie was filmed in Montreal and Berlin, using the actual Olympiastadion in Berlin for many scenes to enhance authenticity.”
• “Stephan James underwent rigorous training to convincingly portray Jesse Owens’ athletic prowess.”
• “The filmmakers aimed for historical accuracy but also took some creative liberties to heighten the drama and emotional impact of the story.”
• “Originally titled ‘The Jesse Owens Story’, the title was changed to ‘Race’ to highlight the dual themes of athletic competition and racial prejudice.”

🖥️ How to Watch Race?

Race is widely accessible. You can find it for rent or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local cable provider for on-demand options as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Chariots of Fire (1981): Focuses on the 1924 Olympics and the challenges faced by British athletes, exploring themes of faith, determination, and national pride.
• 42 (2013): Tells the story of Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in baseball, highlighting issues of racism and perseverance in sports.
• Invictus (2009): Portrays Nelson Mandela’s use of the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unite post-apartheid South Africa, dealing with themes of reconciliation and national identity.
• Unbroken (2014): Based on a true story, ‘Unbroken’ is about Louis Zamperini, an Olympic distance runner who survives a plane crash in World War II and endures brutal treatment as a prisoner of war, highlighting resilience and the strength of the human spirit.

🛒 Race Related Products

• Jesse Owens: An American Life: A biography delving deep into the life of Jesse Owens, exploring his childhood, athletic career, and the challenges he faced.
• 1936 Berlin Olympics: Jesse Owens 4 Gold Medals Poster: A commemorative poster showcasing Jesse Owens’ iconic victories at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
• LEGO Olympic Games Berlin 1936: Recreate the most famous moment of the 1936 Olympics in LEGO.
• The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics: A biography about the American Rowing Team.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey” – performed by Hughie Cannon
• “Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?” – performed by Rudy Vallee

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

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