'and the award goes to...': My Top 5 Sporting Films!

Sport has played a considerable role in shaping my childhood, and who I am today. I am an ex-footballer, ex-swimmer, ex-hockey player, ex-judoka, and ex-basketballer (although I still play a lot of ball unprofessionally!). Although I have gradually given up sports to focus on school and my career, it has taught me important morals such as teamwork and leadership qualities. So without further ado (in no particular order)...

1. Coach Carter – Coach Carter is by far one of the greatest films I have ever seen. The fact that it is a true story propels its reputation further. Coach Ken Carter (Samuel L Jackson) made headlines in 1999 for benching his undefeated high school basketball team due to poor academic results, and Thomas Carter (the director) cinematically makes this narrative gritty yet uplifting; and for once shows heart by not following generic conventions as the Richmond Oilers lose the regional high school playoffs near the end. Thomas Carter produces an exceptional film that instantly educates, using Carter's awe-inspiring personal story to proclaim the vitality of education, and of basic morality. The soundtrack 'Hope' by Twista and Faith Evans leaves audiences feeling euphoric, and teaches us that there IS more to life than winning.

2. Field of Dreams – Much like Space Jam, it is the morals learned from this film that make it great. The most famous line from it ‘if you build it, they will come’ indicates the requirement of perseverance, willpower, and emotional and spiritual strength for success. Kevin Costner (Robin Hood: Prince of Theives, The Bodyguard) stars as Ray Kinsella. He realizes that his field has been divinely ordained to give a second chance to people who have sacrificed certain valuable aspects of their lives (such as Ray Liotta’s, Burt Lancaster’s and James Earl Jones’ characters), again, manifesting how sacrifice brings long-term reward. His determination leads to mass anonymous popularity at the end as cars flood the streets leading to his baseball field.

3. White Men Can't Jump – This film is noted due to the impressive and comedic chemistry between Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes. It is largely Snipes’ character Sidney Deane who provides the comedy through his hilarious trash-talking and psychological games. His larger-than-life persona along with Billy Hoyle’s (Harrelson) tragically ordinary life and demeanour provide a memorable film that is ‘not just about basketball’. Snipes’ outspokenness mixed with great sporting action make this film unbeatable in terms of comedy and a sporting film. The gag of ‘white men can’t jump’ has had a cultural impact, making Sidney Deane’s ripostes of ‘Yo Mamma’ jokes and trash-talking infamous. The film is so comedic and heart-warming that Stanley Kubrick (Spartacus, Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket) considered White Men Can’t Jump one of his favourite films.

4. The Greatest Game Ever Played – Featuring a very youthful Shia LeBeouf (Holes, I, Robot, Eagle Eye, Transformers, Indiana Jones, Wall Street, Lawless) as real-life golfer Francis Ouimet, this film is based on the 1913 US Golf Open. Much like others mentioned in this list, it disseminates the need for diligence and ambition as the 19 year-old unprofessional Ouimet beat the world’s best golfer at the time; 43 year-old professional, Harry Vardon. The style of the cinematography of this film grants its success, with the camera movement being mimetic of the golf ball, ensuring high speed to fuel the adrenaline and action of the film. It is rare and unique film that is underrated, underplayed and under-celebrated.

5. Space Jam – This film was by far the greatest of my childhood and it had a massive impact on both my brother and I. Unusual and wacky it may be, this comedic blend of cartoons and live-action does educate whilst it humourously helps us escape from life. The soundtrack – ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ by R. Kelly – makes this film absolutely monumental. It relays the film’s themes of perseverance and willpower whilst denouncing cheating, and the theme tune packs a punch, it’s a song that will motivate anybody.

Other possible: Escape to Victory (Sir Bobby Moore (who I’m related to!) Pele, Sir Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone TOGETHER!), Invictus (for its brilliant narrative and actors such as Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman; it was also directed by Clint Eastwood), the Rocky films, Raging Bull.

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