Search - Running Brave on DVD

Heavily edited broadcast tv version

D. Dolan | 06/20/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"The 1983 thatrical release tells the true but much abridged story of Billy Mills, the Oglala Sioux who came from obscurity to win the 10,000 meter race in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The core of the movie focuses on Mills's stint as a student and runner at the University of Kansas,facing the overt racism of his teammates and the white community, and his personal conflict with his coach, played by Pat Hingle, over Mills's racing style. The racing scenes are some of the best on film (if you overlook the out of place football field at the Olympics), and "Running Brave" rises above the level of the other sports hero genre and other racing films.

I have given this DVD a 1-star rating because it is NOT the theatrical release, but the version that was re-edited for broadcast TV. (The movie was released as PG. This version, as noted on the DVD box, is rated G.) Several key scenes have been deleted, watering-down or eliminating much of the conflict. This DVD uses a 4:3 (TV) aspect ration, not the theatrical widescreen presentation. Quality of the video transfer is very poor."

Incredible Cinderella story...and it's true!

George L. Parrott | Sacramento, Ca. | 04/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I use this film every time I teach the Theories of Personality, for it illustrates "self-actualization" and going beyond one's imposed boundaries.This is both good history and it is incredible inspiration for Billy "became his dream." How many of us even come close to those secret dreams we harbor? But Billy took on some of the most unthinkable challenges and he met them all. Prejudice, lack of support from his own coach and school, and various forms of social oppression are all in Billy's early experiences and yet he moves on...and he does exactly, EXACTLY what he had dreamed. If only Steve Prefontaine had lived so well....And the REST of Billy's adult life has been just as inspired. He has raised a wonderful family, he has had a super career, and he continues to do MAJOR fundraising for Indian charities. And Pat Mills is now...the marathoner in the family!See, not only do I use this film in my university classes, but often I SURPRISE my students with Billy's presence. Billy and Pat are friends of mine here in Sacramento, and I am most proud to say that I "know them" and theirs is a life story only partially summarized in the film.Respectfully, George Parrott, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Calif. State University, Sacramento Director of Training, Buffalo Chips Running Club, Sacramento"

Dreams Realized

Michael DENNISUK | trenton, michigan USA | 02/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the story of the legendary distance runner Billy Mills. Mills is the only American runner in the history of the Olympic games to win a Gold Medal at 10,000 meters. He ran an incredible race but more than that he led an incredible life. Robby Benson does a nice job playing Mr. Mills (who is a Lakota Indian). The final sequence on the track is very close to what actually happened in the race. A very, very inspirational movie about a very, very, very inspirational man."

Charming Bio Pic especially for Running Fans

Nelson Aspen | Los Angeles & NYC, USA | 04/03/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Billy Mills' inspiring story is nicely told in this no-frills DVD version (not a great transfer FYI). The writing and acting border on the "Movie of the Week" genre, but the real appeal --especially for running enthusiasts-- will be the running sequences. Robby Benson gives a very charming, earnest performance as Mills and is completely convincing as a runner, too.

While it may not hold the interest of some audiences, it is definitely a nice one to add to your collection of films if you are a sports/running fan."