Cert PG
135 mins
BBFC advice: Contains infrequent racist language, mild bad language, sex references, violence
Two years ago I took my son to watch a football match at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin and as we supped our beer and ate our bratwurst I reflected on its remarkable history.
Nowadays, it is very much a modern sporting venue which continues to host the highest quality events but there are still reminders of the past, both in the walk to the ground and surrounding it.
Just outside of the nearby tube station is an entrance with the familiar five rings and there are numerous plaques which hark back to 1936.
In was then, in the full glare of the Nazi elite, that Jesse (I never knew that this was a combo of his initials J.C) Owens became the first athlete in history to claim four gold medals.
Owens 'achievement was all the more astonishing because it came despite lukewarm backing from his own American team and because it so clearly demonstrated the flaws in the racist policies of the Nazis.
In Stephen Hopkins' film, Race, Owens is played by the little-known Canadian actor Stephan James.
I felt the role probably needed someone with a greater screen presence because Race, while engaging enough, doesn't have quite the spark I expected from such an inspiring story.
The movie follows Owens' life and career from college athletics to Berlin and, briefly, beyond.
It highlights the racism he faced at almost every juncture and the brilliance of his maverick coach, Larry Snyder, played with a splendid straight bat by Jason Sudeikis,
Meanwhile Jeremy Irons and William Hurt are among those who cross swords in the political arena (there was a loud lobby for the USA to boycott the 1936 Games).
It all adds up to compelling movie which was good but not excellent.
Reasons to watch: an inspirational true story
Reasons to avoid: lacks the passion I expected
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 7/10
Star tweet
Stephan James Big Shoutout to the beautiful cast of #RACEmovie Its been a long time coming, happy that we can…
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