See it at the Movies

RACE

By Joyce and Don Fowler
Posted 2/24/16

* * * 

(Inspiring

Jesse Owens story)

The title tells it all.

“Race” is the inspiring story about racial prejudice and a true American hero who could race better than anyone in the …

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See it at the Movies

RACE

Posted

* * * 

(Inspiring

Jesse Owens story)

The title tells it all.

“Race” is the inspiring story about racial prejudice and a true American hero who could race better than anyone in the world.

Stephan James is Jesse Owens, the young black man who broke every record at Ohio State back in the 1930s, only to go on and win four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics held in Nazi Germany.

Not only is the movie an inspiring story about Owens and his coach (Jason Sudeikis), it is also a historical reminder that prejudice is still with us.

The moral question looms big in “Race.” Should Owens compete in Germany, where the Nazis were rounding up Jews and preparing for war?

Avery Brundage (Jeremy Irons) negotiated with the Germans to allow inclusion in their propaganda showcase, while the U.S. Olympic Committee was split over the decision to participate. Owens was under tremendous pressure from all sides to compete or stay home.

While those of us who remember the outcome still cheer over his victories, there are many young people who need to know of this important chapter in the struggle for equality.

When it is all over, and Jesse Owens returns victoriously to the United States, we learn as the credits role how racial injustice continues. It is a most disheartening conclusion to this inspirational story.

The acting is first rate, especially from Stephan James, and the direction is spot-on, as director Stephen Hopkins gives us a feel for the 1930s and the struggles that minorities (Jews and the “colored”) faced during those turbulent times.

Rated PG-13 with some profanity.

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