For one reason or another, this film is known as McFarland, USA within the United States. In Canada it is simply know as McFarland. However you title it, what it contains is an excellent film.
While this film chronicles the tale of the true story of a cross country running team from McFarland, California. I connected with the story due to my experience as a very Caucasian, red-headed Canadian living in California. I was an outsider in a foreign land with a foreign culture. In McFarland, USA; Kevin Costner is that foreigner.
McFarland is a small town in the California desert. It is a town that is over 80% Hispanic and it is a farming community. The town is a fundamental part of this film. There is a divide between the educated teachers and the tough-as-nails farmers/produce pickers. There is a fear between the Hispanics due to culture, language and even food.
I experienced this division and fear when I was a missionary in California. When I first arrived in California, I felt out of place. At my first meal I was given a plate of food without cutlery, only tortillas. I couldn't even figure out how to eat. The fear was real.
My fear turned into a love for Hispanic people once I embraced their culture and involved myself in their lives. Coach White (Kevin Costner) went through the same experience.
The film depicts Coach White as a man looking for redemption and he gets it. (Whoops, spoiler alert!) What I really enjoyed about this film was the display of Latino culture and how it is fun and beautiful, (dancing, food, mothers forcing food on you) as well as dangerous and foolish (gangs, violence).
What I learned from this film is that there are positives and negatives from all cultures. I also learned that embracing the positives make for some of the most memorable experiences in your life. I constantly recall my times living among the wonderful Latin people. So much fun. So much love. So much food!
I really liked the vibe of this film. It is a cookie-cutter Disney sports movie and it makes you feel good at the end. Aside from this film, I would also suggest other sports films that Disney has produced, such as: Million Dollar Arm, Invincible, and Secretariat. There are also some older classic sports films like The Mighty Ducks and Angels in the Outfield, but you should probably avoid the sequels.
I have a sentimental/emotional connection to this film so I will rate it accordingly.
I categorize this film as:
Sentimental
Shows how we should get along
A clean, classy film
3.5/5 Stanley Cups. Just simply enjoyable. I liked it.
Format: Netflix
Viewing Period: broken up into 2 or 3 parts on a Saturday.
Inspired me to: Eat Latino food and practice speaking Spanish. I love it!!
