I currently play rugby at Purdue University and i love the sport more than anything. i feel obligated to go see this movie because this is the first actual rugby movie i've ever heard of, but i really worried that it's going to suck and make a mockery of the game i love.Anyone else feel the same.
p.s. I totally understand and support the New Zealanders complaints about US teams doing the Haka
I'm an American and I've been following international rugby for close to 20 years, and if there's one thing I've learned it's this - the Haka belongs to New Zealand. The thought of Americans (or anyone but New Zealanders) doing it strikes me as absurd. If there's such a thing as sacrilege in the sporting world, this is it. But reviews for FOREVER STRONG have been so terrible I don't think the film will be playing in theaters for too long.
http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/foreverstrong
Meanwhile, serious rugby enthusiasts can check out the new Criterion Collection DVD release of THIS SPORTING LIFE.
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews34/this_sporting_life.htm
UPDATE: Just wanted to say I'm aware that various Pacific nations (Tonga and Samoa among them) have their own Haka which is very much a part of their individual cultures. I regret not mentioning them earlier.
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Yes, and there are many members of both the real and cinematic Highland teams who are clearly not of Polynesian and/or Maori extraction - which is why objections have been raised. It's a point I fully understand.
Having now seen the film, my main objection is that the Haka is associated with such a melodramatic, cliched piece of cheese.
A melodramatic, cliched piece of cheese???
This film happens to be a TRUE STORY!!!
Every event in it happened exactly the way it was portrayed.
Truth is always stronger than fiction.
All you pointed out is that fiction writers often get it right!
It may be based on a TRUE STORY, but Ryan Little's film is thoroughly predictable in execution - right down to the "inspirational" music that underscores every moment of triumph and self-discovery. Even the trailer makes it painfully obvious what's going to happen before the final fade-out.
But I think it's terrific you got your money's worth. Personally, I'll stick with THIS SPORTING LIFE.
This thing about the US doing the Haka is overblown . . . Here's why.
Yes, the Haka is a Maori ritual. Yes, it is sacred.
But, New Zealanders who are not Maori perform it. Off the bat, it is something that has obviously grown beyond strictly Maori practice.
Likewise, what is the purpose of the Haka? To prepare for battle and call on the strength of your ancestors. Can't anyone do this? If they are serious and revere it , what's the problem? Think Americans freak out when non-Americans sing the Battle Hymn of the Republic? It's a compliment to have one's cultural values imitated by other looking to honor it.
Kiwis, especially the white kind, should get hold of themselves. Want to honor the Haka? Start treating real life Maoris with respect.
Maoris ought to ask themselves if it is actually a good thing for the strength of the Maori warrior to be an example to young men around the world. I think it is.
Good for Maoris and good for the world.
Cheers Mate.
What you're not taking into account is the fact that the Haka has been associated with New Zealand's All Blacks for over a century. Whether or not you're Maori is beside the point; if you've earned a spot on the All Black lineup, you've earned the right to perform the Haka.
And this is how the All Blacks do it -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd0kDxP04eI
Believe me, you won't see anything like this in FOREVER STRONG.
I currently play for Mcallen RFC in South Texas. This is a Great Movie! and about the Haka, they do break it down and the movie portrays it very respectfully... At first i felt the same way but after viewing this movie, any negative feelings towards an american team performing the HAKA have diminished!
Cheers!
David Longoria
Mcallen RFC
Don't worry; it doesn't suck. It's a true story, and while some folks call it 'cheese' real humans like rugby players can see the humanity in it and enjoy it. (Remember how the critics harpooned "It's A Wonderful Life" for the same reasons?)
The truth is, it's about a REAL rugby team, and a REAL rugby coach --who should be coaching collegiate or national teams, but chooses instead to help mold young lives--and it's one you will want to buy on DVD so you can some day show it to your own kids, or kids you coach.
"...and while some folks call it 'cheese' real humans like rugby players can see the humanity in it and enjoy it."
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