Running Brave

"For world-class distance runner Billy Mills, the toughest competition often began when he stepped off the track. From life on an impoverished South Dakota Indian reservation to his phenomenal upset victory at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Mills constantly challenged the barriers of culture and his own deeply-rooted insecurities. Robby Benson stars in this true, uniquely uplifting story of an extraordinary quest for personal excellence," according to the 1983 "Englander Productions" VHS videocassette. "Running Brave" originally ran with some salty language and included a shower scene with some fleeting frontal nudity (honestly, there is nothing to crow about). The 2004 "Trinity" DVD has reportedly shaved off the pubic hair and incorrectly cites the same running time. Some mild vulgarities may have also been excised (strongest expletive used herein is the word for human feces). The slightly above average film is based on a true story about an athlete overcoming much to participate in the climactic big event.

****** Running Brave (11/4/83) D.S. Everett, Donald Shebib ~ Robby Benson, Pat Hingle, Claudia Cron, Jeff McCracken

Running Brave is a wonderful film. It sends out strong, positive, messages of life, and pursuing goals. As a Cross-Country and Track runner, Running Brave gave me the inspiration to continue to work hard and focus to be the best out there (like the Prefontaine movies did). Billy Mills did not let the stereotypical attitude towards his origins bring him down, it just fuelled him even more to showcase his talents.

The last segment of the 10,000 meter final is filmed exceptionally well.

--If your a runner, then Running Brave is for you. If your a person that likes inspirational, good-hearted films, I highly recommend this movie. *** stars out of 4

While there are many films made "based" upon a true story, few come as close to portraying the actual events as Running Brave. Billy Mills' amazing finish to win the gold medal in the 10,000 meters, not to mention announcer Jim McKay's call of this race, have become legendary. Robbie Benson's understated acting style and athleticism made him an ideal choice to play the shy Mills, a Native American who was uncomfortable with the attention and notoriety his Olympic fame caused. Also, watch for veteran character actor, Pat Hingle, who gives an excellent performance in the role of Mills' college coach at Kansas.

Based on the true story of Billy Mills, who went as an American Indian, in the 1950s on a running scholarship to college, then went on to become America's favorite runner, is one of the better inspirational sports movies.

Among the reservation you can spot actors who will later appear in Dances With Wolves, and the film is filled with good performances. The camera work is slightly dated now, but it the running that shines. Shot as a time when jogging was America's national sport this is one of the best running films out there - though not Chariots of Fire it does capture something of the spirit of cross-country and track.

All in all, if social justice and / or sports are your thing then you'll love this - it really is a good watch.

I saw this movie when I was a kid. I busted out the old vhs player and watched it again. One of the most underrated films I've seen. Sure, some, and I mean some, of the acting isn't the greatest but the heart involved in this movie is amazing. Benson and Hingle hit the spot. The draft between those two and the acting is very well received and deserved. Uncle Frank (Denis Lacroix) is phenomenal as well as Graham Greene as Eddie. Graham Greene is always a fantastic treat to watch. Great screenplay and editing for an older movie. It was well worth it to bust out the old Panasonic VHS player to see this again!