The Rocket

Roy Dupuis stars as "The Rocket" Maurice Richard in this epic hockey film. It is one of the best hockey movies I have ever seen, even better than Miracle. It doesn't matter if it's in French or if you don't even know who Maurice Richard was. You will get to know him during this film and want to know even more once the film has ended. It's an inspiring tale of one man overcoming hardships to prevail and show everyone how wrong they all were. 1950's hockey is portrayed with a gritty reality. Some of the most intense hockey fighting appears throughout this film. Dupuis really shines in Richard's relationship with his coach and his wife. Whether, you're a hockey fan or not, this movie is a must see.

This movie is a real success. Maurice Richard was one of the best and fearless hockey player that ever was, he never gave-up. The people that worked on this movie really did a great job. All the locations where very well re-created especially the Montréal Forum. The actor who played Toe Blake was excellent and Roy Dupuis did a great job (he really does look like Maurice Richard). The hockey scenes where very well done, you feel like your on the ice. The attention to details is impressive it really looks like the fifties. Many actual hockey players ad a little part in this movie (like Mike Ricci) and did well. Richard worked hard to get to the NHL, he worked in a day factory and in the evening played hockey even if he was extremely tired. A must see movie for all the hockey fans.

I have been a hockey fan for almost 40 years and have collected almost every dramatic film ever made about the sport. But, I'd have to say that "The Rocket" is far and away, the best one ever made. The cinematography is stunning, the acting spellbinding and the story gripping. It tells the story of a simple and tortured man who drives himself to excel at the sport he loves. It leads him to become the reluctant hero of French-Canadian culture, self-perceived as being held back and oppressed by the anglophones.

Roy Dupuis, who portrayed Maurice in no less than two other cinematic projects, perfectly captures the fire and intensity of the man in a most fitting, if not THE crowning tribute, to the legend of Maurice "The Rocket" Richard. Biname goes to great lengths to duplicate the look and feel of the late-30s, on into the mid-50s and certainly captures the collective agony and anger of early-to-mid 20th century French Canada.

Julie LeBreton is beautiful and amazing as Richard's wife, Lucille. Notable also are the cameo appearances made by NHLers Sean Avery (Bob Dill), Vincent Lecavalier (Jean Beliveau); Mike Ricci (Elmer Lach), Ian Laperierre (Boom Boom Geoffrion) and Stephane Quintal (Dollard St. Laurent). What "Slap Shot" proved, "The Rocket" confirms. Pro hockey players are damn good actors!

I realize funding for this movie was brought up in the infamous "Sponsorship Scandal" that dissolved former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin's Liberal government in 2006, but you can't fault it at any level. It was worth every cent used to make it and it will be hard for Canadian cinema to duplicate this level of quality ever again.

Well done! The Rocket was a true inspiration to many and an icon in Canadian history. The NHL and Canada has changed in many ways since his playing days. This film biography inspires us to relive the past and to press forward in our own lives everyday. With a heart as large as the whole province of Quebec his courage was his most valuable asset. His passion to succeed was undeniable. The more popular he became through hockey the greater a threat he posed on the others that couldn't control him or french minorities. Yet, the legend was also a gentleman, a father and a role model for anyone who was fortunate to be in his presence. The film expresses all of this beautifully with an original feel and amazing on ice reenactments of famous games. Thanks for the film and thank you Mr. Richard.

Maurice Richard is a very good film about one of the most important Canadian athletes ever. The film addresses many issues concerning the famous Montreal riot, following a major penalty given to Richard just a few days before the beginning of the play-offs, and the "revolution tranquille" ignitor.

But this splendid film relates the story of an underdog player. His rise to hero and finally to that of a legend. It feels somewhat epic. The challenges Maurice faces are easy to relate to. You truly feel his angst has he's pushed around, beaten and bloodied. But still manages to overcome these problems and eventually becomes a symbol for every underdog who has ever dreamt of reaching the unreachable.

Maurice Richard isn't just a good quebecois film. It's simply a good film. Worth seeing.