19 reviews
I enjoyed it but felt it didn't do the subject justice. The game of the movie title was squeezed in last few minutes but didnt in any way capture the sense of underdog and massive support Japan won. I watched that game and remember the excitement of watching an historic win against all odds. How did this happen and was it just hard work and focus. I think there is more to it and Eddie is far from the one dimensional and humourless operator presented here.
But even badly told its an interesting story and fascinating how an individual can inspire performance. Glad it got made even if not all it could have been. Maybe have another go with a movie of Eddie being picked for the england coach and what he had to contend with on and off the field. The Japan job may have been a training run for the politics of England and basket case he inherited.
But even badly told its an interesting story and fascinating how an individual can inspire performance. Glad it got made even if not all it could have been. Maybe have another go with a movie of Eddie being picked for the england coach and what he had to contend with on and off the field. The Japan job may have been a training run for the politics of England and basket case he inherited.
It's starts a little clunky and feels a little under cooked budget wise but the story grows on you and you can't help but feel happy for the team as they transform from the easy beats to become world beaters.
I'm no rugby fan but I never once felt like I wasn't interested in the outcome.
The message is the thing here and while it feels a little preachy and lacking a touch of comic relief, I found it a moving and believable portrayal of sporting life and achievement in general.
The way the film cuts between the real people interviews and the recreation scenes works better than I would have imagined they could.
I'm no rugby fan but I never once felt like I wasn't interested in the outcome.
The message is the thing here and while it feels a little preachy and lacking a touch of comic relief, I found it a moving and believable portrayal of sporting life and achievement in general.
The way the film cuts between the real people interviews and the recreation scenes works better than I would have imagined they could.
This low budget Australian movie tells the story of the Japanese preparation for the 2015 Rugby World Cup and their victory over rugby powerhouse South Africa. Filmed entirely in Australia it is a beautiful example of telling a story with little money.
Basically, the acting is okay, the cinematography is minimal except where the cinematographer or director insisted that they needed a 360 shot to prove their skills, and the acting is good enough.
But what makes this stand out is that it is a great story. Using interviews with real people it comes across as a documentary where the reenactment scenes took over the film and it became a movie.
Well worth watching.
Basically, the acting is okay, the cinematography is minimal except where the cinematographer or director insisted that they needed a 360 shot to prove their skills, and the acting is good enough.
But what makes this stand out is that it is a great story. Using interviews with real people it comes across as a documentary where the reenactment scenes took over the film and it became a movie.
Well worth watching.
- flingebunt
- Feb 18, 2022
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As a kiwi I knew who Eddie Jones is and to be fair wasn't a big fan from seeing him in the news over the years. This doco changed my mind what a great leader and coach. You don't have to be into rugby to enjoy this ride/movie. I found it interesting and inspirational. Temuera Morrison did a good job on playing Eddie Jones.
- shanenz-56624
- Oct 20, 2019
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I'm not a big rugby fan and I loved it. The word, "inspirational" is getting thrown around here in the reviews, but there's a reason for that! It's a David and Goliath story for sure, but it's not done in a hackneyed way. This is no Bad News Bears story, or even some predictable "plucky little guys slay monster" story. The movie revolves around a hard-nosed coach who know how to push his team to their limits and exploit their own strengths and the weaknesses of their opponents. Even knowing the end result, I was still on the edge of my seat throughout the climactic game at the end. I loved getting to see some of the real players and participants.
I'm looking forward to watching it again.
- billandtomo
- Aug 11, 2020
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I'm a big fan of that great romantic hero, the underdog who overcomes the odds and the obstacles to achieve the goal, to emerge victorious.
In that sense, The Brighton Miracle certainly does not disappoint. Still, that's not enough to warrant a 10/10 rating.
What I found to be unique, artistic, edgy and utterly creative was the way they blended the real world people with their dramatized versions, especially the most challenging: Eddie Jones and Michael Leitch. The movie moved seamlessly between the brilliant acting of Temuera Morrison and Lasarus Ratuere, and the commentary of their real life counterparts, slaughtering yet another sacred cow of cinema (the other sacred cow that was recently slaughtered was that of mixing real actors with animated characters). That wasn't just true for those two; the entire supporting cast made me a believer in the exact same way.
Conceptually, I "knew" when I was watching an actor act and speak lines vis à vis when the "real" person was sharing their commentary. At the same time, however, on a much deeper level, I was always aware, I always recognized that the persona I was watching in either case was one and the same. They merged to form something greater than logic: Myth.
That, in my opinion, is the measure of a true work of art. 10/10
In that sense, The Brighton Miracle certainly does not disappoint. Still, that's not enough to warrant a 10/10 rating.
What I found to be unique, artistic, edgy and utterly creative was the way they blended the real world people with their dramatized versions, especially the most challenging: Eddie Jones and Michael Leitch. The movie moved seamlessly between the brilliant acting of Temuera Morrison and Lasarus Ratuere, and the commentary of their real life counterparts, slaughtering yet another sacred cow of cinema (the other sacred cow that was recently slaughtered was that of mixing real actors with animated characters). That wasn't just true for those two; the entire supporting cast made me a believer in the exact same way.
Conceptually, I "knew" when I was watching an actor act and speak lines vis à vis when the "real" person was sharing their commentary. At the same time, however, on a much deeper level, I was always aware, I always recognized that the persona I was watching in either case was one and the same. They merged to form something greater than logic: Myth.
That, in my opinion, is the measure of a true work of art. 10/10
Absolutely brilliant, moving and inspirational. Probably now the greatest rugby movie ever made, pushing Invictus into second place IMHO.
Masterful portrayal of Eddie Jones & Michael Leitch in particular. The real Eddie & Michael and other Japan Rugby personalities pop up throughout the movie to add extra authenticity and poignancy in relation to the match story and their own personal journeys.
- clan-anderson
- Oct 18, 2019
- Permalink
Very similar to What we got from Gavin O'Connors Warrior. Lasarus Ratuere is Someone we all want to see More of! An Absolute Natural Who Has an Uncanny Ability to Shapeshift seamlessly from one Production to another. Impressive!
- danmalcolm
- Nov 5, 2019
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What can you say that is bad about this film to put it simply nothing.
It's a film not just for rugby or sports fans but for anyone who wants to watch a David versus Goliath battle years in the making.
The casting of the roles is brilliant at times you dont know where Temuera Morrison ends and Eddie Jones begins.
The fact the end of the film is just the end of a chapter of the Japanese Rugby team who's adventure just grew in the 4 years after the film not just to host the world cup in 2019 but cement theee place in rugby fans hearts.
It's a film that you will want to watch again and again
- nonnascondiglio
- Dec 1, 2019
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Great watch! Inspirational. Interesting to watch it after reading Eddie's autobiography. Used original footage effectively. Great watch if you are a rugby fan or not.
- howarthshaun
- Jun 10, 2020
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Inspirational film about how to achieve high goals that everyone considers impossible.
- bevo-13678
- Dec 4, 2020
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It's not a faked story, it's something real. Something that is mission impossible but conquered, a story of Japan team in ruby World Cup 2015. The half documentation style along with acting doesn't tacky at all. It just makes the movie with the true feeling and words from the squad. It's an amazing production. Again, it's a vivid example of never give up from a real life event. Bravo !
Ignore the social media, whiners who say this film is bad in any way. This is the best film of the year, if not the decade.
- cosworthnichael
- Nov 14, 2019
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- leaulieublan
- Nov 14, 2019
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The acting, cinematography, script, and the original score is phenomenal!!! This movie is triumph.
- callowayjoe
- Nov 14, 2019
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That is promising movie ! tragic, chaotic, pathetic but this is what all we need.! You can watch it a million times!
- caliendofrank
- Nov 14, 2019
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It is difficult to add what other reviewers have added. Even my wife who is not a rugby fan had tears in her eyes.
A truly inspirational film not only about Eddie Jones but also the ethos of the Japanese team.
Why on earth England sacked him I will never understand interesting that the now coach Steve Borthwick was part of the Jones coaching team in 2015.
This should be a must watch movie for any team or group be it in a sporting arena or in business or indeed in your private life. I am sure many coaches have seen and been inspired by this movie. I am only sad that I did not get to Brighton to witness first hand such an amazing win.
A truly inspirational film not only about Eddie Jones but also the ethos of the Japanese team.
Why on earth England sacked him I will never understand interesting that the now coach Steve Borthwick was part of the Jones coaching team in 2015.
This should be a must watch movie for any team or group be it in a sporting arena or in business or indeed in your private life. I am sure many coaches have seen and been inspired by this movie. I am only sad that I did not get to Brighton to witness first hand such an amazing win.
- dbinder-99910
- Jan 3, 2023
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I'm a rugby fan and Eddie is one of the more interesting individuals in sport so I enjoyed it somewhat anyway. But I didn't think it was really that well scripted and I thought it was odd that there was no mention of Eddie's wife and daughter. He was 55 when that all took place and yet they concentrated entirely on his parents and their influence. Overall it was a bit clunky and obvious. Kind of TV movie stuff.
- desimonici-898-584421
- Apr 23, 2020
- Permalink