A classic sports underdog movie is coming to theaters this Christmas.  It’s The Boys in the Boat, and it’s a movie inspired by true events as captured in the book The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Olympics by Daniel James Brown.  The subtitle of the book basically tells you the story the movie captures about the rowing team from the University of Washington.  From recruitment to team training, to competing, the movie will engage the audience.  As competitions happen, you will be on the edge of your seat rooting for the boys and hoping they can pull off the win.  And there is more story than just the rowing competitions.  There’s a love story in the plot and a story about a boy who overcomes poverty and an absent father and how others step into that father role for him. As you watch the 2-hour movie, you will be captivated by the story and as it unfolds, if you are like me, certain lessons will call out to you and move you. 

5 Lessons For Catholics From The Boys In The Boat

Here’s what I saw and learned:

Don’t be afraid to take risks

When the University of Washington was putting together their team to compete, Coach Al Ulbrickson had a decision to make.  He made an announcement at a press conference that shocked the community.  It was a risk, he believed in his decision, and stuck with it.  A lot of times we can become discouraged with decision making, and maybe are afraid to take that risk, and instead choose what is more comfortable.  Think about what could have been if you were willing to take a risk.  Imagine if Coach Al Ulbrickson didn’t take his risk. 

Find someone who loves and supports you

The boy has a love story underneath it all, happening in the background.  Row team member Joe falls in love with a girl at the University.  Their story of love unfolds throughout the film leaving a mark on the viewer.  Let the young love of the movie couple inspire the love in your life as a husband and wife.  Beyond this, the support she gave to Joe was incredible.  For any person, married or not, we need people like that in our life.  If you don’t have that person, hopefully one day you will. 

Don’t let the past define you

Joe has a past because of his family history.  He’s called a Hobo by some people.  And he confronts his father in one scene.  Joe joined the rowing team because he needed a job to pay tuition.  His past could have held him back, but he became independent and worked for everything he had.  The past is in the past.  As Christians, we allow Jesus to redeem the past, and we live in the present with an eye to the future.  I can be a better person today than in the past.  I do not need to allow who I was to define me.  Like Joe, we can rise above it all. 

Work together as a team

Rowing means that the individuals must work together as a team and be synchronized.  If one person wants to be better than the rest or has an attitude, it could negatively affect their attitude.  Only when they are one in mind and action as a team, do they work to their fullest potential.  As members of the Church, we need to work together instead of against each other.  As a society, we can work together for a common good and purpose.  The Boys in the Boat will remind you of the adage, there is no “I” in team. 

Do what’s right

Every day we are faced with decisions, and we have to do what is right.  I am not citing the example from the movie that I gleaned this lesson from so as not to give a spoiler.  If you watch the movie, you will figure out where this lesson comes from.  In decision making we can be inclined to act or decide in favor or against someone or something else.  We can punish people by our decisions, or we can look at the situation and decide what is for the best.  When called to task, do what’s right and for the benefit of all. 

These are just a few of the lessons I took away from the movie The Boys in the Boat.   There are many others.  If you are looking for an impactful movie to watch with your family at the theaters over Christmas break, I highly recommend it to be The Boys in the Boat. 

Can a Catholic Watch This Movie?

The movie contains one scene of suggested sexual promiscuity.  The movie is rated PG-13 for smoking and language. 

Fr. Looney’s Rating

9-10: A powerful story, told in a captivating way.