About Race

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• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music / Soundtrack

About

Race is a 2016 biographical sports drama film that tells the incredible true story of African-American athlete Jesse Owens and his journey to compete in the 1936 Olympics held in Berlin, Germany. Directed by Stephen Hopkins, the film captures the historical significance of Owens' achievement in the face of racism and adversity.

The plot follows Jesse Owens, played by Stephan James, as he battles against racial discrimination and personal struggles while training and competing in track and field events. He eventually qualifies for the Olympics and is faced with the decision of whether to participate or boycott the games due to Germany's Nazi regime and Hitler's Aryan supremacy propaganda.

Race explores not only the physical challenges Owens encounters as an athlete but also the emotional and psychological toll his participation in the Olympics takes on him. It sheds light on the racial tensions and societal issues of the time, highlighting the bravery and determination of Owens to defy the odds and make history.

Making / Production

The production of Race involved extensive research to accurately depict the events surrounding Jesse Owens' journey. Director Stephen Hopkins and screenwriters Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse worked closely with Owens' daughters to ensure the authenticity of the story.

Several key locations in the film, such as the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, were recreated using a combination of practical sets and visual effects. The cinematography aimed to capture both the grandeur of the Olympics and the intimacy of Owens' personal struggles.

Actors

• Stephan James as Jesse Owens: James portrays Jesse Owens, the talented African-American athlete who becomes a symbol of hope and victory.
• Jason Sudeikis as Larry Snyder: Sudeikis plays Larry Snyder, a coach who recognizes Owens' potential and becomes his mentor and trainer.
• Jeremy Irons as Avery Brundage: Irons portrays Avery Brundage, the president of the American Olympic Committee who supports Owens' participation in the games.
• Carice van Houten as Leni Riefenstahl: Van Houten plays Leni Riefenstahl, a German filmmaker who documents the Olympics and develops a complex relationship with Owens.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film's title, Race, is a double entendre that refers to both the sports race and the racial discrimination Owens faced.
• Jesse Owens' family actively participated in the production of the movie to ensure the accuracy of their father's story.
• The film includes archival footage from the 1936 Olympics to provide an authentic experience for viewers.
• Race received critical acclaim for its historical accuracy, powerful performances, and compelling storytelling.

Awards

Race was nominated for several awards, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture. It also won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Original Score.

Quotes

• "I'm not going to Germany to compete in front of the Nazis, I'm going to compete in front of my fellow Americans." - Jesse Owens
• "You can't run if you can't breathe." - Larry Snyder
• "Hitler out there, he is beating us in our own backyard." - Leni Riefenstahl

Music / Soundtrack

• The original score for Race was composed by Rachel Portman. It captures the intensity and spirit of Owens' journey.
• The soundtrack also features popular songs from the 1930s, adding a nostalgic touch to the film.