Miracle on Ice

Miracle is by far my favorite movie that we have watched to date.  I'm pretty sure that i've said that about a couple other movies too, but this one really is my favorite.  When it first started out, I didn't really understand, or connect with the story.  It wasn't interesting to me.  But then, as it went on, I became more and more invested in it.  I couldn't take my eyes away.  The fact that this was a true story is so inspiring.  I only wish I could've been alive to see the real thing.  And it could not have been a more perfect time to watch this movie, what with the winter olympics going on during it and the US hockey team was trying to win a game against Canada.  It was just such an inspiration.  It was beautifully cast, and acted.  The story was depicted amazingly. It made me want to get on the internet after having watched it and research about this event, and that day. It definitely gives you a sense of patriotism, and pride for your country.  I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone and everyone.  

This event was so significant to Americans.  This movie depicts the story of the US hockey team getting to the 1980 winter olympics in Lake Placid. For nine months, the coach of the team, Herb Brooks, pushed 20 young, college hockey players beyond their limits.  They started off playing for themselves, thinking about themselves, and not connecting as a team.  Herb taught them to work together, to work with each other, to use each other to be the best hockey team in the world.  The US hockey team in the 1980 olympics was definitely the underdog.  Nobody thought that they could ever win anything with a bunch of young inexperienced college hockey players.  And yet, they pushed, and they pushed.  They had the most patriotism, pride, and dedication. They ended up beating the Soviet Union, the best hockey team in the world, with a score of 4-3.  Then they went on to win the gold.  It is truly an amazingly inspiring story. During this time, especially because it was the height of the cold way, the game against the Soviet Union was about a little more than just hockey.  We proved to the world that we could still come out on top, that we were the best, we had the most pride and self determination.  This event will forever be remembered as a great achievement in our American history.

The only thing that I can think of that comes close to as much of an impact on the conscience of the American public is the terrorist attack of 9/11.  It seems weird to compare such a tragic, horrific event to such a beautiful accomplishment in our nation's sports history, but yet, they are so similar.  Both events were able to bring together the American people in such a way that is not the norm.  People helped each other, cared for others, and were nice to each other.  Having pride for your country is one thing, but Americans can bring it to a whole new level.