Although known widely for his acting performances, George Clooney also has an impressive track record as a director. Be it “Good Night, and Good Luck” or “The Ides of March,” he has fared quite well in these mid-budget projects. Now, his latest film – “The Boys in the Boat,” brings a rousing biographical tale to the screen. Based on a true story, this sports drama follows the University of Washington rowing team as they chase victory at the 1936 Summer Olympics. Besides Callum Turner in the lead, the film’s cast includes Joel Edgerton, Jack Mulhern, Hadley Robinson, Courtney Henggeler, Peter Guinness, Thomas Elms, and Sam Strike, among others. Spoilers ahead.
The Boys in the Boat (2024) Plot Summary & Movie Synopsis:
What is ‘The Boys in the Boat’ movie about?
“The Boys in the Boat” is an inspirational tale told in the conventional Hollywood style. It is a biographical sports drama that follows a rowing team from Washington trying to win a gold medal in the Olympics. The film is based on Daniel James Brown’s eponymous book. Directed by George Clooney, it follows a character arc of an underdog that we all are fairly familiar with. Still filled with bouts of romance & heroism, this film will surely warm up your heart.
What happens in ‘The Boys in the Boat’?
“The Boys in the Boat” begins with old Joe Rantz (Ian McElhinney) watching a young boy rowing a boat in a lake. It reminds him of his good old days when he helped in a remarkable achievement for his country while rowing. When he was young, Joe (Callum Turner) studied at a Washington university. Unlike his classmates, he was not privileged or wealthy. To make up for the tuition fees, he had to work and earn money. Unfortunately, he does not get a gig that he looks forward to. The cashier gives him two more weeks to pay back the fees. If not, he won’t be able to take lessons.
During his job hunting, Joe learns about a different opportunity that involves rowing. If he can make it in a rowing team, he will get a part-time job with pay. So, despite having never rowed a boat before, he walks into the selection process. The deciding committee led by Coach Al Ulbrickson (Joel Edgerton) takes them through a set of exercises that can improve their stamina & strength. The aspirants are divided into groups to know their capabilities. While all of it sounds good, Joe is concerned whether it pays him well. He tells Coach Ulbrickson that he needs the money for his tuition fees. Coach admires Joe’s rigger and understands how much the money means to him, unlike other rowers from wealthy families.
Does Joe get selected in the eight-man rowing team?
After a tiring selection process, Joe gets selected in Ulbrickson’s eight-man rowing team. While trying to make ends meet, Joe falls for Joyce Simdars (Hadley Robinson) – his childhood crush, whom he meets again at the university. Unlike other students who revel in their boys’ group, Joe decides to take Joyce out rowing on a boat. This date strengthens their bond with each other. Back at Ulbrickson’s practice sessions, Joe finds it slightly difficult to connect with other kids who have little to no responsibilities. That’s when he meets George Pocock (Peter Guinness) & admires his interest in making the boat. George also serves as a father figure for Joe since his biological father left him when he was in his early teens.
Joe values hard work much more than his peers. So, he starts helping George with his work in his spare time. Meanwhile, a parent of one of the rowers meets Ulbrickson to insist on a win. However, Ulbrickson remains mostly indifferent to such warnings. Eventually, their team goes up against the Cal team in a competition. Besides defeating them, the Washington team needed the win to prove themselves as worthy contenders. After a neck-to-neck race, the Washington team ends up winning the race. That’s when Coach Ulbrickson realizes that the boys have grown stronger & more capable.
Does Joe’s team get selected for the Olympics?
After an unexpected win, the expectations from Ulbrickson’s Washington team went higher. Along with it comes the issue of money and how they can afford a boat that can compete in the next tournaments. Unlike his peers, Ulbrickson has a strong faith in his new team. So, he makes a rather unorthodox decision to choose the Junior varsity eight-man team for the next stage. Around that time, Joe’s father comes to meet him. Joe decides not to go back home with him. However, it makes him dwell on the difficult circumstances he came from. Later, his wealthy teammate calls him a hobo, which riles him up.
Because of this, Joe behaves irresponsibly during the practice as a way to take out his frustration & anger. George teaches Joe not to let his past dictate his present. He wants Joe to be better than his father and not give up on his duties & dreams. After hearing the old man’s words of wisdom, Joe apologizes to Coach Ulbrickson for his careless behavior on the boat. The coach accepts his apology & brings him back on the team. Soon after, the Washington team enters a rowing competition against other universities. Their collaborative efforts helped them win the race to get a chance to represent the USA in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.
The Boys in the Boat (2024) Movie Ending Explained:
Did the US rowing team win Gold in the 1936 Summer Olympics?
Even after their selection for the 1936 Olympics, the Washington team finds itself with a fair share of hurdles. The US rowing committee tells Ulbrickson that they cannot pay for the travel. So, the coach has to come up with enough money to travel to Berlin within a short period. Despite the grueling fund-raising process, Ulbrickson & his pals managed to collect enough funds to make up for the team’s expenses. Eventually, the team travels to Germany. Yet, they keep facing one or the other issue. One of the rowers gets ill.
Besides, the deciding committee changes the rules about the rowing lanes at the last minute. It frustrates Ulbrickson considering Germany’s deep desire for a victory. Anyhow, the US rowing team enters the Olympics in the lane they have been assigned. They start off slightly late and fail to make a mark in the early stages of the race. Initially, it looks like either Germany or Italy’s team will win. However, the US team picks up momentum and beats out a number of opponents to the point they go neck-to-neck with Germany. While the Deutschland habitants cheer for their team along with Hitler, the US team surprisingly wins the gold medal in the end.
The Boys in the Boat (2024) True Story Explained:
Is ‘The Boys in the Boat’ based on a true story?
Yes, “The Boys in the Boat” is based on a true story. The real events of Washington’s rowing team inspired Daniel James Brown to write his non-fiction novel of the same name. This best-selling book follows Joe Rantz as his competitive rowing team rises to victory at the Olympics. Brown spoke with Joe & his teammates to learn from their experiences. So, much of the narrative is based on the actual, groundbreaking history.
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