The Greatest Game Ever Played | 
 enlarge | Director: Bill Paxton
Actors: James Paxton, Tom Rack, Armand Laroche, Peter Hurley, Gregory Terlecki
Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Category: DVD
List Price: $17.99
Buy Used: $6.99
You Save: $11.00 (61%)
New (53) Used (38) Collectible (2) from $6.99
Rating:  94 reviews
Sales Rank: 2554
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dvd-video, Widescreen, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 121
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6
MPN: 03965100
UPC: 786936277920
EAN: 0786936277920
ASIN: B000CNFC76
Theatrical Release Date: September 30, 2005
Release Date: April 11, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: box and disc in like new condition
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Product Description
IN THEATERS SEPTEMBER 30 2005 The second film directed by actor Bill Paxton is a marked departure--in both form and content--from his debut 2001's FRAILTY a shadowy gothic tale of murder. THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED is a sports movie slash Horatio Alger rags-to-riches tale with undertones of class consciousness and social critique. The story is based on a real-life event--the 1913 U.S. Open golf championship--at which two equally sympathetic young men both of whom grew up economically and socially disadvantaged go club to club in one of the most exciting and dramatic athletic events of the early 20th century. The film focuses on the competition between the British star Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane) and the young American prodigy Francis Ouimet (HOLES star Shia LaBoeuf). Though they hail from opposite sides of the Atlantic the struggles that the two young golfers have had to overcome are markedly similar; both grew up in hard-scrabble working-class homes that happened to be adjacent to golf courses and both were preternaturally disposed to the game. In addition both must defy the disdain of the golfing gentry. Vardon is already a reigning champion and international darling when Ouimet makes it to his first tournament to battle him. Though enough backstory is provided to connect the viewers to the characters the meat of the film is the dramatic unfolding of the tournament. With expert editing and fluid camera work Paxton films close-up views of the golfing action in a manner that recalls the kinetic pool shots in Martin Scorsese s THE COLOR OF MONEY. With each stroke the competition becomes closer and the mood more tense culminating in an explosive outcome that while not unexpected pulls at the heartstrings as do all good tales of triumph over adversity.System Requirements:Running Time 121 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: PG UPC: 786936277920 Manufacturer No: 03965100
Amazon.com
You wouldn't think a movie that uses the game of golf as a metaphor for class struggle could be so entertaining. The Greatest Game Ever Played stars the charming Shia LaBeouf (Holes) as Francis Ouimet, a golfer who, in 1913, rose from caddy to U.S. Open champion at the age of 20--despite the resistance of the powers that be, who thought it unseemly for a lower-class plebian to play the sport of gentlemen. Ouimet's main competitor is Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane, The Hours), a British professional, still considered one of the greatest players of all time, who fought his own class battles. The two go head to head in a genuinely gripping match, deftly balanced against the juxtapositions of their personal struggles. Is it sentimental and formulaic? Is the outcome a foregone conclusion? Yes, but it doesn't matter--formulas exist because, when executed with verve and dexterity, they work. Bill Paxton, best known as an actor (One False Move, Apollo 13), steps into the director's chair and hits all the right notes, aided by an excellent cast playing colorful characters, a vivid recreation of the time period, glowing cinematography, and an expert pace. The Greatest Game Ever Played works. --Bret Fetzer
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| Customer Reviews: Read 89 more reviews...
 Great Gift for Grandma & Grandpa! July 11, 2008
Like other reviewers, my golfer husband and non-golfer me, enjoyed this movie. We gave this movie as a gift to my 86 year old golfer FIL for Father's Day, and both he and my 79 year old non-golfer MIL really enjoyed it. A nice gift at an inexpensive price.
Why buy a movie about golf? May 24, 2008
Can a movie about golf be that good? I wondered that too--until I watched it. It is more than "that good." While it's no Chariots of Fire, it's has the same genes. Rich, inspiring, motivating, and even family-friendly. That's a rare combination. It's about virtues such as working toward a goal you believe in, tenacity, courage, and humility. It's about integrity. It won't necessarily make you want to play golf; but it may make you want to take the high road through life. Worth owning.
 inspiration for the true golf fan and player March 27, 2008
Good family entertainment and an inspiration for golf fans or players. Have watched it twice while my son, who has just taken up golf has watched it 4-5 times.
Great movie, and very inspiring March 12, 2008
This is one of those stories that makes you feel good, and is filled with inspiration and hope. This movie is great for almost any age, entertaining, and even a bit educational (economic-class discrimination, and common attitudes pertaining social-order at that time, are highlighted). Overall, a big thumbs-up for this movie -- a good, inspiring, family film that basically says "follow your heart".
Great even if you don't care for golf March 9, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is an uncomplicated and pleasant movie that gives you a little bit of everything: Comedy, drama, class clash, romance, father/son struggle and a feel good ending. The acting was perfect by all, especially the kid caddy who deserves an oscar for his comical and endearing performance. He had us laughing out loud everytime he opened his mouth.
Great for kids too - there is no gratuitous sex, violence or langauge.
Even if golf isn't your "thing" (it's certainly not mine!), I think you will enjoy this emminantly likeable movie.
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