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Amazon.co.uk Review
On one level, True Blue is a distillation of the brutal physicality and unique focus demanded of participants in the annual University Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge. Based on legendary oarsman and Oxford coach Dan Topolksi's book about the 1987 race, it is also a tale of revenge; dominant Oxford had been defeated the year before and wanted the title back. More than that, though, it is a story of sporting obsession and the Machiavellian resources required to last the course in an event shrouded in ritual. When a clutch of lantern-jawed American international rowers muscle in on the Oxford team and threaten, quite literally, to rock the boat with their disregard for any of the tradition surrounding the race or Topolski's coaching methods, the fragile concept of team spirit is splintered.
Ferdinand Fairfax's film, full of fine performances, builds the tension through a series of confrontations and a constantly shifting balance of power over the year leading up to the race. The intuitive relationship between the besieged Topolski (the excellent Johan Leysen) and the President of the College Captains, Donald McDonald (the quietly impassioned Dominic West) is particularly well drawn. With more than a hint of Chariots of Fire, not least in the Vangelis-like soundtrack, this is a moving and beautifully observed film about sporting passion.
On the DVD: True Blue is presented in widescreen with a 16:9 anamorphic video aspect ratio that makes excellent use of the sweeping vistas of the Thames for the racing and training scenes which dominate the film. Stanislas Syrewicz's brooding score underpins the action at every stage and, thanks to the quality of the Dolby Surround soundtrack, helps to bring an appropriately epic, theatrical feel to your home viewing. --Piers Ford
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I first watched this film as part of an VIII crew on the eve of Henley Royal Regatta and I still get pumped up watching it now (as a 'slightly' more weighty non-rower).
The action sequences are well shot in picturesque locations around the Thames Valley, and the close-ups do show that some work was done with the actors to actually learn (albeit very basically) the rowing technique - to add an aspect of reality that could easily have been missed out.
The film is constantly accompanied by an extremely cheesy score, but this adds to the film and definitely works with the climax during the race itself.
All in all a very entertaining film - it's great that one has been released about the sport of rowing.
One to watch before taking part in any competition.
The action sequences are well shot in picturesque locations around the Thames Valley, and the close-ups do show that some work was done with the actors to actually learn (albeit very basically) the rowing technique - to add an aspect of reality that could easily have been missed out.
The film is constantly accompanied by an extremely cheesy score, but this adds to the film and definitely works with the climax during the race itself.
All in all a very entertaining film - it's great that one has been released about the sport of rowing.
One to watch before taking part in any competition.
Must rank up there with the Rocky films as a classic underdogs-overcome-adversity epic!
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
This film is not just for rowers, or fans of rowing! It depicts the relationships, occurrences, troubles and strains the Oxford crew underwent during their arduous preparation for the Boat Race. Although clearly made for a more global market, rather than *just* those more familiar with the race, this an excellent dramatisation of the book by Dan Topolski. All the problems and difficulties experienced by all boat crews and International rowers are shown and explored with the traditional, historic and amazing background of Oxford and the Boat Race. It is an athletes race, but one very much affected by human interaction. This film explores this problematic aspect of sport. There is a focus on a couple of key characters, but no claustrophobic concentration on them. This is not just for rowers, but is of interest to anyone who enjoys a good drama - even if they remember the race and know how it ends! A very good dramatisation and an uplifting film.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
All I could think adout was Chariots of Fire while watching this film. Perhaps is was just my imagination. Did the director say to the score composer "think 'Chariots...'?"
The acting is good and it's always great to see the most beautiful sport on film.
It's in the nature of many rowers to scrutinise anothers technique from the bank as they row past and as an ex-rower it's impossible not to see that most of the actors, although doing a fine job on the water, are not rowers which does detract from the believability somewhat. But then, no-one said rowing was easy. All in all a good film. I would recommend it, especially before race-day, though do read the original book by Dan Topolski.
The acting is good and it's always great to see the most beautiful sport on film.
It's in the nature of many rowers to scrutinise anothers technique from the bank as they row past and as an ex-rower it's impossible not to see that most of the actors, although doing a fine job on the water, are not rowers which does detract from the believability somewhat. But then, no-one said rowing was easy. All in all a good film. I would recommend it, especially before race-day, though do read the original book by Dan Topolski.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
True Blue DVD
My sixteen year old daughter who rows and is completely mad about her sport asked for a copy of this DVD for her birthday. Read more
Published 3 days ago by CazzieJ
TRUE STORY
This is the true story of a group of Oxford rowers who rebelled against a group of rowers brought in from America to help them win the Boat Race. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Alexandra
True Blue
This True Blue DVD is waiting for half term to be watched. We are looking forward to it as we have an interest in rowing in the family
Published 22 days ago by H. Prigmore
A much appreciated gift
I purchased this for my son who rowed at Henley Regatta for a few years in the late 70's. It is now a favourite of his.
Published on 28 April 2010 by M. Payne
Oxford Blue
As an Oxford man myself I couldn't fail to love and hate this film, I loved the Englishness of it and hated the Americaness of it. Read more
Published on 12 Jan 2009 by Chris Waywell
EPIC - real feel good stuff
I don't want to write too much as it will simply dilute the value of my comment - True Blue is a great film. Read more
Published on 18 Sep 2008 by Freddie Bourne
Music drowns the movie
The acting is great, the writing is wonderful, the amount of beefcake is staggering, and the score, by Stanislas Syrewicz, is simply the most obnoxious, vulgar and banal that I... Read more
Published on 4 Sep 2003 by Michael Bo
Nothing is Stronger Than The Human Spirit!!
I first watch this movie in 1996, 7 years on today 2003, I am rewatching it again to relive some fanastic lessons learnt from it since the 1st time I watch it. Read more
Published on 11 July 2003 by Raphael Lim
Oarsome
A great film which is much watch for all people, rowers and non-rowers alike. Great is you want to watch a film which involves getting rid of the Americans! Read more
Published on 5 Jun 2003
epic on a small scale
This is one of my favourite films despite the fact that I'm not a rower and I have lived in Cambridge all my life where I am now a student at that university! Read more
Published on 23 Jan 2003 by "wiseowlofcambridge"
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