The Boys in the Boat directed by George Clooney is a “can’t miss” book-to-screen adaptation.

The Boys in the Boat Movie

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My Summary of The Boys in the Boat:

The Boys in the Boat is the dramatic, heartfelt, and compelling story of the University of Washington’s 1936 boat crew and their quest for Olympic Gold. It’s a story of a shared dream, defeating elite East Coast rivals, teamwork, beating the odds, striving for perfection, passion, struggle, underdogs, accomplishment, finding your “swing,” and a determined coach. And, of course, Hitler’s Olympics. Find my full review of The Boys in the Boat book here.

My Thoughts About the Movie:

See the movie, but don’t miss the book!

The Viewing Experience

The Boys in the Boat is an uplifting, inspirational, emotional, and informative movie experience appropriate for family viewing (PG 13). You will cheer! Even though a movie can’t do what a book does, this movie is a worthwhile and laudable endeavor as it captures the main idea and spirit of the book.

Movie Gets it Right

What the film attempted, it got right. To the best of its ability, the movie directed by George Clooney is true to the book. I love that in the book and movie, we are on the edge of our seats and holding our breath for the final race even though we know how it ends! The strongest themes of the book are touched on but not completely developed. Movie goers who have read the book will not be disappointed, but they need to bear in mind that the movie cannot have the same depth as a book. On the contrary, the movie might have an impact that the book cannot. Enjoy both the book and the movie for what each can offer.

I Hope

I hope the movie whets your appetite for the book! I usually feel like the movie is the “flat Stanley” version of the book, and this is certainly the case with Boys in the Boat. If you never read the book, your life will be enriched by watching the movie. However, the book is truly a memorable, narrative nonfiction read and will greatly enhance your viewing experience.

What the Movie Missed

The casting is terrific and the heart of the story is intact. However, a movie can’t possibly give you the depth and complexity of the book. The movie doesn’t include Joe’s background story and the neglect and poverty he suffered. In that aspect, the importance of the team to Joe is weak in the movie. Because of his childhood experiences, Joe had difficulty trusting others. His ultimate ability to trust each man on the crew is a huge and emotional theme in the book that is only alluded to in the movie. The boys in the boat healed him.

Joyce is more than a pretty face or cute girlfriend. She is the first person to acknowledge his painful childhood and the first one he trusts and loves. Joyce also plays an important part in the minimal reconcilliation Joe experiences with his father and siblings.

The movie references how the boys in the boat were underdogs, but the book’s narrative shows us that reality, endears them to us, and causes us to cheer heartily for them.

The book provides extensive historical context for life in the 30s and the politics of Hitler’s Olympics. In the movie, this content is conveyed visually.

The movie doesn’t show all the challenges involved with putting that team together. They were not a “dream team.” There was a great deal of competition, and the boys fought hard for their position in that boat. The coaches wrestled with the final roster and their careers were on the line as well. There were many disappointments and failures that were not fully portrayed in the movie.

The movie hints at the importance of the boat builder and his steadying influence and contributions to Joe and the team. Each chapter in the book begins with one of his quotes.

The book’s epilogue reveals that the boys in the boat maintained a lifelong connection, held yearly reunions for the families, and became a strong support system. I wish the movie had included that aspect of their lives in the credits. Truly a “found family.”

So, yes, the movie is the tip of the iceberg that is the book.

See the movie, but don’t miss the book!

Recommending The Boys in the Boat Movie (PG 13)

I wholeheartedly recommend the movie, but don’t miss the book (there is also a YA version of the book). It’s rare today to find a truly inspirational and uplifting movie that is also family-friendly! The audio format of the book is excellently narrated by Edward Herrmann and I highly recommend the audio.

See my review of The Boys in the Boat book here.

My Rating:  5  Stars

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QOTD:

Is this memorable, narrative nonfiction on your TBR or have you read it? Have you seen the movie or do you plan to?

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