Remember the Titans by Boaz Yakin - Movie Review Example

Boaz Yakin’s Remember the Titans is an inspirational film that touches on social issues such as racism, education, friction, hate crimes, and resentment as well as positive values such as friendship. Based on a true story, the filmmaker does not seem to be basically interested in telling a story but is more concerned with magnifying the values which are encouraging and inspiring. In the midst of the great racial divide which was very evident in the 1970s the characters in the story showed that race is just skin color but attitude is what takes a person to his destination. Despite the friction between the Whites and Blacks, friendships developed among the major characters who initially showed dislike for each other. Respect for each other’s beliefs and principles became the foundation of such friendship. In addition, the social issue of education has also been portrayed in the film. In this paper, the social problems of racism, friction, and hate crimes will be discussed in detail in the following paragraphs.

            Remember the Titans is a story of how a Black Coach made his football team composed of Black and White players, create a winning band that did not simply win a ballgame but overcome the more important enemy which is racism, especially in the 1970s. Being transferred to Virginia as a football coach, Boone, played by Denzel Washington is not welcomed by the current coach he was about to displace, coach Yoast, performed by Will Patton. As a Black personality who is tasked to replace a White coach and make him his assistant, Boone became an instant irritant to Yoast and his colleagues. Considering his circumstances, abilities, plans, and family, Boone decides to stay despite the evident friction. As a result, the White students show their defiance against their new coach, rallying the team to harass him even during practice hours. Nevertheless, Boone proved to be unwavering. Calling Yoast aside, Boone makes clear his position and makes a deal with his assistant for them to work together instead of getting on each other. With the issue resolved, the team goes to Gettysburg for their final rehearsals before the start of the games. Nevertheless, the group has to first witness the intensity of the racial divide between Whites and Blacks. The White parents who were sending off their children to the camp showed obvious madness over the fact that their children will be playing with Black kids. On the other hand, the Black parents looked at the Whites with a sheer dislike for their attitudes.

            In the bus, Boone mixes the Black and White players and suggested that they should learn to like each other because the same arrangements will be made in the camp. Problems arise as the Blacks tried to fight for their rights while the Whites claim what they think is rightfully theirs. Amidst the friction, Boone always finds ways to make his teammates talk and come to like each other. Finally, he brings the team to Gettysburg and makes a dramatic speech about the lives lost in the Battle there. Although changes were not instantaneous, they came as a result of their undying desire for Boone to unite his team. Consequently, the star players, Julius Campbell, played by Wood Harris, and Bertier, acted by Ryan Hurst, become friends. The two prove to have a strong bond as shown by the care and respect they shared for each other. Similarly, the Boone family and Yoast, with his daughter, become friends as well.

            As a result, the team went home with renewed perceptions toward each other and their races. Nevertheless, the outside world they were returning to was still to test the bonds that have been formed. Through the games, the team showed a united spirit as they proved to have been well-trained. Through hard work, determination, character, and teamwork, the football team won their games and became qualified for the state championship which they triumphantly won despite the pains Yoast went through, fighting for his team and losing his candidacy for the Hall of Fame (Gleiberman, Scott & Yakin).

            Racism is a very obvious social issue addressed in the film. It has shown that prejudice (Simels) has long been a problem among races but it has brought nothing good to society. Through the film, it has been portrayed that if only people learn to look at the potential of people and not the color of their skin, they can make a better world. In addition, there is the problem of friction which has been very evident between Boone and Yoast as well as between the captains, Bertier and Campbell. Through their dealings, they have come to realize that their pride and hatred are only consuming them and so they learned to look at each other as allies. Lastly, hate crime was also shown in the film through the reaction of the White people towards Boone’s unstoppable insistence on being the coach of the team. When unknown White males threw stones at Boone’s house, he courageously faced them.

            In reality, the film helps me to see beyond race. For every race, there is a hidden character that might just be what I may need someday. For instance, someday, when I find myself in a difficult situation, the very person I dislike or criticize might be the first person to lend me a helping hand so appearance should not become a basis for whom to trust or like. In addition, friction is a common circumstance in everyday life so one should learn to deal with other nicely. They say that the way to pacify an angry person is to show him kindness. Therefore, when there is friction, an angry reaction should be thwarted. Similarly, when hate crimes occur, it is indeed important to assert one’s self however in a civil manner. This will allow open and human-like communications.