The Boys in the Boat (with on-screen captions)

This screening of The Boys in the Boat is presented with on-screen captions.

The Boys in the Boat is a sports drama based on the #1 New York Times bestselling non-fiction novel written by Daniel James Brown. The film, directed by George Clooney, is about the 1936 University of Washington rowing team that competed for gold at the Summer Olympics in Berlin. This inspirational true story follows a group of underdogs at the height of the Great Depression as they are thrust into the spotlight and take on elite rivals from around the world.

Beautifully shot and reeking with luminous period detail, it’s an old-style flag-waving sports drama with hearty characters in a rousing underdog story driven by strong heartland values.

Jim Schembri

The open-water racing is exciting throughout, allowing director George Clooney the licence to let this stirring tale of perspiration, deprivation and inspiration pretty much tell itself.

Leigh Paatsch