“Greater 2016” follows the true story of Brandon Burlsworth, an undersized and overlooked football player who works tirelessly to achieve greatness. He becomes a walk-on at the University of Arkansas and overcomes obstacles on and off the field, ultimately becoming an All-American offensive guard before he tragically dies in a car accident. The film is a moving tribute to Burlsworth’s determination and perseverance in the face of adversity.
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Review
Ernest Hemingway was a man of many words, and when he had something to say, he would say it with precision and style. So it’s fitting that we take a look at the movie “Greater” through his lens.
“Greater” is a movie about the life of Brandon Burlsworth, who went from being an unknown walk-on to an All-American offensive lineman at the University of Arkansas. The movie tells his story in a powerful and emotional way, capturing both his struggles and triumphs.
The storyline of “Greater” is driven by Burlsworth’s journey. He grows up in a small town in Arkansas, dreaming of playing for the Razorbacks. He works hard and becomes one of the star players on his high school team, but when he arrives at college, he finds that he is nothing more than a walk-on.
Despite this setback, Burlsworth perseveres and eventually becomes one of the best players on the team. He turns down offers from NFL teams to stay with the Razorbacks for one more year, but tragically dies in a car accident just days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts.
The plot of “Greater” is both inspiring and heartbreaking. We see Burlsworth’s determination in every scene as he fights to make it onto the field. But we also see his struggles off the field as he deals with self-doubt and pressure from coaches and teammates.
The fact that this story is based on true events makes it even more powerful. Brandon Burlsworth was a real person who overcame incredible odds to achieve greatness, only to have his life cut short before he could fully realize his potential.
The cast of “Greater” does an excellent job bringing this story to life. Chris Severio, who plays Brandon Burlsworth, conveys both his toughness on the field and vulnerability off it with sensitivity and nuance. Neal McDonough delivers a standout performance as Marty Burlsworth, Brandon’s older brother who serves as his mentor and inspiration.
One of the most memorable quotes from “Greater” comes from Marty Burlsworth, who tells his brother, “You can’t let your circumstances define you.” This sentiment is at the heart of the movie – Brandon Burlsworth refused to be defined by his humble beginnings and proved that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
The acting and characters in “Greater” are bolstered by its rich history. The movie takes place in the late 1990s, a time when football was still king in Arkansas. The state had just lost longtime coach Frank Broyles to retirement, and Razorback fans were hungry for a new hero to rally behind.
One of the strengths of “Greater” is its score and popularity. The movie features an original song by country artist Trace Adkins, which perfectly captures the spirit of Brandon Burlsworth’s story. The movie itself has also been well-received, with many viewers praising its emotional impact and inspirational message.
The filming of “Greater” is visually stunning, capturing both the beauty of Arkansas scenery and the gritty reality of football. Director David Hunt uses a variety of techniques to heighten the drama on screen, from slow-motion shots during game sequences to close-ups on actors during intense dialogues.
In terms of evaluation, “Greater” has garnered several awards since its release in 2016. It won Best Faith-Based Film at the Heartland Film Festival and was nominated for Best Ensemble Cast at the National Film & TV Awards.
The cinematography in “Greater” is top-notch, with every shot carefully crafted to convey emotion and meaning. The editing is also impressive, seamlessly weaving together scenes from different points in Burlsworth’s life to create a cohesive narrative.
Criticism towards “Greater” mostly focused on its portrayal of certain characters as one-dimensional or stereotypical. Some felt that Marty Burlsworth was too perfect and lacked realistic flaws, while others felt that the portrayal of Brandon’s teammates was overly negative.
Despite these criticisms, “Greater” remains a powerful and moving film. Its message of perseverance and determination resonates with viewers of all ages, and its emotional impact lingers long after the credits have rolled.
In conclusion, “Greater” is a movie that tells an inspiring story about a man who refused to be defined by his circumstances. Its strong cast, rich history, and powerful message make it a must-see for anyone looking for a movie with heart. As Hemingway himself might say, “Greater” is not just a movie – it’s an experience that will stay with you long after it’s over.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 130
- Release : 2016-08-26
- Genre : Family, Drama
- Cast : Christopher Severio as Brandon Burlsworth, Neal McDonough as Marty Burlsworth, Leslie Easterbrook as Barbara, Nick Searcy as The Farmer, M.C. Gainey as Coach Ford
- Crew : David Hunt as Director, David Hunt as Writer
- Popularity 7.529
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company :
- Summary : The incredible true story of the greatest walk-on in the history of college football.
- Tagline :
