The Greatest Game Ever Played (PG)

Predictable but inspiring family sports movie.

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About Our Ratings
Common Sense rates it
3
Seen the movie? Review it
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Movie details
  • Studio: Buena Vista Pictures, Buena Vista Pictures
  • Directed By: Bill Paxton
  • Cast: Stephen Dillane, Shia LaBeouf
  • Running Time: 120 minutes
  • Release Date: 09/30/2005
  • Video/DVD Release Date: 04/11/2006
  • Genre: Drama
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • MPAA Explanation: some brief mild language

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie features sustained and occasionally eruptive family tensions (father doesn't want son to play golf). Characters smoke (cigars, pipes, and cigarettes) and drink (the working class drinkers are especially rowdy in a pub scene). A couple of bystanders tease a caddy who is especially short. A budding romance between protagonists insinuates sexual interest. One golfer is haunted by images of ominous men in dark suits and tall hats, left over from a childhood encounter.

Families can talk about the conflict between father and son: how does Francis' desire to play golf threaten his father's pride and sense of identity? What role does Francis' mother play in the men's disagreement? Are there still class distinctions in professional sports today?

Message

Social Behavior:

Some efforts by upper classmen to keep working class golfers out of the tournament.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Some discreet drinking at a party and rowdy drinking and smoking in a working class pub.

Violence

Some anger displayed by father, which might worry younger viewers.

Sex

Francis has a crush on a pretty, wealthy girl: they exchange looks.

Language

Very mild.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Cynthia Fuchs

Based on the real-life careers of two brilliant golf champions -- British Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane) and American Francis Ouimet (Shia LaBeouf) -- THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED traces their very different childhoods. As both have working class backgrounds, they must -- on different continents -- fight class prejudice in order to play. Harry learns to caddy and play, becoming an international champion, but not allowed to be an official member of the club he represents. Similarly, young Francis (Matthew Knight) grows up on the edge of a golf course and shows a natural talent and passionate interest, but his father discourages him, insisting he learn a trade. No surprise, Francis, who works as a caddy and then as a clerk in a sports gear store, becomes so good at golf that he eventually enters the 1913 U.S. Open as an amateur. Here he's competing against his idol, Harry Vardon, as well as Harry's buddy, the large-bodied, cigar-chomping Ted Ray (Stephen Marcus).

Is it any good?

3
Inspiring in the most predictable sports-movie ways, The Greatest Game Ever Played also shows golf's class problems. While the players battle it out, the game is reimagined by director Bill Paxton and cinematographer Shane Hurlbut as a series of grand, sweeping shots, sometimes taking the ball's point of view and at others, the subjective states of the players (enhanced by CGI).

Because he plays so stunningly well, Francis becomes something of a celebrity, annoying and eventually gratifying his stubborn father (his mother, Mary [Marnie McPhail], is supportive throughout, but quieted by her husband's outrage). But for all its interest in the class and gender issues of the day, the movie is most insistently focused on Francis' perseverance and passion. His trajectory is standard (see any recent sports movie, from Miracle to Remember the Titans), but it is also exciting and heartening, especially for younger viewers.

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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 10 reviews.

Age 8+
4

Posted on 05/30/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

WOW!

This movie is incredible! Personally, I hate golf but this is a really good movie. The main theme of the story is to never give up, what Shia LaBeouf's character tried numerous times. I recommend this movie to everyone.
5


Posted on 12/28/07 by tanleya100 Kid contributor, age 13

4


Posted on 10/15/07 by katgordon Kid contributor, age 9

A great conversation-starter to watch with your kids

This movie is about golf and is not about golf. I kept pausing it to discuss with my 9-year old son what was going on with the characters. There are issues of class, prejudice (not wanting to accept someone to the golf club who has a "French" mother), and issues about following your dream versus taking the safe road and learning a bankable trade. The movie is really beautifully shot. If your child likes golf, he or she will likely enjoy this movie, but I think even kids who aren't golfers will appreciate the story-telling, the plot, and the lovely cinematography.
5


Posted on 04/28/07 by animalloverkt Kid contributor, age 15

Really great.

Kudos to Shea La Boeuf for his deep portrayel and DOUBLE KUDOS to the kid who played Eddie. Eddie, the nine-year-old caddie, is fantastic!! There are some issues, however, that might make this less than suitable for younger children. There are some situations that younger children might not understand, as well as some tense situations. But for older/intelligent children, it will be a worthy experience. I, as a preteen at the time, loved it.
4


Posted on 07/29/06 by Turk55 Kid contributor, age 11

Amazing golf played out before your eyes,

This is the only golf movie you should see. Why? Because this is nothing like TV golf at all. The golf shots are breath-taking and it shows how golf was better back then. Plus, golf history is learned along with a few gags from Francis' lovable caddie, Eddie.
Age 8+
4

Posted on 05/07/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

A Round of (golf) applause for this one!

This is one movie in which the acting, cinematography and message all are good, a rarity in PG movies these days. The sport and sportsmanship will appeal to all viewers, as will the strong social message and small comedic breaks. I'm surprised that "The Greatest Game Ever Played" didn't get more theater time or more hype, as it has a little something for all types. If you liked "Holes", "The Rookie", or "Glory Road", you're sure to like this one.
Age 5+
3


Posted on 01/31/06 by fritzsky Adult contributor

Liked it even though i'm not a golf fan

5


Posted on 10/07/05 by LovinLaBeouf13 Kid contributor, age 13

Loved it

I loved this movie sooo much, i cried in part of it. I thought shia labeouf who is my favorite actor was sooo hott. Im reading the book now.
5


Posted on 10/02/05 by Media45 Kid contributor, age 13

Age 5+
5


Posted on 10/01/05 by msfam Adult contributor

See all 10 reviews >

Adult Reviews

There are 4 reviews.

Age 8+
4

Posted on 05/30/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

WOW!

This movie is incredible! Personally, I hate golf but this is a really good movie. The main theme of the story is to never give up, what Shia LaBeouf's character tried numerous times. I recommend this movie to everyone.
Age 8+
4

Posted on 05/07/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

A Round of (golf) applause for this one!

This is one movie in which the acting, cinematography and message all are good, a rarity in PG movies these days. The sport and sportsmanship will appeal to all viewers, as will the strong social message and small comedic breaks. I'm surprised that "The Greatest Game Ever Played" didn't get more theater time or more hype, as it has a little something for all types. If you liked "Holes", "The Rookie", or "Glory Road", you're sure to like this one.
Age 5+
3


Posted on 01/31/06 by fritzsky Adult contributor

Liked it even though i'm not a golf fan

Age 5+
5


Posted on 10/01/05 by msfam Adult contributor

Kids Reviews

There are 6 reviews.

5


Posted on 12/28/07 by tanleya100 Kid contributor, age 13

4


Posted on 10/15/07 by katgordon Kid contributor, age 9

A great conversation-starter to watch with your kids

This movie is about golf and is not about golf. I kept pausing it to discuss with my 9-year old son what was going on with the characters. There are issues of class, prejudice (not wanting to accept someone to the golf club who has a "French" mother), and issues about following your dream versus taking the safe road and learning a bankable trade. The movie is really beautifully shot. If your child likes golf, he or she will likely enjoy this movie, but I think even kids who aren't golfers will appreciate the story-telling, the plot, and the lovely cinematography.
5


Posted on 04/28/07 by animalloverkt Kid contributor, age 15

Really great.

Kudos to Shea La Boeuf for his deep portrayel and DOUBLE KUDOS to the kid who played Eddie. Eddie, the nine-year-old caddie, is fantastic!! There are some issues, however, that might make this less than suitable for younger children. There are some situations that younger children might not understand, as well as some tense situations. But for older/intelligent children, it will be a worthy experience. I, as a preteen at the time, loved it.
4


Posted on 07/29/06 by Turk55 Kid contributor, age 11

Amazing golf played out before your eyes,

This is the only golf movie you should see. Why? Because this is nothing like TV golf at all. The golf shots are breath-taking and it shows how golf was better back then. Plus, golf history is learned along with a few gags from Francis' lovable caddie, Eddie.
5


Posted on 10/07/05 by LovinLaBeouf13 Kid contributor, age 13

Loved it

I loved this movie sooo much, i cried in part of it. I thought shia labeouf who is my favorite actor was sooo hott. Im reading the book now.
5


Posted on 10/02/05 by Media45 Kid contributor, age 13

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