 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Greatest Game Ever Played
- Review Date: April 9, 2006
- PG
- Genre: Drama
- 2005
Common Sense Media says
Predictable but inspiring family sports movie.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What 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.
What's the story?
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?
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.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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?
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
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.
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Kid, 9 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
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.
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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
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.
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AGE
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.
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AGE
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.
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
Liked it even though i'm not a golf fan
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Kid, 11 years old
September 26, 2011
AGE
The Best Game Ever Played 101
The Best Game Ever Played is a great movie for kids 8+. This movie had a suprising amount of language ( " d*mn ", " d*mned ", " h*ll ", and " devil " and " god " used in expressions ) to me because Common Sense Media said " very mild ". Besides that, the movie offered many positive messages and great role models.
What other families should know:
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| Topics: | sports and martial arts, history |
| Studio: | Buena Vista |
| Director: | Bill Paxton |
| Cast: | Justin Ashforth, Shia LaBeouf, Stephen Dillane |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 120 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 30, 2005 |
| DVD release date: | April 11, 2006 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | some brief mild language |
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