Common Sense Media Review
Moving story of the 1980 Olympic hockey team.
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Miracle
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a highly accurate depiction of the 1980 Olympic hockey team's inspiring journey, featuring strong performances and an engaging storyline, making it a must-watch for both sports fans and families. While some viewers find it slow-paced or less appealing if they aren't into sports, many consider it one of the greatest movies in the sports genre, highlighting themes of perseverance and teamwork.
- accurate depiction
- inspiring journey
- family classic
- sports genre
- perseverance message
- slow-paced moments
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Sportscaster Al Michaels unforgettably called out "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!" as the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team beat the Russians. They then went on to win the gold medal. And so the team, the last group of amateurs sent by the United States before professionals were allowed to play, has been known ever after as the "Miracle on Ice." MIRACLE is a meticulous re-creation of the training, strategy, and key moments of the team's path to Olympic gold.
Is It Any Good?
The silver medal goes to Kurt Russell's fine performance as Coach Herb Brooks. Russell conveys Brooks' famously tough and withholding style, and as this movie shows, this team is better than a Miracle because it's the story of players who succeeded through heart and hard work and commitment. This isn't an "up close and personal" saga; you're not going to find out all the quirky personal details of the members of the team. This is a movie for hardcore hockey fans.
The movie is less successful when it gives us the inevitable toll-on-the-family scenes, even with the magnificent Patricia Clarkson as Mrs. Brooks, explaining that just because Herb is coaching the Olympic team doesn't mean that he can shirk his responsibilities at home. And the movie's weakest point is its attempt to make the team's triumph too much of a symbol. It spends too much time trying to give a sense of the era, with an opening credit sequence of clips showing lines at the gas station and Jimmy Carter's speech about how depressed everyone was. Yes, the Miracle on Ice was immensely satisfying at a moment when America needed some heroes. But trying to re-create that mood takes away from the genuine splendor of the team's achievement, which is more than enough on its own.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Brooks is portrayed in Miracle. Is he a good coach? Why, or why not? Who are some of the coaches, teachers, and mentors who have inspired you to do your best? Were they nice, or tough—or both?
Throughout the movie are references to the recent and current events of that time: mention of Watergate, the end of the Vietnam War, gas shortages, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Iranian hostage crisis, and excerpts from what came to be known as Jimmy Carter's "malaise" speech to the American people. What purpose does this historical backdrop serve? How does it heighten the stakes of the story?
How does this movie compare with other "sports underdog" movies? What are some other examples of this genre?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 6, 2004
- On DVD or streaming : May 18, 2004
- Cast : Kurt Russell , Noah Emmerich , Patricia Clarkson
- Director : Gavin O'Connor
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 130 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some rough sports action
- Last updated : February 25, 2026
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