Movie Review | RACE (biopic of Jesse Owens) Wednesday 10 February, 2016
Will Packer (director of Ride Along, Think Like A Man) with cast members of Survivors Remorse supporting Stephan James (middle) in Race Movie in Atlanta
Focus Features kicked off Black History Month with a special RACE Atlanta Premiere at Atlantic Station that I was very excited to pre-screen for the film. RACE star Stephan James introduced the film to three packed theaters of celebrities, influencers, dignitaries and students, encouraging everyone to be #LikeJesse. It was a movie based on the biopic of the late Jesse Owens who was once labeled the fastest man on Earth as a leading African American track star in the 1930s. Upcoming and coming actor Stephan James, who plays Jesse Owens in this movie did an amazing job. He is also a little cutie and hopefully this breakout role for him leads him to many successful leading roles in the future.
Atlanta celebrities in entertajnment + Ambassador Andrew Young to support Race Movie
TRAILER
Official Synopsis:Based on the incredible true story of Jesse Owens, the legendary athletic superstar whose quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler’s vision of Aryan supremacy. “Race” is an enthralling film about courage, determination, tolerance, and friendship, and an inspiring drama about one man’s fight to become an Olympic legend.
Stephan James speaks out to the Atlanta audience to speak about his role as Jesse Owen in the RACE biopic.
My Opinion:RACE deserves an Oscar. Yes a 2017 Oscar! What the depiction of MLK in the movie did in America, is what Jesse Owens did in this biopic of Race. I will admit I knew of Jesse Owens race history a little bit before seeing this film, but had NO IDEA that he did the Olympics in 1938 around the time the Holocaust was going on. Racism was so prevalent in America already, so imagine having to prove your worth in another country who is having even more racial issues and stigmas. There is a famous quote in the film that was quoted by Stephan James who brilliantly played Jesses Owens in the film said, “There is no such thing as race on the track. Only fast or slow”.
That is important because the Olympics were important as they are today, and during that time, Jesse Owens was the fastest man in America. No matter what racial injustice was going on in America, the board of directors wanted Jesse definitely to represent America and go over to Berlin to do our country justice! Would you have wanted to go to a country where Hilter was ruling in his prime? What pressure Mr.Owens must of been under, but the best thing about the film is that he was so confident without being overly cocky – to represent our country to the fullest. I promise after watching this movie you will be PROUD to be an America.
The real Jesse Owens winning a gold medal in the Berlin 1938 Olympics
I was proud to see Jesse Owens strength and abilities as an athlete to keep going, even through racial adversities but there is one important fact. It seems like in America that the line between race is blurred majority of the time if sports and entertainment is involved. I didn’t eve realize African Americans were allowed to play in the Olympics in 1938, but see that goes to show you how we are told Black History as the norm in America. Once a month once a year about the same people such as MLK, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, etc…we know all their stories so vividly and fluidly because we re-evaluate their stories each year. Watching this Jesse Owens stories shows that there are more African America heros in this country. They may not be on the front line of the civil rights movement, but like Jesse Owens they are heros all the same during times where the color of your skin will always gives you a disadvantage of opportunities.
I seriously urge you to see this film. It’s Black History Month and it would be an great way to learn the history of such a heroic man. In America we are not taught Black History to it’s full potential like we should, but very appreciative there are more films trying to visually recap the stories so we can relive history and see what is not being taught in books. Jesse Owen’s story is amazing in RACE and I promise you that you will be move and cheering as you watch. All races will be proud of him! This isn’t just black history alone, it’s America History. Stephan James I am rooting for you and your future Oscar!
RACE premieres in theaters nationwide on Friday, February 19. #LikeJesse #RaceMovie
What are your thoughts of Jesse Owens playing in Berlin during the era of Hitler’s ruling?
About the Blogger - Kiwi the Beauty
Kiwi is the free spirited blogger and content creator of KiwiTheBeauty.com. As a digital influencer, she produces creative inspiration around beauty, lifestyle, media and travel leisure. Her life mantra is to make manifesting fun! When she’s not blogging, she is eating trendy hipster food, carrying crystals, making it rain at her local farmer's market and binge brunching.
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I saw the previews last week and this looks like a great one. I love films based on true stories. Can’t wait to see it. What an honor to have been the fastest man on earth. He sure was an outstanding athlete.
This movie looks so good- I can’t wait to see it! I really enjoyed learning about him in high school, and I can’t imagine being in his position at the height of Nazi Germany. So brave and so talented! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Wow, I knew about Jesse Owens but I didn’t know about the struggle with Hitler’s “perfect” race and that he was competing at that moment in history. I don’t go to the movies often, but my husband loves to go. We’ll definitely have to check out this film. It’ll be a good change-up from the typical Marvel films he drags me to see.
Now that is so cool! I am not into sports movie but the trailer looks amazing. Love the picture of the real man this movie is about. Can’t wait to see it!
I agree, Oscar worthy for sure. I freaking love the movie, I was inspired. I love the way they dealt with racism during that time in the movie. They were honest, I got to meet Jesse’s daughter and it was an honor to listen to her speak about her father and give her love and adoration for the film.
I keep seeing previews for this movie and it looks like such a great film. I love when sports movies highlight social injustices and the dedication of athletes.
You are so right when you say there are many African America heroes that no one knows about. This movie does indeed prove it. I do remember hearing about Jesse Owens from somewhere though but like you I didn’t know it was during that time period.
I had never heard of Race until this post. It looks really great though so I’ll keep my eyes peeled and have to check it out. Looks like lots of fun too.
It looks awesome! I love Focus Films productions. I find they are so nicely done. I am definitely going to watch it. Some stories need to be told, and this is definitely one of them. The actor isn’t so bad looking either 🙂
I can tell from the trailer this is a movie I MUST see. I don’t know much about Jesse Owens so I look forward to learning about his journey to the Olympics and what it was like for him during that time.
This looks like such a good movie, I hope to make it out to see it soon! It’s nice you got to go to the pre-screening! I remember my 7th grade history teacher telling us about the racism Jesse at the Olympics, and about how Hitler got up and walked out when he won, and that story has stuck with me ever since!
![[FASHION RECAP] MARVEL STUDIOS’ “BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER” WORLD PREMIERE](http://www.kiwithebeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/64A66F52-0CBB-4131-8B8A-8FABDA3BC164.jpeg "[FASHION RECAP] MARVEL STUDIOS’ “BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER” WORLD PREMIERE")
I saw the previews last week and this looks like a great one. I love films based on true stories. Can’t wait to see it. What an honor to have been the fastest man on earth. He sure was an outstanding athlete.
This movie looks so good- I can’t wait to see it! I really enjoyed learning about him in high school, and I can’t imagine being in his position at the height of Nazi Germany. So brave and so talented! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I’ve seen the previews for this online and it looks really interesting. I don’t think it’s out in any of my local theatres though.
Wow, I knew about Jesse Owens but I didn’t know about the struggle with Hitler’s “perfect” race and that he was competing at that moment in history. I don’t go to the movies often, but my husband loves to go. We’ll definitely have to check out this film. It’ll be a good change-up from the typical Marvel films he drags me to see.
This looks like such a great movie! I love watching movies that are based on true stories! I’d love to check out this film!
This sounds like an awesome drama. I’d love to learn more about Jesse’s true story.
Now that is so cool! I am not into sports movie but the trailer looks amazing. Love the picture of the real man this movie is about. Can’t wait to see it!
I agree, Oscar worthy for sure. I freaking love the movie, I was inspired. I love the way they dealt with racism during that time in the movie. They were honest, I got to meet Jesse’s daughter and it was an honor to listen to her speak about her father and give her love and adoration for the film.
Stephan James is indeed a cutie too.
I keep seeing previews for this movie and it looks like such a great film. I love when sports movies highlight social injustices and the dedication of athletes.
Mr. Owens was incredible and his story is amazing. I am so glad it is showing on the big screen
How iconic, I was invited to a Race Advance screening today! I can’t wait to see it. I looks AMAZING.
How ironic, I was invited to a Race Advance screening today! I can’t wait to see it. I looks AMAZING.
You are so right when you say there are many African America heroes that no one knows about. This movie does indeed prove it. I do remember hearing about Jesse Owens from somewhere though but like you I didn’t know it was during that time period.
This sounds like an interesting movie. I’ll have to watch for it when it comes out on dvd.
This sounds like a great movie for my husband. He loves sports movies, so I will suggest this to him.
I can’t wait to see this movie. It looks like something I would thoroughly enjoy watching.
I had never heard of Race until this post. It looks really great though so I’ll keep my eyes peeled and have to check it out. Looks like lots of fun too.
I saw the trailer for this movie the other day and I was stuck! Definitely looks like a must see film!
I love inspiring movies that shows a person’s trials and triumphs! Thanks for sharing this! Will look out for it!
Your review and the previews definitely make me want to go see this movie. Such a great piece of our history.
I was just saying that I needed to see this! I’m excited to see how he dealt with such adversity.
It looks awesome! I love Focus Films productions. I find they are so nicely done. I am definitely going to watch it. Some stories need to be told, and this is definitely one of them. The actor isn’t so bad looking either 🙂
This seems like a great movie. I don’t know that the Oscars is ready for something as awesome as this seems to be. I can’t wait to check it out.
The movie sounds good. It’s more so my husband’s speed. Thank you for the recap.
Ooh, okay now I’m excited to see this movie. I know a few folk who’ll love this.
I can tell from the trailer this is a movie I MUST see. I don’t know much about Jesse Owens so I look forward to learning about his journey to the Olympics and what it was like for him during that time.
Siobhan
http://www.befreeproject.com
I will def check this out. Looks good
How had I not heard of this at all. This seems like my type of movie. I am going to look into this! Thank you for sharing.
This looks like such a good movie, I hope to make it out to see it soon! It’s nice you got to go to the pre-screening! I remember my 7th grade history teacher telling us about the racism Jesse at the Olympics, and about how Hitler got up and walked out when he won, and that story has stuck with me ever since!
Loved reading your review! I plan to go see it!
I’ve been wanting to see this movie! Thanks for the reminder