The Boys in the Boat (2023) was my favorite film of 2023. It embodies everything I enjoy about movies: it’s entertaining, has good acting and cinematography and a well-constructed screenplay.  Because it has a strong plot and smart dialogue, it does not have to rely on profanity, sexual content or violence to ‘fill out’ the film’s runtime.   An added bonus is its wonderful musical score!

♦  Heads up:  This film is 2hr 3min.  It is rated PG-13 for scenes of Depression-era poverty and implied sex. There are some mild obscenities. ♦

The film is based on Daniel James Brown’s #1 New York Times bestselling non-fiction book about an American university rowing team with aspirations of competing in the 1936 Olympics.

The film was directed by George Clooney and its cast includes: Callum Turner, Joel Edgerton and Peter Guinness.

I do not recommend reading any reviews because they may spoil your emotional experience in viewing the film.  I found the film engaging but I would have enjoyed it even more if I did not already know the story.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, audiences loved this movie (97%) but many critics panned Director George Clooney for making a schmaltzy film which lacks depth.  In my humble opinion, we need more ‘schmaltzy,’ wholesome, heartwarming films like this one!

After you watch the film, you may want to read how Daniel James Brown came to write his non-fiction book: Back-story of The Boys in the Boat