Rudy (Special Edition)

Rudy (Special Edition)

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Movie Reviews of Rudy (Special Edition)

Movie Review: A Triumph of the Human Spirit
Summary: 5 Stars

It's based on a true story about Daniel E. "Rudy" Ruettiger, the son of an oil refinery worker and third of fourteen children. An underdog with marginal talent and intellect, Rudy rose from valleys of discouragement and despair to the pinnacles of success.

From the movie, it seems Rudy has little inspiration in his life as a boy, but the nostalgia, history, and tradition of Notre Dame Football seems to be a bright spot for him and his family; and he clings to that. Memorizing a famous speech by Knute Rockne (read it at: http://lamb.archives.nd.edu/rockne/speech2.html), Rudy recites it perfectly as if he were Knute himself, demonstrating his love for Irish football tradition.

On one of his birthdays, Rudy's gets a vintage "Fighting Irish" letterman jacket from his best friend, and soon after, his best friend dies in an accident at the refinery. Already in his twenties, hitting rock-bottom, and feeling as though he has nothing to lose, Rudy decides to take a chance and pursue his life-long dream of playing football for The Irish. He pursues his dream not only for himself, but also for his best-friend, who knew how much Rudy loved the mystique of Notre Dame. He also wants his family, and especially his father, to be proud of him. He seems to want to vicariously fulfill what is really a dream that is shared by everyone he loves; but there's only one problem. Rudy does not have the grades to qualify for admission to Notre Dame.

Thus, he begins his struggle at Holy Cross before gaining acceptance to Notre Dame. With the help of a socially inept new friend, Rudy manages to struggle through his courses at Holy Cross, gradually improving his grades. While at Holy Cross, Rudy applies for Notre Dame and is turned down several times. Feeling hopeless and doubtful, and just when all seems lost, he gets the latest reply from Notre Dame. He reluctantly opens it, fearing the worst, but Rudy is finally accepted. He applied to Notre Dame three times before he was accepted on his fourth attempt.

After being admitted to Notre Dame, Rudy is out of money and relies on help from several people who are taken with his indomitable determination to never quit trying. When Rudy walks-on for tryouts, he is not given much of a chance by the coaches. Feeling thankful for the getting a chance, he promises football coach Ara Parseghian he'll make the team. After demonstrating a will and determination that is unmatched by anyone on the team, the coaches eventually give him a shot and he makes the team's scout squad. Rudy knows that if it weren't for his tenacity, he wouldn't have impressed the coaches enough to make the team. Along the way, Rudy earns the loyalty and respect of his teammates and coaches with his work ethic, and ends up raising the bar for the entire teams' level of play. There are many inspirational moments in this film and its climactic ending is no exception.

He is the only player in the school's history to be carried off the field on his teammates' shoulders.

There are so many amazing and inspiring moments in this film, but what has stayed with me the most is the lesson learned from watching the story. It's all about the triumph of the human spirit. It's a testament to never giving up on your dreams, giving it all that you have despite all the odds being stacked against you, and overcoming adversity in the pursuit of them. It reminds us about the importance of courage, faith, and perseverance and believing in yourself when no one else will.

After Rudy Ruettiger accomplished his goal of playing for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, he realized a second goal: seeing his story on the big screen. For nine years Rudy's never-say-die philosophy was tested as he tackled Hollywood to make a movie about his life. At first it wasn't easy. "Hollywood is one crazy damned place," Ruettiger told the Boston Globe's Michael Blowen. "It was a mess... I just barged right into it, and trusted people in Hollywood. In 1993, his second impossible dream came true as Tri-Star Pictures released the blockbuster hit film, Rudy.

This is one of the only movies that have ever made me weep every time I see it. It's one of the best I've ever seen.

Summary of Rudy (Special Edition)