![](../../../../archives/movieawards_animated.gif)
December 29, 2003
Greatest Hockey Miracle.. Yes? No? Maybe?
Well, if you want to ruffle a few feathers North of the Border, here's how to do it:
Make a hockey movie about the 'Miracle-on-Ice' between USA and Russia and give it the tagline "The Greatest Moment in Sports History" and in the trailer, call hockey Russia's game.
Oh granted, I won't debate the fantastic odds in this game, or even how amazing it was but two types of people will debate the "Greatest Moment" claim:
The 1st - any baseball, soccer, football or basketball fan and most importantly:
2: - Anyone, and I mean anyone who, 8 years before the 'Miracle' ever happened, took witness in September 1972, to the Summit Series as Paul Henderson and Canada beat the Russians on their own turf in 8 games. Nothing beats it. Feb 24, 2002 may come close...
I would completely endorse the statement "Greatest Moment in AMERICAN Sports History", but I'm sure that's what the marketers of the movie meant anyway. Because other countries don't count?.. Maybe...
Either way, Kurt Russell is the coach in "Miracle" being released on February 4th this ..er... next year. 2004 is what I mean. Not too sure if I'll catch it, I wouldn't mind, but I haven't been able to catch many flicks this past month (hence my lack of postings) because of schedules, Christmas and finances and stuff. Either way, you likely have the duty to see this if you're an American, a hockey fan or both.
Oh, and since we're on the topic, Go Leafs Go.
Posted by John Campea at December 29, 2003 05:47 PM
Comments
Posted by: K-Lap at December 30, 2003 07:52 PM
Ok.. this goes into the whole thing about American movie makers forgetting the rest of the world exists. Independance Day, aliens trash every major politcal center on the planet and is even seen floating above third world nations in their bid for global dominance, and yet they over looked canada.
Face it.. patriotism sells, and if the Americans have anything its their patriotism. Most Americans have already admitted that if the Jays and Expos were in the World Series that they would not be watching. Would they make a movie about the Second Greatest Moment in Sports History. It just doesn't have the same ring to it.
Posted by: Rodney at December 30, 2003 09:00 PM
Oh, make no mistake, there's nothing wrong with patriotism, in fact, Americans do it so well, it's practically blinding, nearly to the point of being literal.
In this case, the issue of country recognition has little to do with hockey per-se - it's their country, they can do or say or make a movie about whatever they want. That's a very true statement - and I support the right to do so. However, the old saying goes, if you're not a part of the solution, you're a part of the problem. The problem here being the unintentional segregation of other countries. And no one American is at fault here, but American media is saturated with, not just Pro-American flare (which is perfectly fine, by the way), but flagrant absentia of everyone else.
In this case for example, most Americans probably have never HEARD of the Summit Series, even though as a chapter in hockey history, nothings matches it.
So sure, a movie title proclaiming Americans possess the so-called "Greatest Moment in Sports History" will, yes, sell more movies - but that doesn't necessarily means it's correct.
(That's not to say we have the best sports moment either, but since they brought up the hockey issue, we canucks simply must say *something*) With that, I'm gonna go buy some American fast-food now. Yum.
Posted by: Day-vuhl at December 30, 2003 09:21 PM
Yes, we Americans are arrogant, thinking only of ourselves.
It was a great event. But this film will only be a reminder that our college players are being kept off the Olympic teams in favor of professionals.
Imagine, our amatures beating their professionals (one of the arguments I put forth against those who like our professionals playing in the olympics, I actually root against the dream team in basketball).
My favorite Hockey Moment(s) were the 4 Stanly Cups in a row the New York Islanders won (Hated when the Rangers won it).
Posted by: Herby at January 2, 2004 06:22 AM
This team was a huge underdog throughout 1980 Olympic Hockey. I was not a hockey fan at the time, but I had to root for the underdog here. Of course, the fact that I am an American, also came into play as well.
No matter how you try to dissect the "Miracle on Ice" it will always stand out as one of the greatest underdog series of wins and ties ever. This goes for any sport.
The fact that it is an American team will lend itself to criticism from the rest of the world. Regardless this team played their hearts out and the movie is justified and it will do well in certain markets in the US. It will do fine on video.
No matter where you come from, the movie will be inspirational at a minimum. If you are an American hater then, oh well. You will have to find another movie to inspire yourself.
Posted by: Matt at January 5, 2004 10:07 PM
Now, now - no one's hating America here --
In fact, I agree with EVERY single thing you said:
"This team was a huge underdog throughout 1980 Olympic Hockey"
"one of the greatest underdog series of wins and ties ever"
"the movie will be inspirational at a minimum"
The ONLY thing I'm debating here is the "Greatest Moment in Sports History" the movie touts -- especially when it's compared to the political, historical and athletic signifigance of the Summit Series. -
I'd be debating the "Greatest Moment..." claim no matter which country was making it.
Just keep in mind that I completely agree with what you wrote. Cheers.
Posted by: Day-vuhl at January 6, 2004 12:18 AM
Neither the U.S win in 1980 or the Canadian win in 1972 qualify for greatest hockey moment, let alone sports moment. I would think that the Czechs defeating the heavily favored Soviets at the 1972 World Hockey Championship in Prague shortly after the Russians rolled into the same city with tanks would have to rank pretty high. The 1968 Soviet invasion was very fresh in everyone's minds. Heck, the country was being occupied still and would be for years to come. I was a kid when I watched the Czechs beat them at the Worlds again in 1976 (in Poland) and emotions were still running pretty high. Hilights from the '72 Final were shown and in those brief moments, I saw the greatest emotional scene I had ever witnessed and still today at age 35, it is unmatched, at least in connection with sports.
Posted by: Kirk Sawyers at January 8, 2004 01:15 AM
Just to add... now that I've reminded myself of the Czechs / Soviets in the 1970s, if someone wants to make a great hockey movie, make one on the life of Peter Stastney. He was a youngster playing on the '72 team and was on the '76 squad. He lived in the heart of the great moments and political unrest. He then defected to Canada after being smuggled out from behind the Iron Curtain, apparently crawling on his hands and knees for several miles to do so. If memory serves I believe that he also had to hide in a wooden crate for a while too. Then while knowing he can't go home (maybe ever) he embarks on a Hall of Fame NHL career. Nice movie already and the third act where he gets to go home and play again and later coach after the Berlin Wall falls is still hours away. He even won a Stanley Cup while in New Jersey... happy Americans everywhere!
Posted by: Kirk Sawyers at January 8, 2004 01:32 AM
Dude, you'd better mail that idea to yourself before someone (like me) does it - because that would make a WICKED movie.
I'm serious.
Posted by: Day-vuhl at January 8, 2004 02:09 AM
You petty little HOSERS. Comparing the '72 Summit to Lake Placid is the dumbest hockey observation I have ever heard. '72 was no miracle. They were out of shape professionals who were better than the Russians and didn't take them seriously enough. What happened in 1980 was comparable to an all star team of Canadian college basketball or football players beating a professional team. Can you ever imagine that happening? Canada's hockey fans have always been jealous of The Miracle on Ice, and whenever I hear hints of this from Cherry or Stratken it make you look like the hosers you are.
Posted by: Eric at January 8, 2004 03:33 PM
You petty little HOSERS. Comparing the '72 Summit to Lake Placid is the dumbest hockey observation I have ever heard. '72 was no miracle. They were out of shape professionals who were better than the Russians and didn't take them seriously enough. What happened in 1980 was comparable to an all star team of Canadian college basketball or football players beating a professional team. Can you ever imagine that happening? Canada's hockey fans have always been jealous of The Miracle on Ice, and whenever I hear hints of this from Cherry or Stratken it make you look like the hosers you are.
Posted by: Eric at January 8, 2004 03:33 PM
You petty little HOSERS. Comparing the '72 Summit to Lake Placid is the dumbest hockey observation I have ever heard. '72 was no miracle. They were out of shape professionals who were better than the Russians and didn't take them seriously enough. What happened in 1980 was comparable to an all star team of Canadian college basketball or football players beating a professional team. Can you ever imagine that happening? Canada's hockey fans have always been jealous of The Miracle on Ice, and whenever I hear hints of this from Cherry or Stratken it make you look like the hosers you are.
Posted by: Eric at January 8, 2004 03:36 PM
Well, I firmly believe you think you're right.
Especially since you needed to say it three times.
Posted by: Day-vuhl at January 8, 2004 03:51 PM
Okay, you hockey lovin' Canadians, does "The greatest moment in U.S. Olympic Hockey History" sound as good to you?
This aint Canada; we've got vast areas of countryside where ponds never bother to freeze over all winter long and basketball is king from November through March -- except on Sundays when football reins supreme until February. Can you blame us if most of our countrymen have never played hockey and don't know a damn thing about the Summit of '72 or even Canada vs. USA in 2002? Can you blame us for being overly proud that our boys knocked off the evil empire during the height of the Cold War in a game that was essentially the Bad News Bears vs. the New York Yankees?
Posted by: homer at January 19, 2004 09:37 PM
"Okay, you hockey lovin' Canadians, does "The greatest moment in U.S. Olympic Hockey History" sound as good to you? "
- Not at all, despite it being correct.
"This aint Canada"
- Also correct.
"Can you blame us if most of our countrymen have never played hockey..."
- Well, no - but it is a shame - you really should, y'know. Very good for you spare the smell of hockey bags.
"...or don't know...about the Summit of '72 or even Canada vs. USA in 2002"
- Well, I would expect you to know about the 2002 routine, although I wouldn't expect you to hear much of it since.
"Can you blame us for being overly proud that our boys knocked off..."
- Again, no.
In fact, everything that you said is right - but like I said before, it doesn't NeCeSsArIlY make the "Greatest Moment" statement the movie makes any truer - if true at all.
It's the same in this way: The Sears Tower in Chicago can't say "The Tallest Building Ever!" - because there's a taller building in Kuala Lumpur. Saying "Hey, this isn't Malaysia", doesn't change anything - the Sears Tower is still towered over (get it?.. never mind). Sure, "The Tallest Building Ever!" sounds *better* than "The tallest building in America" - but it would still be wrong.
Posted by: Day-vuhl at January 19, 2004 11:23 PM
I think Eric hit it right on the head: The only reason the Summit Series was so dramatic is because the Canadians were out of shape and didn't take their formidable opponents seriously until it was almost too late.
The era, the stage, the matchup make the Miracle On Ice bigger, even if some Canadians have a problem with that.
Greatest sports moment of all time? It ranks with anything I can think of, including the Blue Jays World Series win (toss the Canadians a bone).
Posted by: JJ at January 20, 2004 04:47 PM
All right, it's pretty easy to prove which building is taller, you just need a really long tape measure. What does the tape measure you use to measure the greatest moment in sports look like?
Posted by: homer at January 20, 2004 06:07 PM
Canadians sometimes say things about Americans being arrogant, self-centered, etc. That's fine. I can take that sort of thing from family. Which, I really think you should know, is exactly what Americans think about Canada. If we don't always mention or acknowledge Canada, it isn't because we feel superior. Its simply because we often don't consider you something completely apart from us. I hope that doesn't bother you too much. The border, the economy, and the common culture, language (mostly) , and values make the two nations meld in my mind and, I think, in the minds of most Americans.
Posted by: Matt at January 21, 2004 11:37 PM
Canadians sometimes say things about Americans being arrogant, self-centered, etc. That's fine. I can take that sort of thing from family. Which, I really think you should know, is exactly what Americans think about Canada. If we don't always mention or acknowledge Canada, it isn't because we feel superior. Its simply because we often don't consider you something completely apart from us. I hope that doesn't bother you too much. The border, the economy, and the common culture, language (mostly) , and values make the two nations meld in my mind and, I think, in the minds of most Americans.
Posted by: Matt at January 21, 2004 11:39 PM
Y'know, actually... that's a fairly solid point. I mean I'm sure some hardcore.. "nice" .. people would scream about differences (because, believe me, on close - or even not so close - examination, there is lots of differences), but you've got a fair argument there.
That's all from me for now... Word.
Posted by: Day-vuhl at January 22, 2004 12:12 AM
OK, OK.. Let me just say that I consider Canada my second home. I am a southern Virginia girl who loves nothing more than to visit my friends every year in Ontario. In fact, I just spent a week up there for New Years. It is ironic that at the New Years Party, many people were sharing the sentiments that many postings above had stated: American's are arogant..etc. I tried my hardest to explain to them that the media that is shown in Canada is much like the media shown in the US. We are force fed what the media market wants us to hear. Please do not associate the opinions of Hollywood Liberals, nor the extreme Right Wing activists as political truths. I feel that I am like most Americans; right down in the middle of their views. Hard Working, loyal and patriotic, and am proud to live in a country that we are not killed for the slightest indiscretions – just like all those I have met in Canada; they share the same view on their country as well. I know first hand the differences between Canada and the US. No, we are not exactly the same and are two distinct countries, and I appreciate the differences. (And yes, I even ask for a "double-double" at a Tim Hortan's but like to see the expressions of the workers when I say, Thank "yall") Yet, we do share many things in common which lead some Americans to believe that the two countries are not all that different; once again assumptions can be the mother of all screw-ups. Canadians are just as proud of their country as Americans. I was overcome with the love shown towards Canada on my numerous trips. Canadian flags are everywhere, and most everyone I ran into that was willing to sit and talk with me was quick to point out Canadian accomplishemnts. For example: "Did you know Canada invented Basketball?" There is nothing wrong with pride in one's country. I have a Canadian and American Flag on my car. Though my family line came from Scotland, England, Irleand, and Cherokee Indian, I am American and am proud to be so. And if I had been born in Canada, I would have been proud to be Canadian.
Therefore, to get on the task at hand, I said once before I feel Canada is my second home. I feel welcome and enjoy my time in a truly wonderful country. The movie Miracle, does make a mistake saying it is the Best Sporting Event Ever. True, it is the classic underdog victory story, just like RUDY. "The Hollywood" machine made the mistake of assuming that just because it is an American victory, they advertise that it to be the best sporting event ever. Let us get one thing straight- I do not feel this way. Am I proud of the game? Yes. Would I be proud if another country accomplished the same goal? Of course. Remember Romania's 14-year-old Nadia Comaneci, in Montreal 1976, when she became the first gymnast to score a perfect 10, and followed it up with six more perfect scores in as many days? There was a movie about that, and one that always brought me to tears. The story of Lance Armstrong also sticks out in my mind of an inspiring individual. To me, there is no “One Greatest Event in Sporting History”. The fact is the movie Miracle may be a good uplifting story, and generate more interest worldwide in the sport of Hockey. Regardless of Hollywood’s mistake in advertisement, I hope it does well at the box-office. My wish is that it will generate more interest here in Virginia. For once, I would actually enjoy getting to watch a hockey game on TV every once and a while and not having to go all the way up to Canada in order to root for my favorite team. Just to let everyone know, I just went to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto a few weeks ago, and loved every minute there. It was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful sport!
Thanks for reading this, and to everyone here; God Bless and Best Wishes Always. GO Leafs!!
Posted by: Nora at January 23, 2004 10:07 AM
I've been treated to seeing the trailer for "Miracle" twice now and I have to admit that it's got me really pissed off.
I live just outside Toronto and I really resent having to endure unsolicited American propaganda in my home town theatres. I blame both the theatre chains and the distribution companies; neither group has taken the trouble to consider the feelings of Canadians about hockey (OUR game) and our pride in our own greatest hockey moment.
While I don't advocate violent protests against theatres that show the film, I will certainly boycott any theatre that does so.
Posted by: Ralph at January 27, 2004 10:05 AM
Well, I can understand your point.. but certainly not to your level of frustration. But I understand..
- Though I must admit, the 'miracle' game WAS a good game, and did beat fantastic odds - under the most dire of pressures.
- And, let's not forget, people do in, fact reserve the right to make a film about whatever they want - ..my only point was "the greatest moment" point, which, in the end, is just a fun little point to debate - usually leaning to whatever country you're from.
- And as far as propaganda goes, -- sometimes, a movie comes along that yes, is a little flag-wavey, but since I watch a lot of their movies the rest of the time, I'm willing to chuckle at it when it gets laid on pretty thick (*ahem* Independence Day - and soon coming "The Day After TOmorrow")
So in the end, we have a perfectly fine hockey movie, with a couple pretenses I have issue with, but that's it. And I've met Kurt Russell very briefly before, so I check out his stuff a little more closely now.
I dunno. I'll make a judgement call after I see it.
Posted by: Day-vuhl at January 27, 2004 05:14 PM
Interesting to note that the movie being disucussed was filmed in Canada.
Posted by: that guy at January 27, 2004 11:41 PM
This was not about a game. This was a turning point in the democratic world. A symbol that took America out of the 'mailaize' of Jimmy Carter and into the prosperity of Reagan. This was the greatest event in the world because it was against the world. Canada did not win, yet they did compete (though I do admit it is a Canadian game.) How can you say that anything other than an event that is a 'world contest' could be the greatest event?
This game was more. It was a challenge between two ways of life. And the American (and Canadian) way of life prevailed.
-Mike
Posted by: mike at January 30, 2004 12:55 PM
I agree and disagree.
"This was not about a game"
- both. IT was just a game, but the political differences of the two countries made it more so.
"This was a turning point in the democratic world."
- disagree. I submit that no democratic socities teetered pending the outcome of a hockey game.
"A symbol that took America out of the 'mailaize' of Jimmy Carter and into the prosperity of Reagan"
- That's saying a LOT for ONE game, but hey, it's possible. I'll agree.
"This was the greatest event in the world because it was against the world."
- Disagree, it was actually against Russia. Although, yes, during the Olympics. And on the flipside, hoisting hockey above every other Olympic sport is another tall order. Because some people, like my roommate, plum doesn't care about hockey. I guess in the end, the importance is relative.
"Canada did not win, yet they did compete "
- Sad, but true - a bashful 6th place that year. Ouch.
"This game was more. It was a challenge between two ways of life"
- Again, only because of outside political friction. But yes, agree.
"And the American (and Canadian) way of life prevailed"
- The democratic team defeated the communist team, yes. But I don't think our way of life was exhaulted or preserved anymore than what would've been the case had the USA lost. - Amateurs nearly defeat russians - would've made headlines all the same.
But I digress. I can't play hockey to save my life.
Posted by: Day-vuhl at January 30, 2004 01:57 PM
I think it is pretty funny that there is so much debate about the words used in the Trailer, to describe an exciting American Sports moment. Was it the "The Greatest Moment in Sports History"? For some maybe, for most, probably not, but who cares the Trailer and those words did exactly what it was intended to do: make people talk about it. Whether it is negative or positive attention, it is attention that will sell tickets. One has to ask, is it arrogance or just good marketing? Who cares, I am going to see it because I love hockey and it will probably be an entertaining movie. I will take their interpretation of the event as just that, one interpretation of the event, like all movies that I watch. Take that comment for what it was a marketing pitch, and it has obviously worked, as you are talking about it. Not all Americans are arrogant and believe that this is "The Greatest Moment in Sports" or that "Coke is it" or that "Budweiser is the King of Beers" or... insert any product's slogan here. It is a marketing pitch to sell a product, and obviously it has worked as I have seen many people here and on other movie boards blasting it. So relax and enjoy the movie or don't watch it and continue to complain about how Americans are all arrogant and blah blah blah...my political statement...blah blah blah. Either way you are just helping an "Arrogant" American company sell tickets to their movie.
Posted by: Matt at January 30, 2004 03:59 PM
To this day whenever I see the ending of the 'miracle' game on TV and the commentator says 'do you believe in miracles' I still have to laugh. The game was not televised live here in the US, I had to watch it live on a Canadian station. And when he said that he was doing a 'voice-over' on a video tape and they aired it the next day. Pretty stupid that the catch-phrase for the movie is based on a farce.
Upstate NY
Posted by: glen at February 1, 2004 04:18 AM
I don't think for a moment that the "miracle" on ice is the greatest moment in sports history. They got LUCKY. Even Herb Brooks (The American Coach) admitted that. The Russians were a far better team, and had just destroyed the Americans (and everyone else for that matter) the week before something like 8-2. It was just ONE game. And anyone who knows anything about sports knows that anyone can beat anyone else on any given day. Play a 5 or 7 game serise and then talk to me about "miricles".
Good grief, it's not even the greatest moment in AMERICAN sports history.
The 72 Summit on ice is Canada's greatest sports moment.
But overall I have to agree with Kirk. The Chech/Soviet serise in the 70's was (in my opinion) easily the greatest moment in sports history.
Posted by: John Campea at February 1, 2004 09:35 AM
One more thing. I think you can forgive the marketing department for saying "Greatest Moment in Sports History". Marketers do it all the time.
"Come see the greatest rock band of all time"
"Tune in the watch the greatest movie of all time"
"Come get an autograph by the greatest player of all time"
It's no big deal.
Posted by: John Campea at February 1, 2004 09:37 AM
Very True, but those statements are more socially recognized as being relative terms all over the board. - And don't forget everyone's favourite marketing addition to make it sound nearly just as good but leaving it suggestive by adding: "One of..."
"One of rock's greatest bands...."
"One of the greatest movies of all time."
THAT technique is done all the time.
I really DON'T think you can get away with loudly touting those initial statements you mentioned. "The greatest movie.." phrase, maybe, but even then, you're going to be speaking of the exclusive few that have broken a record somewhere across the board. - And it wouldn't take long before someone sat down and argued that Godfather or Gone With The Wind is the greatest film.
What would happen if someone said "Come out and meet Jagr! The greatest Hockey player of all time!!" "Uhhhh... no he's not.." Sure you can say it, but if it not universally accepted as correct, than everyone can expect debate on it.
Posted by: Day-vuhl at February 1, 2004 12:21 PM
Of course people are going to argue about this, people argue about everything in sports! who is the best hockey, football,baseball,basketball player of all time there will never be a time when everyone agrees!
"The game was not televised live here in the US,"
I almost died laughing when i read this, yeah now its the greatest sports moment of all time, 24 years after i happened, but when it was happening you didnt even care enough to put it on TV, sad
Posted by: Tommy at February 1, 2004 01:31 PM
the afternoon of the "sneak preview" for Miracle, 1/31/04, i had the opportunity to watch an pre-edit recording of the USA vs USSR game at the house of one of the 1980 USA players. while keeping in mind that the movie 'miracle' is only "inspired" by the story of the team, i felt that the director/crew did a remarkable job of capturing the increase in intensity and speed after rizzo's goal (in the 3rd period). and while i'm not positive i seem to remember al michaels' famous quote (do you believe in miracles?). one reason i can imagine that abc sports had to edit his commentary (as mentioned above in an earlier post) was because he hummed and cleared his throat ad nauseam...props to those editing for cutting that out and leaving in the miracles quote.
ANYWAY...see the movie or don't see the movie, everyone is entitled to their own opinion...and Lord knows their own preference in films...just don't expect extreme accuracy nor an abundance of hockey as the film closely follows Coach Brooks and not the players...go to be entertained, and remember its just a movie!
Posted by: sid at February 2, 2004 01:06 AM
Good thoughts sid.
I think something to keep in mind about this whole thing is that (If you agree about it being the greatest moment of sports history or not) Herb Brooks was a remarkable man with a real passion and dedication to the game of Hockey. He is already missed. I plan to see the movie just to see the portrayal of him.
Posted by: John Campea at February 2, 2004 03:12 AM
Has anyone considered that perhaps the movie does portray the greatest moment in sports history - - for some Americans. Have we forgotten that the primary target market for American film makers is the American public? Can't our American pride, and American love for a good underdog tale qualify the movie and the moment? More importantly, have we forgotten that claims such as "Greatest" and "Best" are not based in fact, but opinion, and for this reason, are not regulated in advertising claims. As Canadians, you don't have to agree, or even care. As Russians,you will surely have a different opinion, etc. As a consumer of movie tickets, buyer beware. If you are looking for anything completley factual, avoid all movie theaters and all movies in ALL countries.
Posted by: Chris at February 3, 2004 11:39 AM
Sorry Jim,
Your post wasn't and can't be tolerated.
Posted by: Day-vuhl at February 5, 2004 02:03 AM
Despite whether or not we consider the "Miracle" the best hockey moment ever (which it was not, although it was a big step for making the sport popular in the Satates), or whether we consider Paul Henderson a god (which he was not, although he was very very good), everyone must admit that it seems Disney went out of their way to annoy Canadians. On the topic of hockey, we've always had a bone to pick with anyone who doesn't respect us, and this intensifies it.
The Soviet's game? Yeah right. It can't be their game, for the pure reason that hockey was invented in eastern Canada. Then go on about how great Americans are, and we all know how wonderful an experience that is... There comes a point when patriotism crosses a line, and let's leave it at that. So it's a flag-waving movie, we've dealt with them before. (For one, I would like to see a correctly portrayed movie about a Texan football captain and/or cheerleader who has to move to somewhere Timmins, Ontario or Kelowna, BC, but that's personal opinion).
But on the other hand, we can't blame them for over-Americanizing it. After all, does the American public want to watch Team Canada win in '72? No, they don't. They probably don't know who Henderson or Esposito are (although I can't think of any of the "Miracle" team player's names off the top of my head either). "Can'da? Thait's thait big col' plaice, raht?" And do they want to watch their own team being beaten in 2002? Definitely not. Nothing takes a bigger blow to their ego than to be beaten by us, who they so strive to ignore. Disney caters to the American public, and that's who they want to impress. Although please note that it was filmed in British Columbia and many Canadians have minor roles.
So no matter how annoyed we are, we just have to remember that this movie was made for Americans, and in the States they tend to like themselves best. Same as in almost any country. None of our whining is going to make a difference in the movie, and it makes us all look rather pathetic that we strive for their acknowledgement. Although the Soviet's game comment is still ringing in my ears.
There's no such thing as bad advertising, after all. So they've made us all mad. So what? We're talking about it, which is what they wanted. We'll go see the movie, just to find the mistakes, and then they'll get a profit.
Posted by: Madelynn at February 8, 2004 02:18 PM
Madelynn, you and a few others posting on this site have given excellent examples of how Canadians like "themselves best", because you are against 'Miracle' because it does not give enough attention to Canada.
I'm was not involved in the making of this film, but I'm pretty sure they didn't sit around plotting how best to piss off Canadians...Don't take it so personally, ITS JUST A MOVIE!!
Posted by: sid at February 14, 2004 01:33 PM
it was a great moment, greatest? maybe for america but as i read the other articles not the greatest ever. i want to know if i can get the actual game on video not the movie
Posted by: web at February 22, 2005 06:34 PM
Actually, I was incorrect. Stastney wasn't on the '72 team. He was there in '76 though. Still, a very interesting life which would make a terrific bio movie in my opinion.
Posted by: Kirk Sawyers at April 16, 2005 08:51 PM
Actually, I was incorrect. Stastny wasn't on the '72 team. He was there in '76 though. Still, a very interesting life which would make a terrific bio movie in my opinion.
Posted by: Kirk Sawyers at April 16, 2005 08:51 PM
No one, regardless of nationality, can possibly compare the 1980 USA upset of the USSR team (all pro players since they had not yet been cleared to play in the NHL) to the 1972 Challenge Cup. Why? Because that series was hockey featuring pros against pros. Canada deserves all props for their victory, but this was about what were seemingly insurmountable odds with a bunch of college kids who only played together for 6 months or so playing against a Russian team that dominated the NHL all stars AND the same USA team right before the 1980 Olympic games began. I'm all about giving every hockey team and player their due and proper, but this WAS in fact the greatest upset in sports history. The entire world expected the 1980 Olympic hockey tournament to be about who got the silver medal and the US team wasn't even expected to be in the medal round at all.
Posted by: Chris at August 9, 2005 10:22 PM
This claim of 'the greatest moment in sports history' only serves to propagate the unchartable depths of american ignorance in hockey. Hence, let them have their silly movie and moronic trailer....let them revel in their foolishness so we, the mighty people of the great white north can point down at them and have a good laugh as we roll up the rim to win. bitch.
kevo :)