“Woodlawn” is a film about faith, football, and racism in the 1970s American South. The plot centers around a racially divided high school football team in Birmingham, Alabama. The team is transformed by the arrival of a charismatic chaplain who inspires them to pray together and play for each other. As their winning streak grows, the community’s racial tensions slowly begin to dissipate like a fog lifting in the morning sun. The film culminates with a massive prayer rally at Woodlawn High School stadium, where thousands of people come together to find hope and unity in their shared beliefs.
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Review
The 2015 film “Woodlawn” tells an inspiring story of racial healing and spiritual revival against the backdrop of American football. Based on real events that took place in Birmingham, Alabama during the early 1970s, this movie is a powerful testimony to the transforming power of faith and love.
At the heart of the film is Tony Nathan, a talented African-American high school football player who faces discrimination and violence from his white classmates and neighbors. Despite the challenges, Tony retains his integrity and humility, refusing to be consumed by bitterness or anger.
Played by Caleb Castille in his feature film debut, Tony is a captivating protagonist who embodies courage and grace. His performance is complemented by those of Jon Voight as Bear Bryant, Nicolas Bishop as Tandy Gerelds, and Sean Astin as Hank Erwin.
Together they create a realistic portrait of a divided community struggling to come together in the face of political turmoil and cultural upheaval. The tension between opposing factions is palpable throughout the film, but so too is their shared humanity.
One scene that stands out for its emotional impact and historical significance takes place at a racially charged pep rally where Tony Nathan declares his allegiance to both God and football:
“I love playing football. But it’s not who I am. It’s just what I do. Who I am… is what God made me. And that doesn’t change whether I’m playing on Friday night… or sitting in church on Sunday morning.”
This moment encapsulates the central message of “Woodlawn”: that our identity is not defined by superficial labels like race or religion but by our inherent worth as human beings created in the image of God.
Director Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin succeed in creating a film that avoids cliches while remaining accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The cinematography captures both the beauty and brutality of Alabama’s landscape while showcasing the athleticism of its football players.
The musical score by Paul Mills and Brent McCorkle also enhances the emotional impact of key scenes, blending gospel and rock music with poignant effect. In particular, the soundtrack’s title track “Brother” performed by The Brilliance reverberates with echoes of Martin Luther King Jr’s famous speech: “I have a dream that one day… little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls…”
“Woodlawn” received critical acclaim upon its release, grossing over $14 million at the box office. It was also endorsed by a number of notable figures including former Alabama Governor George Wallace, who said: “Woodlawn is an important story for our nation that reminds us all of our duty to love our neighbors.”
Moreover, it won several awards including the Dove Award for Best Inspirational Film and was nominated for two Movieguide Awards: Best Family Movie and Best Actor.
Despite its success, “Woodlawn” was not without controversy. Some critics accused it of perpetuating a simplistic view of race relations that glossed over the lasting effects of systemic racism. Others claimed that it relied too heavily on Christian rhetoric to address complex social issues.
Nevertheless, for those who appreciate uplifting stories of hope and redemption, “Woodlawn” is a must-see film. Its message is as relevant today as it was in 1973. We are all human beings with flaws and fears but we are also capable of great compassion and courage when we choose to love one another.
In conclusion, whether you’re a fan of football or just looking for an inspiring film about faith and friendship, “Woodlawn” is worth watching. It captures the spirit of a turbulent time in American history while inspiring audiences to look beyond surface differences and see each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. As Tony Nathan would say: “It’s not about winning or losing; it’s about living and loving.”
Technical Data
- Runtime : 123
- Release : 2015-10-15
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : C. Thomas Howell as George ‘Shorty’ White, Sean Astin as Hank, Jon Voight as Paul Bryant, Virginia Williams as Debbie, Brando Eaton as Mike Morton
- Crew : Quinton Peeples as Screenplay, Kevin Downes as Producer, Jon Erwin as Screenplay, Jon Erwin as Director, Andrew Erwin as Director
- Popularity 24.393
- Budget : $12,000,000
- Revenue : $14,394,097
- Company : Sony Pictures
- Summary : Love and unity in a school torn by racism and hate in the 1970s. A gifted high school football player must learn to embrace his talent and his faith as he battles racial tensions on and off the field.
- Tagline : One Hope. One Truth. One Way (John 14:6)
