Miracle (2004) * * *

Directed by:  Gavin O'Connor

Starring:  Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Eddie Cahill, Noah Emmerich

Miracle is the story of the 1980 US Olympic Hockey team that won gold and in the process defeated a Soviet team that was considered unbeatable.    The US defeated the Soviets 4-3 (I'm sure I'm not giving away the ending) and then upended Finland in the gold medal game.     The team was coached by Herb Brooks, who as a player was cut from the 1960 US team days before the opening ceremonies and had to watch from home as the team won the gold.     Between 1960-1980, the Soviets dominated international play and even had their way with some NHL teams.   

Actually, Miracle focuses on Brooks (Russell) more than the players, who other than goalie Jim Craig, aren't developed much as individuals.    This is good, because it's easier and more compelling to focus on one person than 20.    The team is simply the vehicle for Brooks to achieve his dream of being an Olympic champion.      Brooks is named the US hockey coach in 1979 and goes about picking his team in ways in which his bosses and the players aren't accustomed to.    He has the players complete psychological exams.   Only goalie Craig refuses to take the test and Brooks replies, "You just took it."    By the end of the first week of tryouts, Brooks sets his team, which goes against all previous traditions.    He wants players who feel the need to win and would give all they have to accomplish this.    Brooks is not interested in being friends with his players, he leaves that duty to his assistant Craig Patrick (Emmerich).    Brooks believes to be effective, he must have an aura of mystery and fear surrounding him.    The players may not love him, but they sure would play for him.

Kurt Russell does a remarkable job playing an enigmatic coach who knows hockey and has a deep need to erase the disappointment of 20 years earlier.    Russell is sometimes underrated because his style is usually devoid of acting flourishes.    He is better at creating a living, breathing human than a vessel to put his acting skills on display.     Russell hits the right notes here.

Shortly after the 1980 Winter Olympics win, a made-for-TV movie was made called Miracle On Ice.  It starred Karl Malden in the role of Herb Brooks.   Even though Malden was about 25 years older than Brooks at the time, he commanded the screen.      The ABC game footage was used and scenes of Brooks yelling from the bench were intercut.    In Miracle, director Gavin O' Connor creates convincing recreations of the action, while using Al Michaels' commentary from the 1980 telecast to guide us through.    O'Connor used a similar style in Warrior (2011).    As a viewer, you get the gist of what's going on while being wrapped up in the emotional intensity.   It's effective.

The Soviets are seen as giant, menacing hulks that are able to skate laps around the opposition, but the ease in which they defeated their previous opponents left them ill-equipped to handle the American team.    The coach switches goalies with the game tied 2-2 after one period and Brooks is baffled as to why the Soviet coach doesn't pull his goalie late in the third period with his team trailing by 1.    My guess is the Soviet coach has never had to deal with being behind late before and forgot how to play from behind.     Those little touches show that Miracle knows its hockey.