“Million Dollar Arm” is a film based on a true story or the audience would never believe the primace. An American baseball scout , Jon Hamm from the very popular TV show “Madmen”, goes to India to scout Indian Cricket ‘bowlers” to go to the US and become baseball pitchers.
The film is not just a baseball movie but visually compelling with the handsome cast, showing the contrasts between Los Angles, and India, American ballparks and Indian Cricket fields and sand lots, the rich beauty and lush landscape of rural India, the bustling Indian cites and most of all the lovely Indian people who greet the Americans with warmth and hospitality. The score is a beautiful blend of western and eastern music which supports the story nicely. Character traits and the importance of relationships, sensitivity , and compassion are woven into the story. Berstein , the scout, grows in understanding that the boys need to be encouraged and nurtured, not ignored and taken to parties. The importance of slowing down and living in “Indian time” is explored. Second chances for everyone in the film emphasizes their importance in daily live. In the midst of learning responsibility and selflessness is a joyful film.
Here are the real Indian baseball players who were signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates and the real Bernstein on which the film was based.
The vehicle to discover pitchers with an 85 MPH speed was “reality completions” throughout India.
My American Indian friends agree that there are “laugh out loud” places in the film capturing an authentic picture of India and Indian spirit.
Many of the critics panned the film, but my readers are pretty sophisticated about India especially if you have read most of my posts! We took our grandchildren and they loved it. It is a great family film which seems pretty hard to find these days and you get to experience a authentic India!
I would love to hear if you have seen this film and your thoughts. . . . . . .
public Domain images Text from : http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2014/may-web-only/million-dollar-arm.html?paging=off
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
I saw the film & really liked it. Seems it was lost on the American market. It’s already off the theaters.
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John Hamm, Anne T. I reviewed this film a few weeks ago, on my blog and for the Syracuse New Times. Mixed feelings. Too much about the agent’s greed and not enough about the player’s hearts.
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Jon Hamm. No ‘h’ …
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Thanks for the “spell check. . . ” Think I have it correct now. I see you point and always appreciate it. I had not not seen your post. To me, the Indian morality plays are always gentle and not preachy as this is the way they live . Most Americans would understand Bernstein and his feeling and the boys were a gentle contrast. Will go back and read your review. Thanks my friend !
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Thank you, Anne!
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It’s on my list to watch with the kids.
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Oh let me know what you think . . . . .
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It looked like a good movie. 🙂
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Please let me know what you think!
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