McFarland, USA, is a traditional Disney sports American film, which was directed by Niki Caro, and produced by Mark Ciardi along with Gordon Gray. The movie is based on the true story of a 1987 cross country team, composed of seven Latino high school students of McFarland California. This is a small town with the majority being Mexican immigrants, who have no choice but to work on the fields to provide for their families. Most of the people in this town do not have a high school diploma or a college education. The star of the film played by Kevin Costner (Jim White) became to be, the school’s cross country coach, who with dedication and belief lead the team to win a state championship in 1987. They all had much to learn about each other, as Jim White, realizes the boys exceptional running abilities. This made a huge impact on the boy’s life. In fact, the power of family connection, commitment to each other and their work ethic transforms them into champions, which help each of them to achieve personal dreams.
In 1987 coach White worked as a football coach in a school in Idaho. He got fire because of an incident with one of the football players. Soon after, he moved his entire family to McFarland, USA, which was the only place that he can afford with his teacher salary. He got a position as a life science and physical education teachers at McFarland high school. The principal of the school also gave him the position as an assistant coach for the football team. That did not work, and since he notices that the Latino boys were good at running, he became the cross country coach for McFarland high school.
This is a great inspirational movie for everyone to watch, specially for students that are part of any team in high school. The movie is about perseverance, commitment, and hard work. McFarland is a perfect example, that anything can be accomplish in life if people work hard for it. In fact, the movie demonstrates how the seven Latino boys even with having to go to work early in the morning to the help the family, then run to school and yet still manage to practice with the cross country team for hours after school. However, this became an issue for some of the families because if the boys did not work in the fields, that would be less money for the family. All of the families were immigrant and the only way to have food on the table was to work in the fields. Coach White notice that and began helping the Latino boys to be the best at running and how to be successful. He even went out of his way to tutor them on Saturdays, so that they can pass the SAT test, so that they can further their education.
With the hard work and dedication, the boys began to improve in their running times. On one of the news article, they began to mention McFarlan as being a contender to make it to State finals. On November 1987, they won a dual race against one of the top cross country team. Then since the team did not have proper gear to wear, the entire community came together and held a fundraising event. It was a success and they got their gear and were ready to compete again. The next competition came on November 26, 1987. The first top four would make it to the State finals and sure enough the McFarland Latino boys came in fourth place. Coach White rewards the boys by taking them to the beach for the first time in their life. They had a blast at the beach and were very appreciative with the coach.
As a result of their hard work, commitment, dedication, and perseverance the Latino boys made it to the State Finals. All of their family members came out in support at the State Finals. During the competition, Jose started out to fast and did not do well. Danny Dias, who was always last proved to everyone that if you have heart and dedication that all things are possible if you push yourself to the limit. He helped the McFarland cross country team win the State Championship for the first time in twenty-five years. With the help of coach White, Victor Puente’s, Jose Cardenas, Danny Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Johnny Sameniego, and Thomas Valles all continued their education and became successful members of the community of McFarland. Coach White continue to coach for a few more years at McFarland high school where he won a few more State Championships. He then retired from teaching and still lives in the city of McFarland.
“We fly like black birds through the orange groves floating on a warm wind. When we run, we own the earth. The land is ours, we speak the bird’s language. Not immigrants no more! Not stupid Mexicans! When we run our spirits fly, we speak to the Gods. When we run we are the Gods”. (Jose Cardenas)
“America got to go bigger, nicer place better pay, better everything. Everyone is always going to go for the better everything. That’s why no one stays in McFarland unless they have to”. (Thomas)
“There is nothing about American dream about this place”. (Thomas)
I actually love stories like this while struggle is seen the outcome is beautiful. It also reminds us if we we come from the realness of what people have gone through to make a change! I think this might be a good film for my family night. My son is questioning race and the differences and treatments while he is young he iwants to understand.
This sounds like a great story. Poverty does no discriminate but unfortunately Latin immigrants are always at the bottom of the social ladder. Money seems to always be an excuse to keep children from being successful. This movie and Real Women have Curves throws the responsibility on the children to contribute and maintain the house hold. We have to do our best to provide for our kids and encourage education, is this not the land of opportunity? I see it a good concept but why do white people seem to always help the poor minority kids. Why are they the ones who come to our rescue? Don’t we have any Hispanic roll models that are worth making a film about?
I have not seen this movie however, also agree that this film sounds like a great story. Obviously this movie falls under the category of a “white savior” film. The interesting thing about “white savior” films is that many are based on true stories Another movie that falls in the same line as McFarland USA is The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock. Both films involve white people coming to the rescue of the underprivileged minority and making a big difference in their lives. The truth is that many times they are the ones that come to the rescue simply because they can and they do care. Some may argue however that these movies are not about the people of color succeeding as much as they are about the white people basking in the spotlight, but I don’t believe that is always necessarily the case. I would definitely like to see this film.
Hi Milton,
I enjoyed your review of McFarland USA. I’ve always wanted to see this movie but haven’t got a chance to. I will definitely being watching it soon. The story sounds very inspirational especially to young immigrant students who feel they cannot accomplish their dreams. This movie is all about living the American dream and how if you work hard and put forth the effort you can accomplish anything. The stereotypes of immigrants are usually negative, especially with what’s going on with the race for Presidency right now. Stories like this prove those stereotypes wrong. It reminds me a lot of the movie I reviewed called Spare Parts. The thing I liked about these movies is that these students all have it within them, but it took the help of someone to lead them and encourage them to accomplish their dreams. It makes me think how much we can make a difference in this world. Great post!
This is another movie that I have never seen but the plot does seem good. One part reminded me of the movie Real Women Have Curves. The part where you said that families were getting upset because their children couldn’t work in the fields due to them practicing and the families weren’t bringing in enough money. It reminded me of the movie because Ana’s mother also wanted her to work in the family business. To help the business and her sister out. It’s important to help your family out when they need you but you also need to take into account of what the child wants too sometimes. Angie, do you think this movie would have been viewed differently had the “savior” not been white? I wonder if it would have brought in a different feel to it if lets say the “savior” was Asian.
I’ve had the pleasure of screening this movie. It is a great movie. The plot is like many others: the under dog rising up against all odds.But what I enjoyed the most was how these Latino boys began to believe they could leave McFarland and go to college. Not destined to be “pickers.” Blanco also transformed, he gained an appreciation for the Latino community. And even though this was a Disney Movie, the boys still faced real life challenges such as domestic violence, alcoholic parent, suicide attempt and racism. I love the review! My favorite scene was the English teacher sharing this quote from one of the students with Blanco:
We fly like black birds through the orange groves floating on a warm wind. When we run, we own the earth. The land is ours, we speak the bird’s language. Not immigrants no more! Not stupid Mexicans! When we run our spirits fly, we speak to the Gods. When we run we are the Gods”. (Jose Cardenas)
This movie is similar to Stand and Deliver, a teacher took the time to invest in his students and yielded great results. Hats off to all great teachers of all colors.
I have never heard about this film, but it sounds interesting; a good film for everyone to see. I agree this is an inspirational film that can motivate and provide hope to those students to feel like failures. I believe sports can help children and teens feel good about themselves and motivate them to follow their dreams and goals. I am glad that this film was produced by Disney and non-Latinos and portrayed the community in a positive manner.
I think these kinds of films are very empowering to watch. Again like stand and deliver heres another teacher that has the passion to make a difference in the kids lives. This time the teacher not being from the same race who understands how important it is to get these kids to care about something. He continues to push these boys that come from a low income family to be involved in something they probably would have never tried out for due to their family support or money for the sport. Many kids have to help the family out by doing chores or working. California is a very expensive area to live. Although they lived outside of Los Angeles and near agricultural areas they still had to help support their family. With all his persistence it gave the boys direction, drive, determination, taught them that hard work pays off when they strive for something. He gave them the chance to prove they can do it. A good lesson in life. That they can make it. Love this film