Is the Movie Race based on a True Story? Plot and Summary
by Swetha P
Updated Apr 01, 2023
Is the Movie Race based on a True Story?
The movie "Race" tells the story of Jesse Owens, an African-American athlete, and his journey to compete in the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany. Owens went on to win four gold medals, becoming one of the most successful athletes of the Games and challenging the Nazi ideology of Aryan supremacy. The movie is based on real events and portrays the struggles Jesse Owens faced as a black athlete in the 1930s, as well as the political and social context of the time.
Race Movie Overview
The 2016 biographical sports drama film "Race" depicts the real-life story of African-American athlete Jesse Owens, who won an unprecedented four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. The movie, directed by Stephen Hopkins and written by Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse, features Stephan James as Owens, with supporting performances by Jason Sudeikis, Jeremy Irons, William Hurt, and Carice van Houten.
The film was a collaborative effort of Canada, Germany, and France, and was produced by Forecast Pictures, Solofilms, and Trinity Race, with the support of the Owens family, the Jesse Owens Foundation, the Jesse Owens Trust, and the Luminary Group. Principal photography commenced in Montreal, Canada, on July 24, 2014. "Race" was a commercial success and garnered mixed to positive reviews, earning four Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Actor for James.
Race Plot Summary
The movie follows the story of Jesse Owens, a talented Black American runner who faces racial discrimination and insults from white athletes at Ohio State University. Coach Larry Snyder recognizes Owens' potential and helps him develop his skills to compete in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Owens is hesitant to participate due to the Nazis' discriminatory policies and propaganda, and the US Olympic Committee is also considering a boycott. However, they agree to participate only after assurances from Nazi official Joseph Goebbels that foreign athletes of any race will be allowed to compete.
As Owens juggles training and works to support his girlfriend and daughter, Snyder gets him a legislative page job to allow him to focus on running. Owens breaks several records and attracts the attention of a flashy woman. However, he loses a race to Eulace Peacock after becoming distracted by his personal life. Owens reconciles with his girlfriend, and Peacock urges him to compete in Berlin to defy Nazi racial ideology. Owens wins four gold medals in the 100 m dash, broad jump, and the 4 x 100 m relay. He also receives congratulations from International Olympic Committee member Avery Brundage but is disappointed when Adolf Hitler leaves the stadium before meeting him. Director Leni Riefenstahl films Owens and later asks him to repeat his medal-winning broad jump for her film. Owens faces discrimination back in America when he is told to use the service entrance at a banquet but is recognized by awed observers.
Is the movie Race based on a Real Story?
Yes, the movie "Race" is based on a real story. The film is a sports drama about Jesse Owens, an African-American track and field athlete, and his journey to compete in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany. Owens went on to win four gold medals, becoming one of the most successful athletes of the Games and challenging the Nazi ideology of Aryan supremacy. The movie portrays the struggles Owens faced as a black athlete in the 1930s, as well as the political and social context of the time.
Race Movie Development
Filmmaker John Boyega was initially set to play the lead role of Jesse Owens in the movie. However, he withdrew from the project to star in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Stephan James was eventually chosen to replace him. The film was co-produced by Canada, Germany, and France, and its distribution was handled by various companies in different regions, including Squareone Entertainment and Entertainment One for German and Canadian distribution and Focus Features for the US. Principal photography began on July 24, 2014, in Montreal and also took place on location at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. Originally scheduled for release on April 8, 2016, the movie's release date was later moved up to February 19, 2016.
Is the movie Race based on a True Story - FAQs
Jesse Owens was an African-American athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games.
Stephan James played the lead role of Jesse Owens in the movie "Race".
The principal photography of "Race" began on July 24, 2014, in Montreal.
John Boyega was initially set to play Jesse Owens in "Race" before he was replaced by Stephan James.
The distribution of the movie "Race" was handled by various companies, including Squareone Entertainment, Entertainment One, and Focus Features.