October 1, 2008

Forever Strong

Last Friday Spencer invited me on a date to see Forever Strong, a rugby movie. That may not seem like a typical date most normal women would want to go on, but he explained to me that the movie was about his former bishop's rugby team. This peaked my interest. We've been out to dinner with him before and he is a pretty fun guy. For those of you who have seen this movie, I am sure you would agree with me that this is a great feel good movie. One that I would like to add to my collection of family movies and that is coming from a person who does not usually have a desire to buy dvd's. Go and see it and thank me later. Find out where they are showing it here.

11 comments:

Shay said...

YAY! I'm so excited about this movie. We are going to see it on Friday. I cannot wait...I've heard so many good things! That is awesome that Spencer knew the coach...he sounds like an amazing and inspired man. Wahhooo...I'm so excited!

Aranne and Dan said...

We went and saw this last night. I got a notice about it from Deseret Book and then we went for it. It was a great movie. That is awesome that you have some connection to the movie though. I loved it and I am not a huge sports fan but it is way not a sports movie, believe it or not! Two thumbs way up!

Jadi said...

I just got a flyer about this movie from Deseret Book Store. That is so cool you guys know the guy!

Darleen said...

That's so funny! My friend Ashley's husband was on that rugby team!! The other night they went to the movie premiere in the City.

Lisa R.D. said...

Hey Marleen, my brother is Darleen's friend Ashley's husband (hopefully that will make some sense) and my other brother played on the team too... he was actually in the movie as Highland Rugby player #1. That's so neat that you have a connection to Larry, he was such a force in my brother's lives and in the lives of so many others. I love your blog, and usually just lurk, but "Forever Strong" has forced me out of hiding :). Thanks for always posting about good things (and adding links!!!). You have so many good ideas.

Marleen said...

Lisa- That is so awesome that your family has that connection. I'm curious to know what events your brother experienced, if any, that were in the film. Both my husband and I thought that the main actor portrayed Larry really well. What were your thoughts? Thanks for your comment.

campblondie said...

So cool! I'll have to keep an eye out for where it is playing down here.

The Moss Family said...

We just went and saw it last night and thought the same thing!! It was great!

Lisa R.D. said...

Marleen... the boy that never showered was based on another player that was in our ward (he was a few years older than my brother Matt, but his "smell" was legendary... he didn't have dreadlocks or an accent, but his hair did get very matted throughout the season). The jokes with the bag in the hotel and riding on the porter's cart happened during my brothers' time (probably all throughout the teams' history). The main character is based on a player from many years before my brothers played and the character who was hit by the car was also years before. There is also a team that they've had a long-standing rivalry with (as was portrayed with the New Mexico team) but I think it's in California. They have beat them in the national championships several times. The suit coats, khaki pants, and ties that they wore at the cemetery were vintage Highland Rugby and they often prayed together as a team. They used some creative license with Larry (David and Matt said he did not sit on the sidelines with a lawn chair) but in general stayed very close to the facts. One thing not portrayed is that Larry has held a missionary prep class for his players each Sunday evening and that he writes his missionaries once a month--very motivating and inspirational letters. From my experience watching rugby matches and hearing my brothers' stories, the movie was pretty accurate. Great picture on your post of the haka too! That was a sight to behold... they looked pretty scary in the movie when they did it, and in real life it was very moving (and intimidating for the other team). Sorry for the long comment...

Marleen said...

Lisa, Thanks! That was so fun to read and I will pass it on to my husband. He is going to love to read your comments.

Anonymous said...

Hey! It's Ella! My really good friends dad went to that same high school! I want to see it.. :)