"Maurice Richard" a.k.a. "The Rocket" tells the story of the real-life Quebecois hockey legend, who rose to prominence with the Montreal Canadiens during the second World War. The film shows us the various obstacles he had to overcome.
At first, it seems as if his career will be over before it can begin. He's deemed to be "too frail", but he perseveres, and perseveres, until he emerges as a top-notch player who sets records, and wins the hearts of many in his home province.
Of course, there are those who start gunning for him, determined to take him down a peg or two, and Richard gets into a number of fights over the next several years. But things get the most interesting when Richard, normally a humble and soft-spoken individual, decides to put his career on the line by speaking out about mistreatment of Francophone players in the NHL.
More than just a good hockey film, this is a good human interest tale and character study, and lead actor Roy Dupuis is up to the challenge, delivering a sincere yet largely low-key portrayal. He makes Richard a relatable individual, especially seeing that Richard came from a working-class background before making good. Also excellent are Stephen McHattie as hard-driving coach Dick Irvin and Julie LeBreton as Richards' loyal and loving wife Lucille.
Also figuring into the story are the catastrophic riots that emerged following Richards' punishment by the league. Ultimately, Richard would encourage the people of Quebec to keep their protests civil.
Screenwriter Ken Scott and director Charles Biname make this underdog yarn vivid and compelling, and it can appeal to a viewer even if they are not necessarily a hockey fan.
Seven out of 10.
At first, it seems as if his career will be over before it can begin. He's deemed to be "too frail", but he perseveres, and perseveres, until he emerges as a top-notch player who sets records, and wins the hearts of many in his home province.
Of course, there are those who start gunning for him, determined to take him down a peg or two, and Richard gets into a number of fights over the next several years. But things get the most interesting when Richard, normally a humble and soft-spoken individual, decides to put his career on the line by speaking out about mistreatment of Francophone players in the NHL.
More than just a good hockey film, this is a good human interest tale and character study, and lead actor Roy Dupuis is up to the challenge, delivering a sincere yet largely low-key portrayal. He makes Richard a relatable individual, especially seeing that Richard came from a working-class background before making good. Also excellent are Stephen McHattie as hard-driving coach Dick Irvin and Julie LeBreton as Richards' loyal and loving wife Lucille.
Also figuring into the story are the catastrophic riots that emerged following Richards' punishment by the league. Ultimately, Richard would encourage the people of Quebec to keep their protests civil.
Screenwriter Ken Scott and director Charles Biname make this underdog yarn vivid and compelling, and it can appeal to a viewer even if they are not necessarily a hockey fan.
Seven out of 10.