Last night I finally got to see the movie 'Miracle' about the 1980 Olympic hockey team, and I was surprised at the political themes it presented. I was expecting a "light-hearted romp" or maybe a feel-good sports movie a la 'Field of Dreams'. But it became clear that the movie, as was the case in real life, was more than about just a hockey game.
I was excited to finally see 'Miracle,' because those players have been immortalized at my alma mater, Boston University, because of the involvement of Eruzione, Craig, O'Callahan and Silk. I was not old enough to remember the game, and have only caught bits and pieces of it on ESPN Classic.
Lately on Daily Kos, people have been discussing the fall of the Soviet Union because of Reagan's death. Those themes are explored in the movie at length, as well as the other political issues of the time: oil prices, Iran hostages, etc.
The movie begins with a fantastic montage of all the political events leading up to 1979, setting the scene for the showdown with the Soviets. The major point was that this hockey "Miracle" was the turning point that gave a depressed nation hope after all its recent trials. This would be the moment that made the USA believe that it could defeat the Soviets in the Cold War. So while Reagan may have accelerated the arms race, we were already on our way to victory
As an aside, I had never heard Carter's "energy speech" until watching this movie. The movie portrays it as a very eloquent, moving speech, and painted Carter in a very good light.
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