RUNNING BRAVE (1983)

 "RUNNING BRAVE" (1983)

Robby Benson gives an excellent and engaging performance as Billy Mills, a shy and soft-spoken, yet proud and determined half-white, half-Sioux Native American athlete who has to overcome prejudice and leaving his reservation in order to become a champion runner who competes in the Olympic 10,000 meter race in Tokyo, Japan in 1964.

Directors Donald Shebib and D.S. Everett and writers Henry Bean and Shiryl Hendryx never resort to either gooey sentiment or crude sensationalism while addressing not only the expected racism and discrimination Billy faced while in college, but also Mills' awkwardness and difficulty with adjusting to the white man's world and his own struggle with acquiring the right hard competitive edge needed to be a winner. The uniformly ace acting from a tip-top cast rates as another substantial asset: Benson simply shines in the lead as Billy, Pat Hingle likewise excels as tough and demanding, but fair and compassionate Coach Bill Easton, Claudia Cron brings great warmth and appeal to her part as Billy's sweet and loyal girlfriend Pat, plus there are sound supporting turns by Jeff McCracken as Billy's friendly college roommate Dennis Riley, August Schellenberg as Billy's loving boxer father, Graham Greene as Billy sour brother Eddie, Denis Lacroix as sad alcoholic ex-con Frank, and Kendell Smith as young Billy.

The climactic major race is a genuinely gripping and exciting set piece. Both Francois Protat's sharp, sunny cinematography and Mike Post's twangy, rousing, harmonic score are up to speed. A fine and affecting film.