Remember the Titans

Bibliographic Information: Bruckheimer, J. (Producer) & Yakin, B. (Director). (2000). Remember the titans. [DVD]. United States: Walt Disney.

Plot Summary: Based on a true story about a desegregated high school football team in 1971 Virginia, this movie focuses on the trials of coaches Herman Boone and Bill Yoast as he aims to increase his team's chance at earning a scholarship. Racial tension is high in this dramatic portrayal of a small town trying to get adjusted to the changes happening when blacks and whites are desegregated. After tough training and many pitfalls, the team conquers not only football (by remaining undefeated), but their racial differences, too. The team inspires harmony in the community, changing their town forever.

Critical Evaluation: This is one of those unforgettable and inspiring true stories that takes America’s murky past and reveals the capacity for human strength, determination, and love, despite our many differences. Watching the players evolve from disparate, rivaling groups, to a team and family, is heartwarming.

Reader’s Annotation: The Titans are a recently desegregated football team with a new coach bent on getting them a scholarship.

Director Information: Wikipedia states, “Yakin was born in New York City to an Israeli couple who met in Paris while studying mime with Marcel Marceau. He attended a yeshiva, and later, the Bronx High School of Science, where he was classmates in 1983 with actor Jon Cryer.

Yakin studied filmmaking at New York's City College. He moved on to New York University, and made his first deal for a screenplay at the age of 19.

After finishing school, Yakin worked in the film business helping to develop projects for several companies, and saw his first screenplay reach the screen in 1989, when The Punisher, a vehicle for Dolph Lundgren, was released. Yakin's next screenplay was The Rookie, starring Clint Eastwood and Charlie Sheen. Wanting to take on more personal material, Yakin drew from his experiences growing up in New York's inner city for his next screenplay, Fresh. Yakin opted to direct his screenplay for Fresh himself, and the film won critical acclaim, earning the Filmmaker's Trophy at the 1994 Sundance Film Festival.

Genre: Drama

Subjects: football, segregation, civil rights, teams, high school

Curriculum Ties: American History, segregation

Booktalking Ideas: Why is Coach Boone told that he will be fired if his team loses one game?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 12+

Challenge Issues/Defense: Due to issues of race and discrimination, this movie may be challenged. If so, refer to:

 1. The San Francisco Public Library Collection Development Policy, Selection Criteria, and Teen Collection documents.

2.     The California Department of Education District Selection Policies.

3.     A hard copy of the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights.

4.     Mixed reviews and list of awards won and nominated for.

5.     If necessary, The San Francisco Public Library’s Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form.

Reason for Selection: Denzel Washington gives a great performance and the film won numerous awards.