‘Miracle: The Boys of ’80’ on Netflix is filled with American pride

Category: Television and Streaming

In 2004 Kurt Russell starred in the dramatic film Miracle about the 1980 USA hockey team. Now Netflix has a documentary, Miracle: The Boys of ’80, about the miraculous hockey team that gave Americans back their pride.

This documentary includes scenes from the training as well as the 1980 Olympic games, with comments by the actual players who comprised that historic team. Their memories help make this a documentary filled with emotions, as it brings the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid to viewers, young and old. 

The documentary answers the question, “Why was it more than a hockey game?” And, indeed it was. It was the “ultimate confrontation,” As one player says, it was “our way of life versus them.”

The cold war was in full swing. The country was in a state of depression, and the people were suffering. The hostages in Iran, gas lines, unemployment, and more added up to a “crisis of confidence” in the country. People were frustrated.

Herb Brooks was chosen as the coach of the team, and he was tough. He put the members through basically a six month boot camp. His intensity was strong as he melded the team.

This man was the epitome of the word “competitive.” He was tough on the players and put them through the wringer, but he knew he could make them into the team they ultimately became.

When they were playing the match against the U.S.S.R., his coaching was basically over, and he kept yelling, “Play your game.” He had done his job. It was now up to them. Would they be able to do what he drummed into them? 

The win over the Soviets was a miracle. It brought about a feeling of nationalism, even for those who had no idea what the game of hockey was all about. It was a great victory for the team, and for the psyche of the country.

But there was one more game to go for this team to win the gold. Could they push themselves one more time against Finland? The answer is an astounding, “yes.”

45 years after their victory, the US hockey team of 1980 gathered together to reminisce about the historic event. Miracle: The Boys of ’80 is a thrilling reminder of what the country endured and how these young men gave Americans pride of and in their country. The documentary is now streaming on Netflix. 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.