McFarland, USA (2015)
The American sports drama film McFarland, USA (2015), directed by Niki Caro, follows the story of football coach Jim White in his new job at McFarland High School. After losing his previous position due to an outburst that led to a player’s injury, White and his family move to the predominantly Latino community of McFarland, California. Adjusting to their new neighborhood proves difficult and the family laments not being able to afford a home in nearby Bakersfield. White starts off as assistant football coach but ultimately loses his coaching status after pulling injured player Johnny Sameniego from a game, which leads Head Coach Jenks to ask him to step down. Recognizing the running abilities of some of his students, White persuades Principal Camillo to recognize cross-country as a sport and forms an all-boys team with the help of Sameniego and recruits Thomas Valles, Jose Cardenas, Victor Puentes, and brothers David, Damacio, and Danny Diaz.
The seven individuals all have uncertain prospects for their future. In particular, Valles struggles with his father and reaches a point of desperation where he contemplates jumping off a bridge, but is intervened by White. While Jim’s commitment to the team is commendable, it causes tension with his loved ones and even causes him to forget his own daughter’s birthday. The team eventually achieves victory after competing in several regional races. However, the Diaz brothers are removed from the team by their father, who wants them to work for his own team of field pickers instead. In response, White joins them and persuades them to participate in meets and races at different times of day, earning their respect as ‘coach’. To raise funds for new uniforms, Cheryl, White’s wife, organizes a fundraiser involving tamales and car washing with the help of their neighbors, strengthening relationships within the community.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Kevin CostnerJim White  Maria BelloCheryl White  Morgan SaylorJulie White  Carlos PrattsThomas Valles  Elsie FisherJamie White  Johnny OrtizJose Cardenas  Ramiro RodriguezDanny Diaz |
The American sports drama film McFarland, USA (2015), directed by Niki Caro, follows the story of football coach Jim White in his new job at McFarland High School. After losing his previous position due to an outburst that led to a player’s injury, White and his family move to the predominantly Latino community of McFarland, California. Adjusting to their new neighborhood proves difficult and the family laments not being able to afford a home in nearby Bakersfield. White starts off as assistant football coach but ultimately loses his coaching status after pulling injured player Johnny Sameniego from a game, which leads Head Coach Jenks to ask him to step down. Recognizing the running abilities of some of his students, White persuades Principal Camillo to recognize cross-country as a sport and forms an all-boys team with the help of Sameniego and recruits Thomas Valles, Jose Cardenas, Victor Puentes, and brothers David, Damacio, and Danny Diaz.
The seven individuals all have uncertain prospects for their future. In particular, Valles struggles with his father and reaches a point of desperation where he contemplates jumping off a bridge, but is intervened by White. While Jim’s commitment to the team is commendable, it causes tension with his loved ones and even causes him to forget his own daughter’s birthday. The team eventually achieves victory after competing in several regional races. However, the Diaz brothers are removed from the team by their father, who wants them to work for his own team of field pickers instead. In response, White joins them and persuades them to participate in meets and races at different times of day, earning their respect as ‘coach’. To raise funds for new uniforms, Cheryl, White’s wife, organizes a fundraiser involving tamales and car washing with the help of their neighbors, strengthening relationships within the community.
