12 Mighty Orphans

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12 Mighty Orphans

PG-13

Released Jun 11, 2021

1h 58m

History

Drama

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63%

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87 Reviews

98%

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500+ Verified Ratings

12 MIGHTY ORPHANS tells the true story of the Mighty Mites, the football team of a Fort Worth orphanage who, during the Great Depression, went from playing without shoes—or even a football—to playing for the Texas state championships. Over the course of their winning season these underdogs and their resilient spirit became an inspiration to their city, state, and an entire nation in need of a rebound, even catching the attention of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The architect of their success was Rusty Russell, a legendary high school coach who shocked his colleagues by giving up a privileged position so he could teach and coach at an orphanage. Few knew Rusty's secret: that he himself was an orphan. Recognizing that his scrawny players couldn't beat the other teams with brawn, Rusty developed innovative strategies that would come to define modern football.

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Critics Consensus

12 Mighty Orphans will rouse faithful fans of old-fashioned inspirational sports dramas, but the target audience has seen this sort of thing done more effectively before.

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Audience Says

If you're in the mood for a true story that'll make you feel good, 12 Mighty Orphans is as heartwarming as they come.

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Brad Wheeler

Globe and Mail

Who could resist a Depression-era sports drama involving Texas orphans and a gentle, do-gooder head football coach named Rusty Russell?

Aug 5, 2021

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Cary Darling

Houston Chronicle

It's an up-from-struggle story tailor-made for an old-fashioned, family-friendly, earnest, feel-good movie, and that's exactly what Roberts delivers,

Rated: 3/5

Jun 24, 2021

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Peter Rainer

FilmWeek (LAist)

12 Mighty Orphans and 1,200 not-so-mighty clichés.

Jun 22, 2021

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Graeme Tuckett

The Post NZ

If formulaic sports movies based-on-true-stories are your bag, you'll enjoy 12 Mighty Orphans just fine.

Sep 25, 2023

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David Gonzalez

The Cinematic Reel

12 Mighty Orphans is a welcomed addition to the sports film genre. It is a feel-good indie film that is sure to find its audience with its performances and overall message of hope.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 31, 2023

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M.N. Miller

Ready Steady Cut

12 Mighty Orphans is a ragamuffin to Texas football glory tale that’s a welcome surprise. Ty Robert’s film earns its “incredible” true story tagline.

Rated: 3.5/5

Oct 9, 2022

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Julie

This movie was awesome and inspirational! Enjoyed every minute.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/06/21

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PMG

Uplifing true story. Well told and learned why gratitute is an important basic tenant.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/04/21

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Julie

Excellent! Luke Wilson was great. A feel good movie!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/01/21

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TN Movie Critic

We really liked this movie! The acting was good, but more importantly, the message was very positive. The only negative was that there was unnecessary foul language that would prevent it from being a good film with a positive message for children.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/31/21

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Patricia D

LOVE. Love, loved the movie. A MUST see. Always good to see and underdog rises type movie!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/31/21

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Lori R

What a great movie, the actors and the story was awesome. A real feel good movie!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/29/21

Full Review

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Ty Roberts

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12 Mighty Orphans: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

12 MIGHTY ORPHANS tells the true story of the Mighty Mites, the football team of a Fort Worth orphanage who, during the Great Depression, went from playing without shoes—or even a football—to playing for the Texas state championships. Over the course of their winning season these underdogs and their resilient spirit became an inspiration to their city, state, and an entire nation in need of a rebound, even catching the attention of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The architect of their success was Rusty Russell, a legendary high school coach who shocked his colleagues by giving up a privileged position so he could teach and coach at an orphanage. Few knew Rusty's secret: that he himself was an orphan. Recognizing that his scrawny players couldn't beat the other teams with brawn, Rusty developed innovative strategies that would come to define modern football.

Director: Ty Roberts
Producer: Brinton Bryan, Angelique De Luca, Michael De Luca, Houston Hill, Ty Roberts
Screenwriter: Ty Roberts, Lane Garrison, Kevin Meyer
Production Co: Greenbelt Films, Carte Blanche Film, Santa Rita Film Co., Sprockefeller Pictures, Michael De Luca Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Language|Brief Teen Drinking|Smoking|Some Suggestive References|Violence)
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 11, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 30, 2021
Box Office (Gross USA): $3.7M
Runtime: 1h 58m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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