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12 Mighty Orphans

Play trailer 2:08 Poster for 12 Mighty Orphans PG-13 Released Jun 11, 2021 1h 58m History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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63% Tomatometer 87 Reviews 94% Popcornmeter 1,000+ 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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12 Mighty Orphans

12 Mighty Orphans

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review Peter Rainer FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles) 12 Mighty Orphans and 1,200 not-so-mighty clichés. Jun 22, 2021 Full Review Graeme Tuckett Stuff.co.nz If formulaic sports movies based-on-true-stories are your bag, you'll enjoy 12 Mighty Orphans just fine. Sep 25, 2023 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Julie This movie was awesome and inspirational! Enjoyed every minute. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/06/21 Full Review PMG Uplifing true story. Well told and learned why gratitute is an important basic tenant. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/04/21 Full Review Julie Excellent! Luke Wilson was great. A feel good movie! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/01/21 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Read all reviews
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Movie Info

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
Carte Blanche Film, Santa Rita Film Co., Michael De Luca Productions, Greenbelt Films, Sprockefeller Pictures
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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