Richie McCaw: Chasing Great

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Richie McCaw: Chasing Great

2016

1h 45m

Documentary

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75%

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8 Reviews

73%

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100+ Ratings

A look at Richie McCaw's final season as he attempts to captain the All Blacks to the first ever back-to-back World Cup titles.

Ben Kenigsberg

New York Times

For a movie that revolves around a notoriously violent sport, Michelle Walshe and Justin Pemberton's profile takes a soft, superficial approach. It makes a rote installment of ESPN's "30 for 30" look like Pulitzer-worthy muckraking.

Mar 1, 2018

Full Review

Chris Packham

Village Voice

It's clear where all of this is going, but McCaw surprises with his mental rigor (he excelled academically) and total commitment to his sport (he plays with a stress fracture in his foot).

Feb 27, 2018

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Stephen Romei

The Australian

Even non-rugby fans will know how it ends but it's worth the nostalgic pain to keep watching until the final siren.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 14, 2016

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Kate Rodger

Newshub (NZ)

I went in expecting a film about a Great All Black on a journey to win back-to-back Rugby World Cups and that's exactly what I got.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 30, 2019

Full Review

Paul Parcellin

Film Threat

In all, Chasing Great remains engrossing throughout, offering a close-up look at a very rough and tumble sport. Watching the film, it's hard not to get swept up into the spirit of the fans and the players.

Rated: 7/10

Mar 5, 2018

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Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

Rugby union fans will draw long and lasting satisfaction from this documentary tribute to All Blacks all-time great Richie McCaw.

Oct 20, 2016

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Audience Member

Such a great movie, even for not super fans of rugby!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

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Audience Member

Interesting documentary about one of the greatest rugby players of this generation. Remains humble as ever despite being one of the best All Blacks ever to have played the game. A genius of the pitch and a real gent off it. I still miss seeing this man in black! N.B. unless you know who Richie is and are a fan of rugby this probably won't be your cup of tea.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

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Audience Member

Absolutely loved this doco. Not just for rugby fans - it truly offers an insight into the mind of someone who is a pure genius in their field. This doco kept me on the edge of the seat at times, even though I did know the outcome of the games. The cinematography is gorgeous and the sound hits you in the stomach.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

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Audience Member

Started watching it on the plane but just lost interest

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

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Audience Member

Brilliant look at a great man. True leader and inspiration. Exceptional footage of games and into the high pressure world of the all blacks. All teams should watch this and any would be leaders.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

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Audience Member

I think America could learn a lot from this movie. About New Zealand, the Rugby culture, and one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

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Justin Pemberton

Director

Michelle Walshe

Director

Stuart Barnes

Journalist

Tom Benge

Rugby Child (Extra)

Aston Bentham

Rugby Child (Extra)

Briea Bentham

Rugby Child (Extra)

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Synopsis

A look at Richie McCaw's final season as he attempts to captain the All Blacks to the first ever back-to-back World Cup titles.

Director: Justin Pemberton, Michelle Walshe
Screenwriter: Justin Pemberton, Michelle Walshe
Production Co: Southern Light Films, Augusto
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: Australian English
Runtime: 1h 45m