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The Only Real Game

Play trailer Poster for The Only Real Game 2013 1h 22m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 7 Reviews 65% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
In the embattled border state of Manipur in northeast India, people defy civil war, drugs and disease by playing baseball.
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The Only Real Game

Critics Reviews

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Ronnie Scheib Variety [A] clear-eyed snapshot of sports hope struggling against socioeconomic stagnation. Jun 19, 2014 Full Review Robert Abele Los Angeles Times A stirring ode to cultural bridge-building. Jun 19, 2014 Full Review Neil Genzlinger New York Times The history lesson is fascinating, and it's nice to see an American export other than a Hollywood blockbuster engendering good will. Jun 5, 2014 Full Review Simi Horwitz Film Journal International The Only Real Game is refreshingly devoid of sentimentality, yet despite itself oddly affirmative. Nov 5, 2014 Full Review Louis Proyect rec.arts.movies.reviews A documentary about the love of baseball in a region of India that is a cauldron of resistance to colonialism. What's not to like? Oct 20, 2014 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member Fantastic! .....well done piece with a beautiful back-story and incredibly interesting feature characters. Baseball Fans & Veterans......you'll love this story! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Audience Member This phenomenal film is beautiful, just like the people of Manipur. In the presence of conflict and injustice, their love, determination to play the game and to see their dreams fulfilled is unwavering. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Audience Member Great documentary and humanitarian story. It's inspiring to see acts of good-will being conducted across the world and how these impact people's lives. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Saw this movie last night during its limited run in NYC. The film was educational, moving, and multi-layered. The Only Real Game is a story of people who have struggled with war and poverty since World War II. The community finds solace in sport, namely baseball. The film also has an interesting feminist component. The solidarity and strength of the women who work, sacrifice, and stand up to the government to protect their families was moving. Finally, the filmmakers capture the fear, spirit, and, ultimately, the hope of the youth of the region as expressed through playing baseball. In short, The Only Real Game is a must see. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Audience Member There is complex interplay between the history and love of baseball for the Manipuris, the fight of the oppressed in India's northeast, and America's Major League Baseball expanding the reach of the game. Loved some of the surprising revelations about the community and game as it is played there. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/15/23 Full Review Audience Member The Only Real Game was both inspiring and well documented. Every child and adult that ever played baseball or attended a game should see this fil! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Only Real Game

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Movie Info

Synopsis In the embattled border state of Manipur in northeast India, people defy civil war, drugs and disease by playing baseball.
Director
Mirra Bank
Producer
Mirra Bank, Richard Brockman, Muriel Peters, Laine Valentino
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 22, 2016
Runtime
1h 22m
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