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Woodlawn

Play trailer 2:30 Poster for Woodlawn PG Released Oct 16, 2015 2h 3m History Drama Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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79% Tomatometer 14 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Following government-mandated desegregation in 1973, Tony Nathan (Caleb Castille) joins fellow African-American students at Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Ala. As violence and anger erupt in the city, Woodlawn football coach Tandy Gerelds (Nic Bishop) allows an outsider (Sean Astin) to speak to his players. His message of hope and love leads to a spiritual awakening that inspires star athlete Nathan, his teammates and other members of the community to overcome the hate that surrounds them.
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Woodlawn

Critics Reviews

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Frank Scheck The Hollywood Reporter Sports and religion are a potent combination, one that siblings Jon and Andrew Erwin (October Baby, Mom's Night Out) exploit to canny effect in their new film based on the real-life Woodlawn High School football team. Oct 19, 2015 Full Review Joe Leydon Variety Until the balance tips rather too blatantly toward the latter during the final minutes, the overall narrative mix of history lesson, gridiron action and spiritual uplift is effectively and satisfyingly sustained. Oct 19, 2015 Full Review Michael Rechtshaffen Los Angeles Times Sure, it's an evangelical "Remember the Titans," but at least the Erwin brothers have made an effort, parochially speaking, to go outside the lines. Oct 17, 2015 Full Review Rachel Wagner rachelsreviews.net It isn't nearly as compelling as Freetown... but it is a solid effort. Rated: C+ Apr 18, 2019 Full Review Megan Basham WORLD Unfortunately, for all its skillfully executed parts, Woodlawn's whole lacks focus. Mar 16, 2018 Full Review MaryAnn Johanson Flick Filosopher A film taken with the singular American delusion that Jesus loves football... though it also throws in a new delusion: Jesus hates the U.S. Constitution. Feb 21, 2016 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Stephen C A successful movie in 2 hours and 3 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/30/25 Full Review Jerod S It's desegregation and football in Alabama. It's also faith based and surprisingly well done. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 08/04/24 Full Review Craig C A little confusing at the start but came home strong Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/08/24 Full Review Andrea C Storia vera in cui il football finisce per essere solo un contorno rispetto al vero protagonista della pellicola, ossia la religione. Ben strutturata la costruzione dei tre protagonisti, molto diversi tra di loro sia per caratteristiche che per il ruolo svolto, inseriscono varietà alla trama, pur lasciando molto in secondo piano tutti i restanti personaggi, alcuni dei quali colpevolmente abbandonati. Piuttosto interessanti le immagini di repertorio che raccontano un movimento che, per quanto possa essere ancora attuale, non è conosciuto al di fuori degli USA. Peccato per l'utilizzo di colori molto opacizzati, come spesso accade per film ambientati nel passato. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 12/18/23 Full Review Stephen S This is one the best films ever. An absolute masterpiece. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/24/23 Full Review Audience Member If you enjoy the sports drama genre, then this movie is for you. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/20/22 Full Review Read all reviews
Woodlawn

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Cast & Crew

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Andrew Erwin

Director

Jon Erwin

Director

Sean Astin

Hank

Nicholas Bishop

Tandy Gerelds

Caleb Castille

Tony Nathan

Sherri Shepherd

Louise Nathan

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Woodlawn

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Woodlawn

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Movie Info

Synopsis Following government-mandated desegregation in 1973, Tony Nathan (Caleb Castille) joins fellow African-American students at Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Ala. As violence and anger erupt in the city, Woodlawn football coach Tandy Gerelds (Nic Bishop) allows an outsider (Sean Astin) to speak to his players. His message of hope and love leads to a spiritual awakening that inspires star athlete Nathan, his teammates and other members of the community to overcome the hate that surrounds them.
Director
Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin
Producer
Kevin Downes, Daryl C. Lefever
Screenwriter
Quinton Peeples, Jon Erwin
Distributor
Pure Flix Entertainment
Production Co
Crescent City Pictures, Red Sky Studios
Rating
PG (Thematic Elements|Some Racial Tension/Violence)
Genre
History, Drama, Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 16, 2015, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 23, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$14.4M
Runtime
2h 3m
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