Woodlawn

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2:30

Woodlawn

PG

2015

2h 3m

History

Drama

Biography

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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

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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

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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

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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

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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: Trailer 1

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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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