The Rocket (2005)

The story is very interesting and it was definitely a good idea making a movie out of this man's life - unfortunately, the movie does not do "The Rocket" justice. Many interesting facts or ideas are not followed through - every time you think that there's finally going to be something explored in more depth, the movie moves on to something else; and it's a pity. For instance, Maurice Richard's relationship with his brother-in-law isn't very clear. His brother-in-law appears quite often in the movie, but it is not quite clear why that is the case. He is always asking for better tickets for the games, and that's it. He never seems to get them, but we are never told why, or why this should be relevant to the movie. There is also a very short passage about gambling, but nothing comes of that either. Same thing with Richard's children. And what is probably the most important subject of the movie, the oppression of the Québécois in their own province and in Canada in general, falls completely flat. Hardly any context on this highly sensitive and political issue is given, and it is not clear whether Richard's actions did anything to improve the situation; it would have been nice to get a bit more information on that count. All in all, it is a very superficial movie, which is a pity because the subject-matter could have been used in such a way to make a very good film.

Fmovies: Well done! The Rocket was a true inspiration to many and an icon in Canadian history. The NHL and Canada has changed in many ways since his playing days. This film biography inspires us to relive the past and to press forward in our own lives everyday. With a heart as large as the whole province of Quebec his courage was his most valuable asset. His passion to succeed was undeniable. The more popular he became through hockey the greater a threat he posed on the others that couldn't control him or french minorities. Yet, the legend was also a gentleman, a father and a role model for anyone who was fortunate to be in his presence. The film expresses all of this beautifully with an original feel and amazing on ice reenactments of famous games. Thanks for the film and thank you Mr. Richard.

As a person of French descent as well as French Canadian this movie was the best sports movie i've ever seen better than Raging Bull i almost cried tears of heartfelt pride Maurice Richard is a cultural icon he allowed us to hold our heads really high and like Jackie Robinson he sparked a cultural revolution for Le Quebecois after years OF racial prejudice he was like a burning flame in the darkest of places

for us he was our beacon from humble beginnings he rose to greatness so we to are able to rise

i can't really remember a time i didn't know about him and his legacy and what he meant to us as french people especially the riots of march 17th 1955 in Montreal and through out the Quebec province

The Rocket fmovies. This was an excellent movie. It will definitely be collecting quite a few rewards. If you're a hockey fan, you'll love it. If you're a movie fan, you should see it. If you're a Canadian, this is your history on film. I'm tired of constantly hearing people grumble about the state of Canadian cinema ("not enough money blah blah blah"). Well this is a great Canadian movie that stands up, so go see it and support it. This is one of those great films everyone's been saying they wanted.. It's about one of the greatest hockey players ever, and it's one of the greatest hockey movies ever. There is a lot of history in this film and it looks gorgeous. Roy Dupuis is excellent. One thing I did wonder, however, is why there is nothing about Henri Richard in it.

This is a true biopic, depicting events that could be considered as corner stones of NHL's History as well as Hockey History. it exposes the life of the Rocket since he was a teenager. All facts are historical : the depression just before WW2, the social divisions (as those cages that surrounded an area reserved for francophones in the Forum). Most dialogs in hockey scenes are in English, as well as all those involving the team, coaches and so on, which is "by respect of historical facts" in the original french version. Actually, many dialogs are recreated as they took place (and can be verified in many biography about The Rocket), even the coach's (Irvin) "pep talks". Hockey scenes are true to reality, as the scenarios were matched with game descriptions and old clips, were reviewed by Richard himself before dying and also his wife, his children, as by Irvin sun's written and recorded testimonies and memories from his father (he was the first Mr. "Hockey Night in Canada" on CBC), reporters, and so on.

About the cast, my discovery is STEPHEN McHATTIE! HE IS JUST SUPERB IN IRVIN'S ROLE. Now that's a coach!! WOW. Actually the most credible I've seen in all sports movies around. Some of you who don't know about the Rocket, could find in Roy Dupuis some kind of weird acting... But actually, he played his role to the perfection, magnificently displaying the same kind of personality and behavior the Rocket had (he had the chance to study the guy's "attitude" in person for several years). The movie also adds historical drama, like the year when the Rocket broke Malone's record, a record that most considered as impossible to surpass, and which brought some sense of Victory to the people, just month before D-Day in Normandy (feb. 1945).

What you'll see in this movie, is what made such a man a true Canadian Hero, as it really was and took place during those days. It is also a true love story, about the couple Richard.

This movie is a real success. Maurice Richard was one of the best and fearless hockey player that ever was, he never gave-up. The people that worked on this movie really did a great job. All the locations where very well re-created especially the Montréal Forum. The actor who played Toe Blake was excellent and Roy Dupuis did a great job (he really does look like Maurice Richard). The hockey scenes where very well done, you feel like your on the ice. The attention to details is impressive it really looks like the fifties. Many actual hockey players ad a little part in this movie (like Mike Ricci) and did well. Richard worked hard to get to the NHL, he worked in a day factory and in the evening played hockey even if he was extremely tired. A must see movie for all the hockey fans.