Richard Michalski

"The Boys in the Boat" utterly fails to capture the geopolitical environment of the time, rendering a potentially powerful narrative into a dull and uninspiring slog. The film's depiction of the 1930s, a period fraught with political tension and social upheaval, is shockingly superficial. Instead of weaving the rich historical context into the story, the film glosses over the significant events and atmospheres that shaped the era. The rise of Nazi Germany, the Great Depression, and the looming threat of global conflict are barely touched upon, making the story feel disconnected from its historical roots. The filmmakers missed a crucial opportunity to delve into how these young rowers' journey to the 1936 Berlin Olympics was set against a backdrop of intense political propaganda and international scrutiny. The lack of attention to these details results in a narrative that feels shallow and contextually barren. Moreover, the movie's attempts to address the political undertones are weak and ineffective. When it does briefly acknowledge the era's political climate, the handling is so clumsy and perfunctory that it feels more like a box-ticking exercise than a genuine effort to add depth. The portrayal of the Nazi regime, for instance, is cartoonish and lacks the gravitas needed to convey the true menace and significance of the time. The characters, who should have been shown navigating this complex world, are instead reduced to one-dimensional figures whose personal stories are stripped of the rich historical backdrop that would have given their struggles and achievements real meaning. This omission drains the story of its potential power and leaves the audience with little understanding of the stakes involved. In addition to these glaring historical oversights, the film's technical execution is equally disappointing. The direction is uninspired, failing to capture the tension and urgency of the era. The cinematography, which could have been used to highlight the stark contrasts of the time, is bland and unimaginative. The script, meanwhile, is filled with clichéd dialogue that does nothing to elevate the narrative. Overall, "The Boys in the Boat" is a dismal failure in capturing the geopolitical environment of its time, resulting in a film that is both boring and historically tone-deaf. It's a missed opportunity to tell a story that is as much about the world these rowers lived in as it is about their personal triumphs. Skip this film if you're looking for a meaningful historical drama.