Parents' Guide to

Undefeated

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Inspiring football documentary about the power of teamwork.

Movie PG-13 2012 113 minutes
Undefeated Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 12+

Based on 4 parent reviews

mama-carrie
mama-carrie Adult
September 17, 2021
age 12+

Not Inspiring for an Anti-Racist

I think this movie was overpitched for its inspiration. I have utmost respect for the players who busted their butts to play for this coach, but the documentary was saturated with “white savior” vibes. The tough white coach “bringing out the best” in the Black athletes was mostly just shaming toward them. This film only perpetuates the racial power dynamics that US football culture needs to exorcise.
Michael S.
Michael S. Parent of 13-year-old
November 16, 2022
age 12+

Something bigger than oneself

As a white 'privileged father' (state this with gratitude, humility and seeing the downfalls) raising my son in a white, affluent area, it comes with a price. I see the stress of Type A drivers creating many hedonic kids stressed trying to succeed on little sleep. This movie illustrates a humbling view of inner-city Memphis kids looking to rise above different, real hardships. And a coach that shows up with tough love for these boys. I loved the way he coached to a theme of 'something bigger than yourself'. A theme missing in a lot of America rich and poor. Make time for conversation after the movie.
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What's the Story?

UNDEFEATED is an Oscar-nominated documentary that follows the underrated football team from Manassas High School -- a lower-income school in North Memphis, Tenn. -- through a year of tragedies and triumphs. Led by Bill Courtney, a businessman who volunteers his time to coach and mentor the mostly fatherless young men on the team, the Manassas Tigers fight their way to an extraordinary season. The action follows Coach Bill and three of his defensive linemen: OC Brown, a gifted left tackle who needs serious academic help to qualify for a scholarship; Chavis Daniels, a short-fused linebacker with rage issues; and Montrail "Money" Brown, a scholar athlete whose prospects plunge after an injury.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (4 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Executive produced by Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, this documentary is exactly the sort of inspiring underdog story that would make an excellent feature film. Coach Bill, a Philip Seymour Hoffman lookalike, is always ready with a pep talk or a nugget of wisdom for his team, but he's also not afraid to talk tough with them when they need a kick in the rear. Although some might think of the situation as a case of white paternalism (a wealthy white businessman volunteers to coach the poor black kids), Bill is truly generous, even at the expense of spending time with his own four children.

But Bill's exceptional generosity isn't the point of Undefeated; it's about the three players who have different difficulties to overcome to make it out of their rough neighborhood and into college. In a move right out of The Blind Side, Coach Bill agrees to let OC live with him part of the week so that the teen can receive the kind of tutoring necessary to help him meet the minimum requirements to earn a football scholarship. We care about the OC and Money and even combative Chavis, and it's that irresistible pull to find out whether they end up victorious -- not just on the field but in the future -- that will keep you mesmerized until the credits (and epilogue title cards) roll.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Undefeated's messages. Are they all positive? How about role models? Who do you find most inspiring?

  • Discuss the movie's inherent race and class issues. Does race a play a role in how the team relates to Coach Bill?

  • How does Undefeated compare to other inspiring football films about underdog teams? Did the movie end how you expected?

  • Why are sports films so compelling, even if you're not a fan of that particular sport?

Movie Details

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