Eddie the Eagle (2016)

Photo source: www.showfilmfirst.com

Directed by	Dexter Fletcher
Starring	Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Tom Costello, Jack Costello, Christopher Walken, Iris Berben, Jim Broadbent
Music by	Matthew Margeson

Short Story:
Eddie the Eagle tells the story of Eddie Edwards (magnificently played by Taron Egerton), the first ever British Olympic ski jumper.

It was Eddie's childhood dream to become on Olympian and despite the numerous setbacks, continuous discouragement from all around him, it is only though sheer determination that he manages to make his dream come true.

He nearly kills himself a couple of times before he meets Hugh Jackman a.k.a. coach Bronson Peary. Peary used to be a very promising ski jumper himself, but a big ego and an even bigger drinking problem cut his career short. As expected, Peary is reluctant to coach Eddie in the beginning, but Eddie is nothing if not persistent. As they go on and prepare for the Winter Olympics in Calgary, both of them are faced with complete and utter disdain from all other coaches and athletes, including Eddie's own compatriots.

By the time we reach the end of the movie, Eddie's determination and affable manner wins him not the Olympics, but the hearts and respect of athletes, coaches and public alike.

Verdict:
In an interview given to The Guardian in 2016, Michael (Eddie) Edwards admitted that the movie moved him to tears and even though the actual facts are only 5% accurate, it portrayed the heart and soul of Britain's first ski jumper flawlessly.
This is an inspirational movie at its very best. It will leave you elated, on the top of the world and feeling that NOTHING can stop you from making your own dreams come true.


Favourite quotes:

Eddie: [voice over] "For as long as I can remember it has been my ambition to become an Olympian. I just needed to find the right sport.“

Eddie's Mom: "Harry, he’s off to the Olympics again."
Eddie [to his Dad]: "I told mom I’m going to the Olympics—I held my breath for 58 seconds!"
Eddie's Mom: "When is it all going to end?"
Eddie: "When I become an Olympian."
Eddie's Dad: "Enough is enough. … You are coming to work with me."
Eddie: "What about my Olympics preparations?"
Eddie's Dad: "Eddie, you are not an athlete!"
Eddie: "Dad, you’re a genius! You’re right; I’m never going to go to the Olympics. I’m gonna go to the Winter Olympics!"

Bjørn the Norwegian Coach: [loosely quoting Pierre de Corbertin]: "Most important thing is not to win but to take part. It’s not the triumph but the struggle."

Eddie: "I just thought we’d have a little chat about me being a ski jumper. Just looking for a few tips. "
Bronson Peary: "Give up. There’s one for free."

Eddie: "I’m not deluded. I know there are plenty of other athletes more deserving than me, so if my antics took away from their accomplishments, forgive me. … As someone [wise] said, … I love [ski jumping] very nearly as much as I love proving people wrong, which is why I’ve decided to jump the 90m. To compete in the Olympics doesn’t mean anything if you sell yourself short. I did not come to the Olympics as a novelty act and I will not be going home as one."