Greater (2016)
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A walk-on college football player overcomes relentless mockery to achieve NFL stardom before a tragic accident leaves his brother grappling with his faith.
The story
In 1999, Marty Burlsworth struggles to process the death of his younger brother, Brandon, who died just eleven days after being drafted into the NFL. While Marty's mother has found peace through faith, Marty is consumed by anger and doubt, aided by an imaginary figure known as The Farmer. The story flashes back to Brandon's youth, detailing his journey from a high school player with big dreams to a determined walk-on at the University of Arkansas. Despite being mocked by teammates for his size, Brandon works tirelessly to earn a scholarship and eventually becomes an All-American standout.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1999, Marty Burlsworth is haunted by the death of his brother Brandon, who died in a tractor trailer accident only eleven days after being drafted in the 3rd round by the Indianapolis Colts. Marty is angry at God, a sentiment echoed by an imaginary stranger called The Farmer. The narrative explores Brandon's past: his childhood dreams of playing for the University of Arkansas, his time at Harrison High School, and the attempts of his estranged, alcoholic father, Leo, to reconnect with the family. In 1994, Brandon joins the Arkansas team as a walk-on despite coach Mike Bender's doubts and the relentless bullying of teammates like Nathan Ward and Grant Garrett. Through extreme dedication, Brandon transforms his physique and earns a scholarship, eventually becoming a starting guard and an All-American by 1998. After his draft, Brandon's coach predicts a great career, but he is killed shortly after. At the funeral, Marty's despair is met with a revelation: the flowers brought by the players are arranged to spell out Brandon's message, "We Trust." This sight helps Marty find a new measure of faith.
- First release year
- 2016
- Runtime (minutes)
- 130
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- David Hunt
- Writers
- David Hunt · writer; Brian Reindl · writer
- Cast and characters
- Christopher Severio · Brandon Burlsworth; Neal McDonough · Marty Burlsworth; Leslie Easterbrook · Barbara Burlsworth; Michael Parks · Leo Burlsworth; Fredric Lehne · Coach Mike Bender; Nick Searcy · The Farmer; Wayne Duvall · Pastor Rick; Quinton Aaron · Coach Aaron
- Genres
- biographical; sports; drama; faith-based; religious
- Themes
- Faith; Grief; Perseverance; Family
- Tone and mood
- Inspirational; Somber; Religious
- Premise and plot tags
- Biographical; Sports Drama; Faith-based; True Story
- Source material / true-story basis
- Actual events
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews, with some critics finding it to be a heavy-handed religious sermon that lacked character depth.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 69% · review count: 16
- Production trivia
- It was the last film featuring Michael Parks to be released within his lifetime.; The film was produced on a budget of $9 million and grossed $2 million.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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