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Hockey as culture

Hockey is obviously a fundamental aspect of this country's culture. The equally important sub themes of this movie turn around the great injustices shown to the French hockey players, showing why the book "White Niggers of America " was written in relation to the separatist movement.

This film should become a part of all high school French courses(immersion and core) and for university Quebec culture courses.

A second sub theme would be the brutality of hockey, the lack of concern for protecting players' well being , the power held by the owners etc.

Good show. The use of the French language is an ultimate tribute to what the Rocket fought for.

Marie-Beth Wright

{7 votes}

April 27, 2006

Pre-emptive critique of...MAURICE RICHARD

In a country where hockey is a religion there's nothing more sacred than our hockey legends.

That's exactly why, this project is skating on very thin ice. One bad step not only have you produced yet another piece of bad Canadian filmmaking but you've just commited an act of utter heresy by not doing justice to one of the greatest players this game has ever seen.

You can make a bad picture in Quebec.

You can make a bad picture in Quebec about a real person or thing.

This is all unfortunate but ultimately accepted.

You are however NOT ALLOWED to make a bad picture in Quebec about Maurice "The Rocket" Richard. I'm sorry but some things are sacred.

Besides being a legendary and pivotal figure in hockey, he was a great man. He was one of those rare beings that actually did live up to the hype. The man commanded respect on and off the ice, during and after his career. I could wax poetic about the man and what he means to hockey and the city of Montreal but why bother? I'm pretty much preaching to the choir. Even if you read all the biobooks that have been written about the man you still wouldn't get a fair sense of him unless you saw archive footage of him at his prime.

For Charles Binamé's sake I really hope this movie lives up to the man because anything less than that will require him to go into hiding.

Pedro Eggers

{65 votes}

January 4, 2005

What a Life

I found this to be an entertaining film with lots of emphasis on the in-laws especially the brother-in-law and the barber who served as advisor. Lucille his wife was supportive of her famous husband but the hounds of reporters and incessant phone calls got to be almost too much. Maurice Richard had a quick temper and was not pragmatic when he contributed to inflammatory articles in the press. As a ghost writer he could have accomplished a lot more. In the film Maurice seemed to score goals every time he was on the ice which was far from reality. But his passion for hockey seen in his fiery eyes was undeniable. Yet few believed in him at the start of his career. Returning to play after a nasty head wound exemplified his strong will to succeed. In real life he spoke much better English. But the English French hostility was over the top. He was part of the famous Punch line with Elmer Lach an anglophone as were many others on the team. His brother Henri who won 11 Stanley Cups an all-time record seems to be absent in the film which is a tremendous oversight. And finally the five consecutive Stanley Cups that Richard won just before he retired was just a footnote at the end of the film.

The special features on the DVD were a great disappointment. They did not bother with a commentary. The tribute to Maurice Richard got to be nauseating after a few minutes by being repetitive. I wanted to see the statistics of his hockey career and how it stacks up to current players. I would have liked extended interviews with the idol himself. I came across on the web of a 1975 interview with Richard and Campbell 20 years after the Richard Riots giving their thoughtful opinions on this important event. Stuff like this should be included on the DVD.

Stephen Talko

December 10, 2007

Greatest Hockey Movie Ever Made!

It takes a great actor to play a legendary figure and Dupuis pulls it off. 5 minutes into this movie and Dupuis is the Rocket. Binamé made the right choice of focusing more on Richard's career than on the riot. We get to see his humble beginnings, his struggles for acceptance among his teammates and opponents not to mention his courage and drive. Richard was the first to show that French quebecers could be the best, that we were not second rate losers. Every time the Rocket would make one of his patented rushes to the net or lay down one of his punishing body checks, it was like if the whole French community was right their beside him urging him on. For many hockey lovers, the Rocket was the greatest power forward of all time. For Francophones he was a legend, a symbol of pride and courage. When I left the movie theater with my two sons, complete elderly strangers with tears in their eyes walked over to them to ask them if they had enjoyed the movie. Everyone should see this movie.

Gerald Vallee

March 6, 2007

The Best Hockey Movie Ever Made

BEST HOCKEY MOVIE EVER MADE, about the Babe Ruth of Hockey! This is a biographic movie. 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 teh poor (frnacophones) 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. STEPHEN McHATTIE IS JUST SUPERB IN IRVIN'S ROLE. WOW that's coaching!! He is the most credible I've seen in all sports movies around... The movie also adds historical drama, like the year when he broke Malone's record, a record that most considered as impossible to surpass, which brought some sense of pride for Victory to the people just month before WW2's D-Day (feb. 1945).

Dialogues and hockey scenes are also true to reality, as they were reviewed by Richard himself before dying and his family and personal friends, as well as Irvin sun's written and recorded testimonies fromhis father (the sun was the first Mr. "Hockey Night in Canada" on CBC), reporters, and so on. Very spectacular hockey btw.. What you'll see in this movie, is a man's world as it really was and took place. It is also a true love story, the couple Richard. Some could get embarassed because of historical and political facts which happened these days. No one should be embarassed actually : this is History, and we can all keep a sufficient distance to see it as such : we were not there. That's how we can grow up actually... ;-)

Frederic Jeanbart

May 29, 2006

The Value of Tenacity

I received a book when I was 8 as a Christmas gift. It was the value of tenacity, The Maurice Richard story. I read it over an over and still to do to this day. On a recent visit to Montreal, I was able to see the movie. I was amazed at how well it was done. From the inset of pictures, of Montreal in the those days, to the portrayal of Maurice playing hockey, it was fabulous. It was even similar to the book.

I too, have had huge obstacles to face in my life and have wanted to give up many times. I swear to this day that it was this book and Maurice's passion for being the best at what he did, that got me to where I am today. I beam with pride when my employers and co-workers describe me a tenacious.

Although, I am too young to ever have seen him play live hockey, I did have the opportunity to meet him at an old timer's game. On my visit to Montreal, I also visited his grave site at Notre Dame and was taken by his memorial stone. Four pillars, with a fire ball in the middle and on one pillar, written is, " Never Give Up"...

My thanks to those involved in making this movie, for making a book come to life.

Julie Elliott

{3 votes}

January 26, 2006

Maurice Richard

I greatly enjoyed this movie even though I am not the greatest hockey fan. Maurice Richard was a man with good values and grew up in hard times. This movie shows the struggles that people went through the Great Depression, and even though he was a star hockey player, he still had to work hard at a day job and providing for his family. The movie showed how Maurice Richard helped change the way hockey is played, and what an exceptional player he was. I greatly enjoyed the acting, the story, the hockey parts, and the way that the events were portrayed.

Pamela Lee

{1 vote}

January 22, 2006

A different side of culture

I think this movie should be seen by everyone. It shows that everyone of us can make a difference when we put ourself on stage by small or big gesture. It's about standing for what you believe in with respect of the other. Maybe a few politicians should see it.

Nancy Boyce

January 13, 2006

The Comet

The movie The Rocket will definitely send chills all over your body. I absolutely enjoyed this incredibly touching movie. I had no idea that Maurice Richard had to overcome so many challenges and obstacles. He was the greatest hockey player of his era, but yet unfairly treated and was even cheated in his scoring titles. Maurice Richard had to literally break the ice for French Canadians to be respected in professional hockey. He was a man of integrity who loved the game and excelled at it. He is probably the reason why the Montreal Canadians hockey team exists today. It is also imperative to mention that his wife also stood tall and strong beside him throughout good and bad times. I strongly recommend this historical and monumental work of art.

Pamela Osi

{3 votes}

January 1, 2006

Must see - history in the making

I was surprised at how much I appreciated this movie : the fact that it concentrated on a historical period rather than anecdotes is to be saluted.

My teenagers told me they had never quite understood where Quebec separatism came from until they saw this film...quite an acheivement for M. Binamé.

Every thing is beautifully filmed with restraint and dignity. Bravo

Louise Fournier

December 1, 2005

The Rocket Scores On The Big Screen

I recently saw this film.This was one truly great depiction of one of the greatest hockey players of all time. I thought that Roy Dupuis was great as Maurice "The Rocket" Richard.

I found that he had a striking resemblance to Maurice Richard. I also thought that the actress who played his wife was also great in the film and also the actor who played Dick Irvin Sr. was also great, he deserves a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. I also thought

that the scenery and the way that it was superimposed on the screen was amazing.There

moments in this film that looked like they took a still photo from the 1940's and made it come alive on the screen.This film truly depicts that the hockey players of that era played

for the love of hockey and did what they could with or without being injured to win The Stanley Cup. I highly recommend this film for those who are fans of hockey and for those who want to see a great film about one of the greatest hockey players of all time.

Steve Rodrigues

{1 vote}

November 26, 2005

Rockets Away!

What a great story. Charles Binamé did a fantastic job depicting the story of Maurice Richard. From a young age Maurice worked hard and always followed the rules of others. Against the odds, he made "the cut" and sported the "C".

The film portrayed his struggle as a player, a man, a polytical icon concerning French people in an English continent and his journey to stardom.

Although the main focus of the film was geared towards Richard's hockey career, his brother was not mentioned once in the film which I found a little weak.

Besides the previously stated fact, I believe that any Montreal Canadians fan owes it to themselves to watch the greatest Canadien who ever played - body and soul.

Jason Edelstein

{1 vote}

November 24, 2005

A Great Hockey Player!

I was lucky enough to see the advanced screening of the movie"Maurice Richard" on opening night at Place des Arts with many of the cast present,including Roy Dupuis,Charles Binamé etc. I had heard and read so much about this legendary hero that I was quite impessed with the movie version. Starting with the excellent performances of all the cast,especially Roy Dupuis as "The Rocket", and the recreation of the events of 40's and 50's--the streetcars,the cars,the washing machines,the clothes illustrated superbly on the giant screen.The biograhical story starts with Maurice's teenage years to the March 1955 Forum riot. Many hockey scenes showed Richard at his best,as well as his love interest,Lucille added to the enjoyment of the film.There were many times during the movie where I ,as well as others, applauded as if we were at the hockey games.

Another Québec film! Worthwhile to see!

Vicky Parisella

{2 votes}

November 23, 2005

Sadly I have not seen any movie as yet - not being a resident of Canada

however would love for the film to come to Australia - so that Maurice Richard be known to all - he played "real hockey" - had integrity for his sport and his fellow men - and I am glad to know that the deepest regret his English abusers had was that Maurice was not English -and this fact Dick Irving could never change!! Power a true French Canadian - who stood up to be counted!!

Marie Claire (Trudy) Hallam

November 21, 2005

Maurice the Rocket

The trailer we've been seeing for the past, maybe 6 weeks is subtle but builds curiousity. I just hope they do the legend the justice he deserves. He's a semi-god here and he get the respect from the studios. In Quebec anyway, this movie going to make more business than Les Boys 4, any Elvis Gratton and whatever Sylvie Moreau will be in at the time.

People, the man deserves a proper bio-pic. He's been screwed over a few times, let's hope this doesn't get added to the list.

Angelo Vernucci

{2 votes}

November 14, 2005

A success story

A movie about hockey in Québec is sure to be a success, just remember all the "Les boys" and you will have to admit that even with a bad or ok senario (I am not a fan of those 4 "les boys" sorry! And I am against the release of the fifth one this winter) if it is about hochey than you know you will make money with it.

But now it is serious: we are talking about Roy Dupuis and Maurice Richard...Wow! This movie will be something for sure.

I expect a lot from it, I will be in the movie theater on the 25th with my big pop corn and my so giant coke that I could become a diabetic just because of drink half of it!

With real NHL players staring in it (I am thinking about Vincent Lecavalier since it will be our only chance to see him in a Canadiens outfit for the next few years snif...snif...) it can only get better!

See you on november 25th

Isabelle Gélinas

{4 votes}

November 7, 2005

The Legendary Maurice "Rocket" Richard

The Canadians fans has two things to be grateful this fall. First, the strike is finally over with the National Hockey League and secondly, in a couple of weeks, we will have the chance to relive on the big screen the life of the legendary hockey player Maurice "Rocket" Richard as the film industry has decided to do a movie of his life. Once again it will be actor Roy Dupuis that will fill up the shoes (I should really say - the skates) just like he had done for the miniseries and The Canadian Heritage spot.

Even thought I no longer watch or listen to a hockey game, this is a movie that I will not miss seeing.

Francoise Moscato

{2 votes}

November 6, 2005

Very Curious

This movie could submit and become on of those bad french movies. Its very probable. But it could also be amazing. About the riot in the forum in 1955 this movie may actually have a chance. Vincent Lacavlier from Montreal, now playing for Tampa, will be playing Jean Beliveau.

I am excited to see how he does as well as the numerous others form the NHL joining the crew. Players such as Maike Ricci.

Good Luck and i will be in that theater with my thing of popcorn and my habs jersey opening weekend.

Evan Desmarais

{2 votes}

October 13, 2005

The Rocket is my neighbour.

I'm sure the people making this film know that they're dealing with a subject that is very close to the hearts of the people of Montréal, but just to emphasize this point, let me indulge in a little anecdote:

I live two minutes away from where the Rocket lives, that is to say, where his ghost lives: The Montréal Forum. In fact, I walk by the old Forum twice a day, and everyday I look proudly down at the golden star embedded in the concrete with the name Maurice Richard proudly shining on its surface... and then I look right next to it and I see, to my ever-present horror, Celine Dion's golden star, shining like a golden turd... and i weep, oh how I weep. Well, I've made it a daily habit to stomp on Céline's star everytime I pass by, while looking proudly upon the Rocket's untarnished greatness.

In other words, to the makers of this film: Don't fuck up. If you don't do justice to the Rocket, we will hunt you down... we will hunt you down as if you were Céline Dion herself.

In conclusion, Go Habs Go.

Raymond Lemoine

September 21, 2005

He shoots... but will he score?

This past few years we've seen a few auto-bio flicks; Cinderella Man, Ray, Avaitor. All three were instant classics, especially Cinderella Man. But honestly, did many of us as Montrealers know James Braddock? did many of us even care for Howard Hughes? or listen to Ray? maybe there is some exceptions here but I think the majority haven't... but if you go to downtown Montreal and ask anyone "Do You Know Who Maurice Richard Is" they will obviously answer and say "Yes... He's the greatest hockey player to ever live"

Now we as Montrealers finally have a auto-biography flick of a person that we either grew up watching and loving, grew up hearing about and loving, or will be growing up hearing and loving. Maurice Richard is dare I say a "Hockey God" and is a figure in Montreal history. He helped Montreal win many of our 24 total cups. He made the Montreal Canadians franchise, the historic hockey franchise we know today. Richard is and will always be cared about from many Montrealers, especially the die hard hab fans. To me thats what makes this auto-bio flick different from all the rest.. We care about this guy, so imagine how it will be to watch the movie.

Roy Dupuis plays Maurice Richard, now to me that is a wise choice. He played Maurice Richard in the mini-series and in the heritage moment. Surely most of us could say "Him again as Maurice? Common!" Well look at Roy Dupuis... He's the spitting image of Maurice in his younger years. He really does look like Maurice. He's the perfect person to play the role, and to add Dupuis acting is phenomonal. I don't know about you guys but a phenomonal hockey player being played by a phenomonal actor screams out "Perfect"

November is only a few months away from now and I know that I as a hockey fan.. as a die hard Habs fan, can not wait for this movie to be released.

I personally think that like Maurice "The Rocket" Richard... This movie will not disappoint me or any of us for that matter.

Gary Almeida

{5 votes}

August 15, 2005

Tired of seeing the teaser

I cannot wait for November 25th when this movie will be release. Not because i want to see this movie but because, on this day, we finally don't have to watch the teaser for this movie anymore. Am sick and tired of seeing the teaser before every single movie i see. I go see a horror movie, i get the teaser. I go see a family movie, again with the teaser. The teaser has been out for a while now and it's starting to get annoying.

I know they want to hype the movie but people would have gone and see this movie even without all the hype around it now, by seeing the teaser so many times, i don't really want to see it anymore. I just hope that when the official trailer is ready, that they won't go overboard with like they did with the teaser because this isn't a movie that needs that much hype.

Martin Rioux

August 15, 2005

Upcoming: Maurice Richard

It's not that I don't want to see it or that I think that Dupuis can't do it but I'm really puzzled by the need to get Dupuis to play Rocket Richard for a third time. He played him in that Heritage Moment and then in that mini-series. Now, he's playing him in the movies. I saw the mini-series, most Quebecer did, so I'm confused by what's left to be told. If the mini didn't cover everything how is this movie supposed to do that?

Eric Bertrand

{2 votes}

July 18, 2005

Maurice Richard

Some see this project as risky, whereas I welcome it! It's about time films were made to praise Canadian heroes! I'm sick and tired of being humble, while having everything and anything Americana thrown down my throat!

If you want to insult this film before you saw it, because Richard was your hero, as we was to so many - I think it's dumb. He deserves to be honored, and this will be a great tribute to him. So I ask you to wait and see this film, before judging it!

Kelly Martel

{4 votes}

February 18, 2005

No hockey but we're still going to keep the hope alive for this movie

Are they crazy? Richard is practically a god to any Habs fan, what he means to us personally and as a city is beyond words. Everytime I go to the AMC for a movie I stop by that statue they have of him near center ice and rub his head for good luck. I really hope that whoever they pick to play the part has what it takes to make me believe it. After Miracle and the last Les Boys I need one good hockey movie.

Jeffrey Kwan

{9 votes}

February 4, 2005

Wish it luck

It doesn't even look like there's going to be any hockey in november so that could work against this movie. This movie has enough balls to make a movie about this hockey legend but I can't see who they are going to get to play the part. Maybe Roy Dupuis will take the part again from that Heritage moment they're always showing. It will either be great or it will be the biggest disappointment since Nouvelle-France.

Vladimir Joseph

{7 votes}

January 31, 2005

Worth seeing!

It was a good movie, captivating enough and especially well done. Although, I found it a bit slow especially in the second half of the film. But, overall, the actors were well directed, the music vell adapted to the story, and the cinematography extremelly well done. I was a bit desapointed not to see real pictures and footage of Maurice Richard himself, but I still found myself learning a lot about hockey, about the Rocket!

Valerie Augier

December 16, 2005

Maurice Richard

I can't wait for this movie, Maurice Richard is a hockey legend. The only problem with this movie is it has to be great or it is going to be disappointing. This is Canada and we take our hockey seriously. This movie cannot be disappointing is anyway, every fact has to be accurate and the performances have to be great. I'm sure this movie will be great, no one will alow this movie to be disappointing. This movie is definitely a must see for very hockey fan and every canadian.

Ritesh Patel

October 24, 2005

The Rocket

I'm really excited to watch this film because I have been a fan of Maurice Richard ever since I've been a Montreal Canadians fan. I heard that this film was made in Montreal and some of the Montreal Canadians hockey players like Stephan Quintal plays the old Montreal Canadians hockey players. Every person who grew up in Montreal knows who's Maurice Richard and what a magnificent legend he was. The Montreal Canadians organization will never have another player like Maurice Richard. I'm really excited to go and watch this excellent hockey film.

Carmela Sicurella

{1 vote}

July 23, 2005

The Legend

I'm really anxious to watch this film because Maurice Richard is a legend especially in Montreal. The Richard Riot is part of Canadian history. We will never forget that day in 1955 when all hell broke loose at the Montreal forum and on the streets of Montreal. I bet that this will be the best hockey movie that has ever been made because I have seen the trailer and it looks spectacular. This will be the only hockey that we will be seeing for a very long time. This is a great tribute to Maurice Richard to have a movie after him and his life and career. I hope that one day they will make the movie on Wayne Gretzky.

Gerry Samson

{2 votes}

May 30, 2005

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