It’s the season for movies and sport, so we’re combining the two and taking a look at some of the most inspirational sporting movie scenes. So get ready to get pumped and inspired!
Rocky 4
I guess all the Rocky movies are inspirational, but its Rocky 4 that really packs a punch when the Italian Stallion faces off against the Siberian Express. Your blood starts pumping with an epic training montage where Rocky goes back to basics in coldest Russia, pulling sleighs and chopping down trees. When the epic conclusion kicks off with the infamous “I must break you” from Ivan Drago, you’re on the edge of your seat. By the time Rocky lays out Drago 15 rounds later, and the entire crowd are on their feet with nothing but respect for the Italian Stallion, you feel like you can take on the world! If the Rocky vs. Drago match-up was a real fight, I'm sure bookmakers such as bwin would have written Rocky off as a has-been. But as we know, in Hollywood, the underdog is often more likely to win: the perfect recipe for an inspirational movie scene.
Any Given Sunday
There’s quite a number of sporting movies revolving around American Football, but its Any Given Sunday that really lands an epic touchdown (sorry). That speech by Al Pacino in the dressing room will send chills down to your ankles and back again. The passion, the language, the whole crescendo of this incredible pep talk works every, single time. Definitely worth a watch if you’re feeling blue!
Goon
Seann William Scott dons the skates as a Goon (basically a player that is there to fight) for the local hockey team. With a chin made out of the same stuff that Superman is made from, the dude can take a punch or 10 and give it back twice as hard. By the time the ultimate faceoff comes in the finale, you will have felt every punch along the way and be completely touched and inspired by the incredible heart portrayed here. Never give up!
The Karate Kid
While the Jackie Chan remake was quite decent, it was the original movie with Ralph Macchio that inspired me, as well as countless other young kids to take up martial arts. That final fight, where against all odds, Daniel-san performs a crane-kick and wins the match had everybody not only on the edge of their seat, but for years attempting to perform the exact same kick. With disastrous consequences at times. But the less said about that the better.
Cinderella Man
The second boxing movie to feature here, and what a boxing movie it is. Directed by Ron Howard and starring Russell Crowe, Cinderella Man is the true story of washed up boxer James Braddock and from beginning to end, Braddock showcases incredible heart and you are genuinely jumping out of your seat at the nail biting conclusion.
