Why It Ranks
McFarland, USA is the best cross-country running film and one of the most culturally authentic sports stories. Costner's everyman presence anchors the film. The Latino community is portrayed with dignity and depth. The true story gives the triumph genuine weight.
The Film
McFarland, USA is the true story of a cross-country coach who transforms a team of Latino farm workers' sons in California's Central Valley into state champions. Kevin Costner brings understated warmth to the coach who learns as much from his runners as they learn from him. The running sequences through the agricultural fields are beautiful, and the cultural specificity of the community gives the film authenticity that generic sports films lack.
Fun Facts
The real Coach Jim White attended the premiere with his former runners.
Kevin Costner spent time in McFarland, California, to understand the community.
Many of the runners in the film are played by actors from the actual Central Valley region.
The film was produced by Disney and was intended as a spiritual successor to Remember the Titans.
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