The film is mostly based on the true story of a coach* in the Central Valley of California who led a Hispanic high school team to a cross country championship.

    At first glance, some might not like the idea of another white savior*, who is actually named Jim White (Kevin Costner), coming to the rescue* of minority misfits*. But this man is not perfect, and his bad temper cost him many earlier jobs. When he lands in McFarland, California, he seems to be at the end of the line, and he’s not excited with the young players on the high school football team. But when he realizes that these kids have actually picked up speed and stamina* from their work in the agricultural fields, he feels they may have a future as cross country runners.

    The kids don’t respect their coach very much. So they learn from each other in a rather predictable* but still pleasing story arc. All performances are strong.

    Some of the young actors who play the team members are newcomers discovered in the area. Carlos Pratts, who plays the most temperamental but gifted runner, is professional. Ramino Rodriguez as the team’s mascot also scores. Even minor roles, like the school principal and some of the boys’ parents, are vividly played.

    Still, it is Costner who holds the picture together. This is one of the best performances he’s given, natural but often convincing*, without the least trace of grandstanding*.

    Although the film may not have been intended as a political statement, it can’t help but have an impact* on the debate about the immigration* problem. The film discovers the humanity of people who are demonized* in some regions. A scene where the boys travel to the ocean for the first time, with music swelling, seems to be copying from “Chariots of Fire.” Despite these overdone moments, it is pretty hard to resist the rousing* conclusion.(SD-Agencies)