The Boys in the Boat

The Boys in the Boat

movie

PG-13, 2023, Drama, History

WISE
62%

WISE Score

57

Avg. Tomatometer

Wholesome Depression-era rowing drama that's safe and inspiring but also, let's be honest, pretty forgettable.

IMDb7
RT Critics57%
MC54
TMDB7.2
Common Sense Media
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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the deal: The Boys in the Boat is wholesome, safe, and genuinely inspiring in that classic sports-movie way. It teaches great lessons about teamwork and perseverance, and the historical setting adds educational value.

But let's not pretend this is must-see cinema. Critics found it forgettable and formulaic for good reason—it's a by-the-numbers underdog story that doesn't take any risks. The 96% audience score suggests families who watched it had a nice time, but 'nice' is doing a lot of work there.

If you've got a kid who loves sports, history, or inspirational stories and doesn't need Marvel-level pacing, this is a solid family movie night choice. But if you're hoping for something that'll stick with them or spark deep conversations? This isn't it. It's the cinematic equivalent of plain oatmeal—nutritious, wholesome, and completely unmemorable.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-16 who can handle slower pacing and appreciate historical drama. Younger kids will get restless; older teens might find it too simplistic and old-fashioned.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

Classic underdog sports story emphasizing teamwork, perseverance, and overcoming adversity through cooperation. Models dedication, humility, and working-class values. The Depression-era setting shows characters supporting each other through hardship. Pacing is measured and traditional rather than chaotic. Strong positive role models throughout.

Imaginative
52

Straightforward historical drama following a well-worn sports movie formula. While the 1936 Olympics setting provides some historical interest, the execution is conventional and predictable. Doesn't particularly invite creative thinking or exploration—it's a paint-by-numbers inspirational story. The rowing sequences are visually competent but not groundbreaking. Limited originality in storytelling approach.

Safe
92

PG-13 rating with Common Sense Media recommending age 13+. Historical drama with minimal concerning content—no gore, nudity, or sex. The 1936 Berlin Olympics context includes Nazi imagery which is handled appropriately as historical backdrop. Some period-appropriate class struggle and economic hardship depicted but nothing shocking. Very predictable and safe viewing experience with no surprise disturbing content.

Enriching
70

Solid historical education value about Depression-era America and the 1936 Olympics. Teaches perseverance, teamwork, and the value of hard work. The underdog narrative provides meaningful lessons about overcoming adversity. However, the film doesn't dig particularly deep—it's inspirational but somewhat surface-level. The historical context of Nazi Germany is present but not deeply explored. Good character study of working-class determination.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Classic underdog story with genuine heart—kids will root for the working-class team overcoming the odds
  • Strong lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and dedication without being preachy
  • Historical window into Depression-era America and the 1936 Berlin Olympics
  • Completely safe viewing—no surprises, no concerning content, just straightforward sports drama
  • The massive audience-critic score gap (96% vs 57%) suggests families genuinely enjoyed it even if critics found it bland
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What to Watch For

  • Nazi imagery and swastikas appear as historical backdrop during the Berlin Olympics scenes—handled appropriately but worth a heads-up
  • Depictions of Depression-era poverty and class struggle (nothing graphic, but families are struggling)
  • It's... kind of boring? The 123-minute runtime feels long, and critics universally called it formulaic and unmemorable
  • If your kids need fast-paced action or modern editing, this will feel like watching paint dry

Conversation Starters

  • "What do you think made this team able to beat the richer, more experienced teams?"
  • "The movie shows the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany—what do you know about what was happening in Germany at that time?"
  • "How do you think the Depression affected the boys' motivation to succeed?"
  • "Have you ever been part of a team where you had to work perfectly together? What was that like?"
Stills
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