EDDIE THE EAGLE
Director Dexter Fletcher
Cert: PG, 106 mins
Eddie the Eagle tells the true story of Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards (Taron Egerton), the first British Olympic ski jumper in 71 years. A classic underdog, he succeeds on his own terms through passion and determination. It’s a story of wholeheartedness.
A lifelong fan of the Olympics, Eddie is determined that he will compete one day, despite his lack of skill at whatever sport he attempts and people’s corresponding efforts to bring him back down to earth, as they see it. Undeterred, Eddie forges on, persuading the alcoholic former champion Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman) to coach him.
For amateurs
Peary isn’t always a good influence, but he recognises Eddie's determination, learns to encourage him and even learns not to give up on himself. When accused of being amateurish, Eddie responds: ‘I thought the Olympics were supposed to be for amateurs’, meaning those driven primarily by love of the sport, rather than money or fame. There’s a great scene in a ski elevator, where a world-class ski jumper tells Eddie that winning medals isn't what's meaningful, but rather doing your best (c.f. Colossians 3.23–24).
This is something that Eddie shows the world. And one performs at one’s best (and proves the world wrong) not by listening to fear or condemnation, but by being driven by love and encouragement – as a church should be? It’s a well-made, moving and inspiring film, evoking underdog courage.
