Cornell Students Turn to Sports Movies for Homecoming Respite and Winter prep
A curated list of films offers emotional release and inspiration as Cornell’s lively Homecoming traditions give way to the academic grind.
Whether cherishing the enduring tradition of Homecoming at Cornell University,playfully disparaging rejected schools,or passionately debating on Sidechat,the experience embodies a unique facet of the Ivy League.As lasers illuminate Schoellkopf field and apple cider donuts disappear, one Cornell student has compiled a list of sports movies to help channel that Homecoming energy and prepare for the approaching winter season.
Finding Solace on Screen: A Guide for Overworked Students
The recommendations, penned by Ava Tafreshi, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, offer a range of emotional outlets and inspiring narratives. “I get it, round one of prelims drained your soul and left you breaking down in the Olin library again,” Tafreshi writes, acknowledging the pressures faced by Cornell students. “The cure to your heartache lies in emotional release by watching a movie sure to leave you reaching for six-ply tissues.”
The Blind Side (2009): A Story of resilience
Tafreshi highlights The Blind Side (2009), based on the biography by Michael Lewis, as a must-watch.The film chronicles the life of Michael Oher, a football player overcoming a arduous past marked by poverty, familial struggles, and the foster care system. From a turbulent childhood to a career in the NFL, the movie offers a poignant look at the challenges athletes face behind the scenes. “This evocative tale will leave you with a newfound recognition for the struggles athletes endure behind closed doors,” Tafreshi asserts.
Race (2016): Triumph Over Adversity
despite initially dismissing Netflix films, Tafreshi praises Race (2016) as a hidden gem. The film follows track star Jesse owens as he competes in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, navigating both domestic Jim Crow laws and the rising tide of Nazi influence.Owens ultimately sets or ties six world records and wins four gold medals, showcasing a defiant spirit and inspiring triumph over adversity. The film provides “an intimate glimpse into the emotional journey experienced by athletes,” according to Tafreshi.
Young women and the Sea (2024): Defying Expectations
Tafreshi feels “morally obligated” to include Young Women and the Sea (2024), which tells the story of Gertrude (Trudy) Ederle, the first woman to swim across the English Channel. Facing prejudice and health challenges, Ederle defied societal expectations and set a world record. The film’s depiction of supporters lighting bonfires to guide Ederle to the finish line is notably inspiring,and Tafreshi suggests it might even inspire a little gratitude for Cornell’s swimming requirement.
A Nostalgic Honorable mention: High School Musical 2 (2007)
Acknowledging a departure from traditional sports films, Tafreshi playfully includes High School Musical 2 (2007). While set in a high school surroundings, the film’s themes of jealousy and drama resonate with the competitive world of athletics. “I promise the themes of ungodly jealousy will hit closer to home than you realize,” Tafreshi writes, adding that the film’s playlist offers a dose of nostalgia.
Beyond the Game: A Call for Community
As students prepare for game day, Tafreshi encourages movie nights with friends as a preferable choice to “nefarious activities against bear carcasses.” She urges unity, warning against allowing rival Colgate university to perceive any disunity. “Surely, as overworked Cornell students, we should find better pastimes – and sports movies seem to be the best option!” she concludes.
Ava Tafreshi can be reached at [email protected].
