Miracle tells the inspiring true story of Herb Brooks, the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to one of the greatest upsets in sports history. Set during the tense Cold War era, the film captures the political, cultural, and emotional stakes surrounding the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. Brooks faced the daunting task of transforming a group of young, relatively unknown American players into a team capable of challenging the seemingly invincible Soviet squad.

From the very beginning, Brooks’s coaching style pushes the athletes to their limits. He is tough, demanding, and unrelenting, but his approach is driven by vision and belief. He focuses not just on skill, but on discipline, strategy, and teamwork. The players struggle with exhaustion, self-doubt, and internal rivalries, but Brooks pushes them to discover their potential and trust one another. His leadership is at once intimidating and inspiring, forcing the team to confront their fears and rise above them.

The film highlights the intense training, rigorous practices, and personal sacrifices that shape the team. It also explores the relationships between the players, their families, and Brooks himself. Moments of camaraderie, tension, and personal growth are intertwined with the thrilling depiction of the games, especially the climactic match against the Soviet Union.

Miracle captures the energy, drama, and emotion of the historic “Miracle on Ice.” It is a story about more than hockey—it’s about belief, perseverance, and the power of a shared goal. The victory over the Soviet team becomes a symbol of determination and national pride, inspiring generations. Through Brooks’s vision and the players’ courage, Miracle shows how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when they work together and never give up.

Director: Gavin O’Connor

Stars: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Nathan West

We are especially grateful to the Sheffield Foundation for sponsoring this screening.