Ever hear of McFarland, California? Probably not. If it were not for cross country coach Jim White, played exceptionally well by Kevin Costner, McFarland would have been one of those forgotten, small American towns.
McFarland USA is an inspiring true story that highlights the work of small-town cross-country coach, Jim White. After being fired as head coach of a high school football team from Boise, job opportunities were slim for Jim White and his family. They turned to McFarland, a predominately Hispanic community in Central Valley, CA. White’s first job at McFarland High was assistant coaching for the football team, but the students who attend McFarland initially prove to be no match for the neighboring schools teams of burley white men. After having differences with the head coach, White was fired from the assistant coaching position. 
 After losing his football coaching position, viewers may initially suspect that this is the end of White’s career at McFarland. However, the silver lining of the plot begins when White notices a group of Latino students running during a PE class. After noticing the exceptional potential within these students, White begins to contemplate a cross-country team for McFarland. The problem is, McFarland high does not have a cross-country program. White and his new team have to start from the ground up. Eventually, the McFarland runners compete with a local team who has proper funding in their program. Unfortunately, the team loses their first race, after having zero training on running hills. The film displays so much more than just the coming together of a team. The students within the team also teach White important life lessons; specifically ones about family.
This is Disney's stab at the current immigration debate in America, where over 5 million people may be deported, with families separated. While the film takes place in 1987, Disney highlights that no matter the time period, family is a very important value to the residents of McFarland, and America in general.
With the established themes of being tough, working hard and competing, the language of cinema does not get lost in the mix. The race scenes are well executed, and it is nice to see a February production filmed on-location. The hills are a metaphor for the up-“hill” battle Hispanics are facing in this country: working in the fields, providing food for the nation, almost getting nothing.
There is a very inspiring and profound scene when the team is practicing running hills. Thomas, McFarland's best runner, explains how white people will never understand the pain Hispanics endure, working long hours tending crops, having to run to school and being forced back to their poor community. The drama is heightened when White takes it upon himself to spend a day in the fields with the local workers, and there is a strong sense of weight to what he and kids go through. Maybe there is some truth to cushioned people not understanding a hard-day's work, and I feel that we must realize that before we wave off millions of people to be deported.
“McFarland, USA” is a good film, particularly for teenagers. In an industry where special effects are no longer impressive, and scripts are not really the main focus, it is nice to see a film done right, where young people can be inspired. Forget “Transformers”. Watch something you can learn from.

Share