Sport movies are pathetic and there is no way around that fact.
This can especially be said for the modern Russian sport movies, which tend to confront the Western culture by glorifying the past achievements in the sport arenas.
Hockey was the best Russian collective sport and it still is, mimicking the power and awe of USSR times. Among many stories that had been written on the ice pack, the one of Valeri Kharlamov is one the most dynamic, although not depicting the tragic ending.
All the elements of a classic sport story will be there, the stellar uprising, the moral dilemmas and challenges that follow the glory and a triumphant resurrection in the legendary revial matches between USSR and Canada.
On the other side, little will be given on the depth of characters and the acting will be just mediocre, with an exception of ever versatile Oleg Menshikov, here portraying the legendary coach and the father of modern Soviet hockey armada and collective sport itself, Tarasov.
If you are into sport movies, "Legend N.17" will please you in a really decent way.
Review of Legend No. 17
