Underdog sports movies are a dime a dozen, but how about one where said underdog is up against the threat of Nazism at the 1936 Olympics and the prejudices and systemic racism found in his home country? Telling the true story of track and field star Jesse Owens, Race goes all in on its battle against injustices, wearing its dual-meaning title like a badge of honor. Selma’s Stephan James stars as Owens, an athlete whose determination and skill earned him four gold medals and, as stated by ESPN, “single-handedly crushed Hitler’s myth of Aryan supremacy.” Rounding out the cast are Jeremy Irons, William Hurt, Jason Sudeikis in a rare dramatic role, and Game Of Thrones’ Carice Van Houten as notorious Nazi propagandist Leni Riefenstahl.
Race hits theaters everywhere on February 19, but The A.V. Club and Focus Features have an opportunity for you to see it for free on February 17. For your chance to win a pair of passes to the advance screening, simply follow the link here and enter your information. Remember: Advance screenings are often intentionally overbooked, so be sure to arrive early if you want to guarantee yourself a seat. An official synopsis and trailer for the film can be found below.
“Based on the incredible true story of Jesse Owens, the legendary athletic superstar whose quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler’s vision of Aryan supremacy. Race is an enthralling film about courage, determination, tolerance, and friendship, and an inspiring drama about one man’s fight to become an Olympic legend.”