Let’s face it, there aren’t many tennis movies made. There have been a handful of movies made and they weren’t very good; I think it’s about time we get a solid tennis movie depicting some of the greatest rivalries in history of the sport; coupled with some great acting and a powerful script.
“BORG” A Rivalry Tennis Movie
Obviously this movie is about Björn Borg, but it’s not just about him, it is a movie based on the rivalry the “Larger than life” Swede had with American tennis icon, John McEnroe.
As you know, their rivalry was something special; Björn Borg and John McEnroe met 14 times on the regular tour and 22 times in total, with their on-court rivalry highlighted by their contrasting temperaments and styles. Borg, a bit more cool and calm on court (ice) and McEnroe with a temper and not shy for speaking his mind (fire). The two were the heavyweights in tennis during that era. So, a tennis movie that can capture that rivalry and tension would be a long time tennis fans heaven. Right?
“BORG” Tennis Movie Trailer
The trailer above stars Shia LaBeouf as John McEnroe, Sverrir Gudnason as Björn Borg, Robert Emms as Vitas Gerulaitis, and Stellan Skarsgård as Lennart Bergelin (Borg’s coach). That’s a pretty impressive cast with Shia LaBeouf essentially playing the perfect character.
BORG is a film about how legends were formed from rivalry, friendship and glamour at a time when everything was possible. A story of a great iconic breakthrough in the Swedish icon, depicting the years when Björn Borg made the journey from Södertälje to the world elite, about his biggest struggle fought in 1980 in the encounter with the American supernova John McEnroe and how their rivalry came to engage an entire world.
I am very much looking forward to seeing this tennis movie in the theaters to get the full impact.
Older Less Impressive Tennis Movies
16-Love (2012):
Starring Lindsey Shaw and Chandler Massey in a story about self discovery, when the number one junior player in the country is injured, she begins to discover the teenage life she never got to live… and find the love she never thought she’d have.
Not very good honestly.
Wimbledon (2004):
Starring Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany where a pro tennis player (Bettany) has lost his ambition and has fallen in rank to 119. Fortunately for him, he meets a young player (Dunst) on the women’s circuit who helps him recapture his focus for Wimbledon.
Desperate tennis movie with some much needed tennis lessons before filming.
Break Point (2015):
Starring Jeremy Sisto (“rollin with the homies” from Clueless) and David Walton. Where two estranged brothers reunite to make an improbable run at a grand slam tennis tournament. Spoiler: they don’t make it. The actual strokes were pretty good, not ATP level but good enough to make the audience feel that they were, at one point, actual tennis players.
Balls Out: Gary The Tennis Coach (2009):
Starring Randy Quiad and Sean William Scott. Where a high school janitor has not recovered from his failed career as a tennis pro. He begins coaching his beloved sport to a group of misfits and leads them to the Nebraska State Championships.
Honestly, I only started this one and got through about 20 minutes before I had to turn it off. Don’t waste your time.
Are you looking forward to watching BORG tennis movie?
Let me know in the comments!
G.O.A.T
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