Remember the Titans
Remember the Titans is an American drama film released in 2000. It was directed by Boaz Yakin, and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer for Walt Disney Pictures, and starred Denzel Washington as Coach Herman Boone. Remember the Titans centers on racial tensions in the football team of the newly integrated T. C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia.The film is based on true events and takes place in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1971, at recently desegregated T.C. Williams High School. Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) is hired as head coach for the school's football team, taking the place of head coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton). Yoast at first refuses Boone's offer of a position as assistant head coach, but then changes his mind. The black and white members of the football team clash in racially-motivated conflicts on a few occasions throughout their time at football camp. But after forceful coaxing and team building efforts by Coach Boone, eventually the team manages to achieve some form of unity, as well as success. The main conflict is taken to a personal level by the portrayal of the conflict between Gary Bertier (Ryan Hurst) and Julius Campbell (Wood Harris), two players of equally outstanding athletic ability who at first can't stand one another but eventually become sworn brothers (the turning point of their relationship becomes a focal point for the team in its racially divided ways giving way to true unity). Upon return to school, the team runs through its regular season competition undefeated while battling racial prejudice typical of the American South. Eventually, Bertier is seriously injured in an automobile accident while celebrating one of the team's victories. While Bertier is unable to play in the final game due to his injuries (including paralysis), the team goes on to win the championship, and sets an example for the town. The team's hard work and integrity in its unity despite racial differences ultimately unites the city of Alexandria to find common ground with one another.