Where To Watch Boys In The Boat Now

The Boys in the Boat is a sports drama film based on the University of Washington's rowing team in the 1930s. It was released in theatres on December 25, 2023, and is directed by George Clooney. The film is an adaptation of the #1 New York Times bestselling non-fiction novel of the same name by Daniel James Brown. It follows the story of the rowing team as they compete for gold at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin during the Great Depression.

'The Boys in the Boat' release date

The Boys in the Boat, directed by George Clooney, is set to be released in US theatres on 25 December 2023. The film is based on the inspirational true story of the University of Washington rowing team, who, in 1936, competed for gold at the Berlin Olympics during the Great Depression.

The film will be widely released across theatres in the US on Christmas Day. It will likely be made available to stream on Prime Video at a later date. The film had its world premiere in Los Angeles on 11 December 2023.

The Boys in the Boat will be released in the UK on 12 January 2024.

The film's director

The director of 'The Boys in the Boat' is George Clooney, marking his ninth directorial feature. Clooney is, of course, best known as an actor, but he has also established himself as a filmmaker with an interest in true stories.

Clooney endured a challenging shoot for 'The Boys in the Boat', which follows the story of the University of Washington's rowing team and their quest to compete in the 1936 Olympics. The film is based on the 2013 non-fiction book of the same name by Daniel James Brown. Clooney admitted that he had "forgotten" the difficulties of filming on water, having previously starred in the sea-set 'The Perfect Storm' in 2000. The director encountered numerous complications, including unpredictable weather conditions and the physical limitations of the actors, who could only row for a limited number of hours each day.

Despite the challenges, Clooney was determined to bring the story to the big screen, having first pursued the film rights to the book a decade ago. The film's release on December 25, 2023, marked the end of a long journey for Clooney and his producing partner, Grant Heslov.

Clooney's involvement in 'The Boys in the Boat' extended beyond directing, as he also produced the film and had a hand in developing the script with writer Mark L. Smith. The director's attention to detail included ensuring the actors portraying rowers received rigorous training, akin to that of regular rowers.

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its heart and craftsmanship, while others found it unexceptional and predictable. However, Clooney's direction was recognised by some reviewers, with Sheri Linden of The Hollywood Reporter noting that "the Huskies, it gets the job done, stumbling sometimes but mostly assured."

The University of Washington rowing team

The University of Washington's rowing team, also known as the Washington Huskies, has a long and proud history. Rowing at the university dates back to 1901 when it was established with support from the local business community. Two years later, in 1903, Washington entered its first intercollegiate race, defeating California and sparking a storied "Cal Dual" rivalry.

Since its early beginnings, the University of Washington's rowing programme has gone on to achieve tremendous success, becoming one of the best university rowing teams in the world. A notable achievement in the team's history was their gold medal win at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, as depicted in the 2023 film "The Boys in the Boat." This win is all the more remarkable considering the team was comprised of underdogs facing elite rivals during the height of the Great Depression.

The University of Washington's rowing team continues to thrive today, attracting top student-athletes from the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Their state-of-the-art training facility, located on the UW campus on the shores of Lake Washington, provides the ideal setting for the team's success. The team's dedication to excellence has been recognised through numerous championships and Olympic medals over the years.

The team's success can also be attributed to the strong support they receive from various sources. The alumni, the Washington Rowing Stewards, and the local community have all played a vital role in maintaining the team's winning tradition. Additionally, the team's participation in various regattas, such as the Head of the Lake Regatta and the Head of the Charles Regatta, provides valuable competitive experience and contributes to their overall development.

The University of Washington Rowing programme is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a strong foundation. Their success has inspired and continues to inspire rowers and athletes worldwide.

The film's source material

The 2023 film The Boys in the Boat is based on the 2013 non-fiction novel of the same name by Daniel James Brown. The book was a New York Times bestseller.

The film is directed by George Clooney and produced by Amazon MGM Studios. It follows the University of Washington rowing team and their quest to compete in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. The story is set in the 1930s during the Great Depression.

The film centres on Joe Rantz, a poor engineering student at the University of Washington who lives in an abandoned car and struggles to find food. Rantz joins the rowing team, along with fellow struggling student Roger Morris, in the hope of a steady income and accommodation. The team is coached by Al Ulbrickson, who is under pressure to beat rival Cal and make the 1936 Olympics.

The Boys in the Boat follows the team as they train and compete, eventually making it to the Olympics where they take on rivals from around the world. The film also explores the personal lives of the characters, including Rantz's relationship with his girlfriend, Joyce Simdars, and his father, who abandoned him as a child.

The film's cast

The film adaptation of "The Boys in the Boat" is based on the 2013 non-fiction book by Daniel James Brown. It was directed and produced by George Clooney, with Grant Heslov as co-producer, and Mark L. Smith as the screenwriter. The film was released in theatres in the United States on December 25, 2023, by Amazon MGM Studios.

• Bruce Herbelin-Earle as George "Shorty" Hunt
• Callum Turner as Joe Rantz
• Chris Diamantopoulos as Royal Brougham
• Courtney Henggeler as Hazel Ulbrickson
• Hadley Robinson as Joyce Simdars, Joe Rantz's girlfriend and later wife
• Ian McElhinney as Old Joe
• James Wolk as Assistant Coach Tom Bolles
• Joel Edgerton as Coach Al Ulbrickson
• Peter Guinness as George Pocock
• Sam Strike as Roger Morris
• Thomas Stephen Varey as Johnny White
• Wil Coban as Jim "Stub" McMillin

Frequently asked questions