Movie Review: Maurice Richard (The Rocket)

Maurice Richard a.k.a. The Rocket 

Roy Dupuis, Julie Le Breton, Michel Barrette, Mike Ricci, Patrice Robitaille, Vincent Lecavalier, Ian Laperriere, Randy Thomas, Philip Craig, Sean Avery, Tony Calabretta, Tedd Dillon, Pascal Dupuis, Stephane Quintal, Jim Henry, Philippe Sauve 

Director: Charles Binamé 

Cinémaginaire Inc., Alliance Atlantis Vivafilm, Desjardins, Téléfilm Canada, Quebec Film and Television Tax Credit, SODEC, Super Écran, Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit, Radio Canada Télévision, Canada, 2005.

In 1955 Montreal hockey fans are rioting because Maurice Richard was suspended for the remainder of the 1954–55 season for punching a linesman. The movie then cuts to 1937. Young Maurice (François Langlois-Vallières) is working in metal works facility. He is silent and hard-working boy. In his free time he plays ice hockey in a minor league. Being picked on by both the worker union activists and employers, his only way out of poverty is to rise to upper leagues. His team is losing the final match, but Maurice makes the winning goals. He also meets his future wife Lucille Norchet (Amélie Richer). 

Young Maurice Richards

Young Lucille Norchet

Early ice hockey games

In 1942 during the World War II years adult Maurice (Roy Dupuis) proposes Lucille (Julie Le Breton). Maurice has been invited to Habs (The Montreal Canadiens) training camp, although he has had many sports injuries. Despite her father's (Michel Barrette) opposition Lucille marries Maurice. Tough but skilled coach Dick Irvin (Stephen McHattie) is trying to find good but inexpensive new players. Ice hockey is an unpopular game and NHL is nearly finished. Maurice, nicknamed The Comet gets a place in the team. After promising starts Maurice is injured again and his career is thought be finished. 

Adult Maurice

Maurice's wife Lucille

Coach Dick Irvin

Manager Tommy Gorman (Philip Craig) wants to trade him. Irvin declines and Maurice begins to earn his legend. He gets a new nickname The Rocket. He also becomes popular icon for repressed French-speaking population. In a game against New York Rangers Bob Dill (Sean Avery) is sent to beat up Maurice, but Maurice fights back showing he will not be pushed around. He begins to protest the injustices against Francophones in the league opening also a way for political change in Canada.

NHL matches

Injuries are common

Sean Avery as Bob Dill

The movie covers most of Maurice Richards record-breaking career and also some history of NHL. This is a truthful biographical film and good rags to riches story. The games in 1940s and 1950s were quite different from modern games, without helmets the injuries were bloody and possibly life threatening. Also fist fights were common part of the game. Ice hockey fans can spot many famous NHL-players in the movie such as Vincent Lecavalier, Sean Avery, Pascal Dupuis, Stéphane Quintal and Philippe Sauvé. The movie is beautifully shot with black and white transitions creating historical atmosphere. The drama makes it interesting also for nonfans of ice hockey. 

Hockey players must have boxing skills

Rating: Very good