TORONTO — Moved by the determination and emotion on display in Sochi? Inspired by the thrill of victory and agony of defeat showcased at the Winter Olympics?
Here are six films about chilly sports — not all of them winners — that will keep you in the Olympic spirit. Whether it’s the thrill of downhill skiing, the skill of figure skating or the drama of bobsledding, there’s a flick worth cheering for.
Blades of Glory (2007)
Will Ferrell and Jon Heder are rival figure skaters who find themselves banned for life after a fight on the podium. Their pursuit for gold, though, continues when they realize they can compete as the sport’s first male-male pair. One competition in this colorful comedy is set in Montreal and Toronto-born funnyman Will Arnett has a supporting role.
Miracle (2004)
Filmed in and around Vancouver, Miracle is the true story of Herb Brooks (played by Kurt Russell), the former player who beat the odds and coached the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the Russians. Spoiler alert!
Ice Castles (2010)
U.S. figure skater Taylor Firth went to Halifax to star in this tear-jerker about a young figure skater who suffers a fall that takes away her sight and dashes her dream of becoming a champion. Or does it? Two-time Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan makes an appearance in this drama, which also stars Toronto-born Henry Czerny.
Downhill Racer (1969)
In this film based on the 1963 novel by Oakley Hall, Robert Redford plays a member of the U.S. ski team whose ambition and personality clash with his coach (Gene Hackman) and fellow skiers. Will he take gold at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble?
The Cutting Edge (1992)
Bad things happen to hockey player Doug Dorsey (D.B. Sweeney) and figure skater Kate Moseley (Moira Kelly) at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. They decide to pair up in hopes of making it big at the next Games — and, of course, fall in love in the process. Shot in Southern Ontario, this flick was directed by Paul Michael Glaser of Starsky & Hutch fame.
Cool Runnings (1993)
Beloved Canadian actor John Candy stars opposite Leon and Doug E. Doug in this comedy based on the true story of how the Jamaican bobsled team came together and made it to the Winter Olympics in Calgary. Adding to the realism, the film was mostly shot in Calgary.
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