Rudy grew up in a steel mill town where most people ended up working, but wanted to play football at Notre Dame instead. There were only a couple of problems. His grades were a little low, his athletic skills were poor, and he was only half the size of the other players. But he had the drive and the spirit of 5 people and has set his sights upon joining the team.
Acting
Sean Astin's face does 90% of the storytelling.
Score
Jerry Goldsmith weaponizes your tear ducts.
Direction
Anspaugh shoots Indiana like a religion.
Director
David Anspaugh
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The real Rudy Ruettiger makes a cameo as a fan behind Ned Beatty during the final game.
This film essentially created the modern sports-underdog template that every subsequent 'based on true story' athletic biopic has been photocopying for 30 years.
US
