Author: Jorge Perez
Have you ever thought about what it takes to master the game of golf? It’s not just about the swing or the equipment; it’s a game that requires unparalleled grace and control to truly excel. Played on a sprawling open course adorned with 18 unique holes, golf challenges players to use a variety of clubs to hit the ball into each hole using as few strokes as possible. The game’s beauty lies in its complexity and the serene yet strategic nature of its courses.
The Long Game, set against the rich backdrop of 1956 in the quaint South Texas town of Del Rio, follows JB Peña (played by Jay Hernandez) and his wife Lucy Peña (played by Jaina Lee Ortiz) as they move to Del Rio. JB relocates partly to get a job as a school superintendent but primarily for a chance to fulfill his dream of joining the prestigious, all-white Del Rio Country Club.
JB is rejected based on the color of his skin. Devastated, he soon meets a group of young Latinos who caddy for members at the Del Rio Country Club. JB discovers the boys have created their makeshift golf course to teach themselves how to play golf. With determination and limited resources, JB convinces the boys to start their own high school golf team, setting them on a journey where they learn it takes more than golf skills to make history.
This movie had a lasting impact on me. I looked up the definition of “the long game” concerning golf and found that “generally shots made outside 100 yards from the green are considered part of the long game.” After watching the movie, I realized that “The Long Game” symbolizes the minority’s ability to engage in a sport predominantly played by white individuals.
The movie showed how JB and the boys’ golf team endured the daily racism to be recognized as legitimate golfers. They laid the foundation for other Latinos to pursue their dreams. The storytelling was masterful, and the portrayal of the 1950s was remarkable. There were moments when I became upset seeing a character face the racist actions of others, yet I had to remind myself that this took place in the 1950s and things were harder back then. This movie is a great reminder of striving for what is right and working toward equality. The Long Game is worth watching.
Don’t miss out on the inspiring journey of The Long Game, in theatres April 12th nationwide. Experience the powerful story of determination, resilience, and breaking barriers in adversity. Watch it today to witness how one man’s dream and a group of young Latinos’ passion for golf challenged the status quo and paved the way for future generations. Share this review with your friends and family to discuss this impactful film.
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