Showtime will provide an unprecedented look inside the Army and Navy football programs with the two-hour documentary “A Game of Honor,” debuting Wednesday at 10 p.m. This film is more than just about sports or the lead up to the Army-Navy game. It is about the mental, physical and emotional toughness that it takes to simply be a student at these two academies. You don’t have to know anything about the Army-Navy game to appreciate “A Game of Honor.”
Co-producer/director Pete Radovich Jr. and co-producer Steve Karasik crafted a brilliant film that transcends sports with the use of multiple storylines that focus on the players, coaches, families and traditions that make up one of the most renowned rivalries in sports.
Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo talks about recruiting kids that must understand that playing football is just a part of a life-changing experience when they come to Annapolis.
There are many great player profiles, including one that features Navy quarterback Kriss Proctor going through the rigorous tests of training at Quantico to become a Marine. He is pushed both physically and mentally to the brink by his quest.
Radovich and his crew do a fantastic job of showing how football is the easiest part of the lives of these young men. From the bugle wake-up call that comes at 6:30 a.m., every moment of the day is planned out. Structure becomes commonplace to all who attend Army and Navy.
The phrase we hear so often during football season that “these men are going to war” rings hollow after watching this film. After the Army-Navy game, the midshipmen and cadets get their service assignments.
Radovich told me a month ago he hoped the movie showed why these two schools were so special. Mission accomplished.
Examiner columnist Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!
