Customer Reviews

The Long Green Line

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Likely few sports fans or many people at all have ever heard of Joe Newton, yet the guy may be one of the greatest coaches in the history of American sports. "The Long Green Line" chronicles a season in the life of the York High School (Elmhurst, IL) cross country team, coached by Joe Newton. Newton has 50+ years of coaching experience and over 25 Illinois state Cross country championships to his credit.

Newton is old school, doling out tough love with daily motivational quotes to his charges. More than great runners, he aims to develop young men of strong character. Challenges abound in this quest as teens are tempted by booze and the lure of petty crime. The story lines are compelling and the movie is an inspiring glimpse of one man's commitment to excellence in his craft.

"The Long Green Line" is superb!

We heard about the Long Green Line and purchased a copy based on a friend's recommendation. While I am athletic and never ran cross country this movie goes far beyond that. Similar to the hero himself, Joe Newton, it's about more than a sport. It's about excelling beyond your own expectation, surpising yourself with accomplishment.

I wish I had a mentor growing up that had half of the energy of this coach.

The film is well shot, well edited and has a nice narrative. HIghly recommned.

This is one of the best documentaries and movies I have ever seen. It is very inspiring. Coach Newton's sayings have more to do with life than running. It is great even if you don't do sports. It is a true testament to young athletes and people everywhere.

I loved this movie. I am a runner. I even ran Girls Cross Country at York H.S. many moons ago. But you don't need to be a runner to benefit from this man's wisdom and spirt. Joe Newton is a legend! He inspires not only runners but all people to be their best self.

It is unbelievable what this man accomplishes year after year, decade after decade. This is not a school that gets to offer incentives for top athletes to attend. On the contrary, he takes whoever he gets. Often times,these are ackward Freshman boys who come out for Cross Country because it is a non-cut sport! Over the course of a few short months in a season, and a few seasons in their H.S. career, he turns these young boys into athletes and respectable men.

One thing I found especially inspiring while watching the movie is how he and his Long Green Line are able to prevail dispite adversity. He creates such depth in his teams that when trouble arises (as it often can with young men) they have additional talent to call upon--additional men to rise to the challenge. Joe believes in them, so they believe in themselves. Perhaps this is how The Long Green Line continually manages to succeed!

This movie is inspiring for athletes young and old, for parents trying to inspire their children, for teachers and coaches looking for a way to make a difference. Don't miss it!!!

I was really looking forward to this movie ever since I saw the trailer more than a year ago AND it exceeded all my expectations. This is a wonderful documentary about a team, their coach and their quest for their 25th Illinois State Cross Country title. The Dukes of York from Elmhurst, Illinois are legendary in cross country circles. Their coach, Joe Newton, is an icon in the world of cross country. The filmmakers, former York runners, do an excellent job of capturing the unique world of the high school cross country runner. The season unfolds with drama, tragedy and tenderness. For anyone that doubts the capacity of today's youth to work hard and sacrifice need to look no further than than this fine film. For hardcore runners this movie is A MUST!! BUT it is a movie that everyone will enjoy because it touches at the soul of what high school sports can mean every young person. This easily ONE OF THE BEST RUNNING MOVIES EVER!!

As a cross country coach, I bought this movie looking for an inspirational running movie to show my team before their district championship meet. I was also very excited to see a movie made that actually featured cross country! The Long Green Line was a good movie, well made, and nicely paced. However, the coach, not the athletes, is the focal point of the movie, which is kind of a shame.

Was at the premier of this movie. Coach Newton is a legend. I can see why now. With so many men going for the team he still nows them all and inspires them all from the class 'A' athelete to the slowest.

I have to offer a slightly dissenting view on this movie. Yes, it's an enjoyable feel-good story of hard-working young athletes and the respected elder coach who leads them. The runners and the coach are likable and it's fun to root for them. But something is missing.

In this movie, we are told that Joe Newton is a great high school cross country coach. Indeed, he is seeking his 25th Illinois state cross country title. But what we don't see is WHY he is a great coach. We never see him, for instance, working with an athlete on his running form, discussing training methods (long runs versus sprints, for instance) or even advising a boy on race strategy. All he seems to do is read an inspirational quote at the beginning of each practice, and then leave the actual coaching to his assistants.

In fact, if I was to explain why Newton's teams are successful -- based on what I saw in this documentary -- I would say it's just a matter of sheer numbers. At the beginning of the season, Newton has his upperclassmen go around the school and recruit runners. They end up with something like 180 boys -- a HUGE number for a cross country team (you only need seven). When you start with that many runners some of them are bound to be good.

I suspect that those who know Joe Newton would say that I don't know the whole story -- and that's exactly my point. The movie doesn't give us a complete picture. It assumes we will just accept that Joe Newton is a great coach without showing us how he does it.

If you are a coach (of any sport) or a teacher this film will inspire and encourage a renewed commitment to scholar-athletes. Newton has the highest expectations for his athletes but also develops positive, encouraging relationships with all of his athletes, regardless of natural ability. A great story. The only thing I would wish for is for more footage of racing with better cinematography.

I watched this film several times and found myself comparing my own H.S. running experience to the kid's experience in the film. A huge student body and a good coach makes for a great team. I would of liked to run at York.