Justin: Minneapolis North High Football Documentary Review

rcement officers, persevered through the challenges of the pandemic and the impact of George Floyd’s murder has captured the attention of viewers through two major documentaries. “Boys in Blue,” a four-part series on Showtime from 2023, and “Force of Blue,” now streaming on Prime Video, explore the resilience of the team.

Despite their focus on the team’s journey, both documentaries missed the mark by not placing enough emphasis on the real stars of high school sports – the students themselves. “Boys in Blue,” directed by Peter Berg, delved into the aftermath of Floyd’s death, but ended up highlighting activists more than the players. Berg’s fixation on head coach Charles Adams III, a former Minneapolis police officer, overshadowed the players’ stories.

“Force of Blue,” directed by Jeffrey Williams, offers a closer look at the relationship between the players, the coaches, and law enforcement mentors. Williams captures key moments where Coach Adams balances tough love with heartfelt mentorship, showcasing the dedication of the adults involved. However, the documentary falls short in providing a deeper exploration of the students’ experiences.

While Williams skillfully portrays the challenges faced by North High School and its students, the limited budget and resources impact the overall production quality. The use of cellphone footage and remote interviews may have been constraints due to the pandemic and budget limitations, but they detract from the opportunity to truly showcase the students’ stories.

In comparison to other sports documentaries like “Titletown High” and “Last Chance U,” which delve into the personal lives and struggles of high school athletes, “Force of Blue” lacks that intimate portrayal of the players. By shifting the focus to the students’ voices and experiences, future documentaries on Minneapolis North High School could offer a more engaging and authentic narrative.

While “Force of Blue” provides insight into the dedication of the coaches and mentors, there is a missed opportunity to highlight the resilience and triumphs of the students at the center of the story. As viewers, we are drawn to the human stories behind the sports drama, and by giving students a more prominent voice, future documentaries can create a more impactful and compelling narrative.