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Roy Dupuis, Stephen McHattie, Julie Le Breton, Michel Barrette, Pierre-François Legendre ... see more see more... , Philip Craig , Patrice Robitaille , Rémy Girard , Diane Lavallée , Tony Calabretta , François Langlois-Vallières , Mario Jean , Benoît Girard , Paul Doucet , Normand Chouinard , Mike Ricci , Vincent Lecavalier , Stéphane Quintal , Mathieu Dandenault , Sean Avery , Ian Laperrière , Hubert Dany , Julie LeBreton , Larry Day , Pascal Dupuis , Rick Bramucci , Simon Deblois

This bio-drama centers around Quebec's most famous hockey player, Maurice "The Rocket" Richard, and focuses on the famous 1955 riot in the Forum.

Flixster Users

88% liked it

6,984 ratings

Critics

56% liked it

9 critics

PG, 2 hr. 3 min.

Directed by: Charles Binamé

Release Date: November 30, 2007

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DVD Release Date: December 11, 2007

Stats: 508 reviews

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Michel Barrette
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Flixster Reviews (508)

  • fb733768972
    May 5, 2010
    fb733768972
    A spiritual high-octane adrenaline fueled jump up and cheer classic sports film that (in my opinion) is a modern classic. Maurice is an astonishing hockey player in canadian history, and to have a movie made this well on a gifted player is an honour for our country. For an indepe... read morendant film, it sure the delivers and never disapoints throughout!
  • gator681
    July 24, 2008
    gator681
    [font=Century Gothic]"The Rocket" is thankfully not a biopic about Roger Clemens.(Sorry, Mets fan.) Rather, it is about Maurice "The Rocket" Richard(Roy Dupuis), a legendary hockey player who skated for the Montreal Canadiens during the 40's and 50's when they won numerous Stanl... read moreey Cups. Coming from humble origins, he had to work as a machinist to support his family while in his teens when he was also playing for a junior league team. At his first training camp, it was doubtful that he could skate much less play at a professional level due to a broken ankle and wrist that kept him out of the armed forces during World War II. But head coach Dick Irvin(Stephen McHattie) saw a toughness in the young player and knew he would succeed...[/font]
    [font=Century Gothic][/font]
    [font=Century Gothic]"The Rocket" is a compelling biopic that perfectly captures a bygone era when players had to be tougher to compete in the NHL.(This goes beyond the obvious lack of helmets.) According to the movie, Richard was particularly singled out because of his Frenchness but would start to attack this later in his career, becoming a focus for French Canadian nationalism. While I know we are meant to root for Richard in his struggles, it is also very hard to cheer against my beloved New York Rangers(yeah, yeah. I know. It is only a movie.), especially with ex-Ranger Sean Avery typecast as a bruiser. Maybe one day, he'll get a chance to play a romantic lead...[/font]
  • leekyle1968
    August 18, 2007
    leekyle1968
    still trying to watch this one in its entirety ( thanx for thats kids) but what i have seen is a brilliant portrayal of what was an amazing hockey player in a time where hockey players playerd at night and had a day job during the day just to make all ends meet. I think all the p... read moreresent nhl players should watch this and see how it is to play for the game and not for a million dollar paycheck.
  • kevsammal
    May 13, 2007
    kevsammal
    Dupuis is my favourite Montreal-based actor. Best delivery, in both French & English. Maurice Richard is someone all Canadian hear of, although most people are unaware of his contributions to the game.
  • iconjunkie
    March 14, 2009
    iconjunkie
    I'm not a hockey fan by any means but thanks to my French 1 class I've become much more knowledgeable on "The Rocket" and I really enjoyed doing so.
  • wolverineland
    April 20, 2008
    wolverineland
    Wonderful biographical drama of Montreal Canadiens legend Maurice Richard chronicling his rise in the NHL from humble working class machinist in the 1930's to Montreal icon in the 1950's. The film features great old school hockey action and the struggle between not only class but... read more culture. I'm not a hockey or sports fan but I do like sports films like this. This is definitely the "Raging Bull" of hockey movies.
  • lanche008
    December 25, 2007
    lanche008
    A must see for hockey fans not familiar with the full history of the sport, otherwise some of the particulars may be lost on you. I went into this looking for a hockey story on a hockey legend instead I was treated to a biography on person who was much more than a hockey legend. ... read moreMy only question was how accurate the portrayal of the NHL was at the time. Having been made by the CBC it can at times seem like a tirade against past injustices rather than a biopic. That said it was a well protrayed film of a man who gave what he could and more to not only a great sport but to his people as well. I was thouroughly pleased with the performances as well as the cameos of various NHL stars. The story did drag at times but overalll did a well above average job at telling a story that is obviously important to the french canadians but import to the history of hockey. The only shame is that this wont get as much circulation as a film like "Miracle" would.

View All Maurice Richard (The Rocket) Reviews

Critic Reviews

Frank Scheck
December 5, 2007
Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter

A well-made, inspirational effort that beautifully conveys its period and milieu.

Ronnie Scheib
December 5, 2007
Ronnie Scheib, Variety

Every bit as single-minded as its French-Canadian protagonist, pic drowns a potentially interesting story in careful literalism and elaborate period detail. Full Review

Nick Pinkerton
November 27, 2007
Nick Pinkerton, Village Voice

There's not much, finally, to lift this thing above its necessarily niche appeal. Full Review

Frank Lovece
December 4, 2007
Frank Lovece, Film Journal International

Overriding any such quibbles is Dupuis' utterly immersed performance and the film's sheer visual beauty. Aside from director Binamé's other talents, he actually makes hockey play comprehensible. Full Review

Adam Schubak
October 5, 2007
Adam Schubak, TV Guide's Movie Guide

Sure, it has all of the elements of an underdog tale that has been done time and time again, but it ultimately becomes so much more. Full Review

Donald J. Levit
June 5, 2007
Donald J. Levit, Film Threat

The film may move Montrealers but will excite few others. Full Review

Angela Baldassarre
April 30, 2006
Angela Baldassarre, Sympatico.ca

Fans of Maurice Richard will find "The Rocket" exhilarating and moving. Full Review

Bob Mondello
October 18, 2008
Bob Mondello, NPR.org

Click to read the article Full Review

Peter Howell
May 6, 2006
Peter Howell, Toronto Star

Click to read the article Full Review

Joshua Rothkopf
November 29, 2007
Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out New York

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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  • In the movie "Maurice Richard, The Rocket", what was the significance of his new jersey number?   Answer »
  • Which Montreal Canadiens Hockey player is The Rocket based on?  Answer »
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