A waste of 90 minutes of my life

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

After watching this movie a dozen times, I asked myself, "Why am I so attached to this film even though I'm not the biggest golf fan?". The answer is simply great cinema with great characters. The characters in this 1913 story carry the plot. No golf swing is the same because the audience sees it from a different character's perspective which keeps the story moving. The director, Bill Paxton, knows what he is doing with the camera, story, and characters. The editing and pacing are so good that you don't even notice it towards the end. The clothing designs and dialogue are authentic. The movie is so much more than an "inspirational sports movie", though it is inspirational. Themes of social class and family ties convey a greater significance that leads to a rewarding payoff! People often tell me that they passed on this movie because of the melodramatic title or the fact that they could not get past the half hour mark. The first act builds on the character structure for the next acts. I can assure you that if you stick with the story, you will not be disappointed!

This movie may be focused on golf but there's so much more to this movie than meets the eye;In this Film; there's love, loyalty, friendship, struggle, determination and it's all tied together beautifully through the beautiful game that is golf. Definitely a family movie at it's best, Well done to everyone that created this artistic masterpiece, I'm sure many will enjoy watching it.

I really enjoyed this film, it was creative and perfectly edited. Lead actors, Stephen (Harry) and Shia (Francis) fall into their roles very well with spectacular performances. Especially the cheeky little caddie boy, he lightened up the film with his adorable performance. The golf matches that take up most of the film are exciting to watch. 'The Greatest Game Ever Played' gives insight on two very different characters but with a similar background...Harry Verdon and Francis faced similar obstacles on their way. Both came from impoverished background, just from different timelines. Although I think it would have been fair if Harry Verdon had more screen time. It would have been nice if they showed Vardon's childhood and his life in the countryside and how the mysterious men in top hats changed his life forever. Francis, like Vardon weren't welcome in the gentleman's clubs and it took them a lot of courage to make it as professional golfers, the game after all was highly discriminatory and I think Harry wanted Francis to take over the mantle, mostly because he didn't want to be the only guy from impoverished background? And actor costumes were great! Loved Stephen's natty wardrobe...looks classy!

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie on all levels. The acting was outstanding. The cinematography was beautiful. The story line was compelling. The music was enchanting. The costumes and wardrobe were exquisite. Based on a true story, this movie gave the viewer a glimpse into some of the challenges and privileges of participating in traditional golf tournaments as well as highlight the competitive nature of golf as a so-called gentleman's sport. Besides being heart-warming, it was also heart-wrenching and suspenseful. I am surprised this movie was not nominated for more awards. It was truly a rare find. I would highly recommend this movie which would appeal to all ages - young and old.