User Reviews

While the title focuses specifically on the Soviet hockey team's loss at the 1980 Olympics, this really is NOT what the show is about at all. Sure, much of it DOES focus on this game but it also talks a lot about the creation and evolution of the team both before and after this infamous game. I point this out because JUST talking about the 1980 Olympic hockey loss would be a bit boring--especially since this is a very long "30 for 30" documentary! Overall, it's actually very interesting and perhaps the only comprehensive look at the Red Army's hockey program--reason enough to see it. But it's also extremely well made (like nearly all "30 for 30" shows) and interesting throughout.

Interestingly, my oldest daughter sat with me and watched this show...and she hates sports. She didn't adore it but did find it informative and interesting.

Very nice sport and politics documentary on Soviet ice hockey. It shows how fabulous was the collective style coach Tarasov developed in Soviet Union, clearly overcoming Canadians and the United States and their brutal and individualistic game. It also shows how political interventions and lack of freedom for sportsmen impacted Soviet hockey, despite the fact that outcomes continued mostly successful. A great contrast is made between two innovative and victorious but opposite styles: passionate and affectious one applied by Tarasov and ruthless and mechanically precise one imposed by coach Tikhonov. Many of the best soviet players, from different generations, are shown in the film, until discussing the last of them, Fetisov, the first citizen to be released from the Red Army to live and work abroad, and the Stanley Cup for Detroit Red Wings with five Russian players.

Of Miracles and Men is the best sports documentary I have seen. But it really transcends sports, and is more of human story.

Like the musical, "Wicked", that challenged the conventional view of "The Wizard of Oz", this movie completely altered my understanding of the 1980 Olympic Miracle on Ice. And in this case, it's a true story.

Not to take anything away from the remarkable feat by the American hockey players, but showing the amazing human beings on the other side of that outcome, provides a deeper and more 3 dimensional perspective. There are lessons to be learned from the commitment and bravery of the Soviet players, and maybe there was an even bigger miracle nobody knew.

This is a fascinating story that covers the history of Soviet hockey, the Miracle on Ice from the Soviet perspective, and the trailblazers from that team that changed Soviet rules on working outside the country and joined the NHL. All three sections are absorbing. This episode should interest non-sports fans as well.

I wish there was a way to watch it again for free. It's probably worth the $4.

A history of Soviet ice hockey, looking at the rise of the national team to prominence under Anatoli Tarasov, the tenure of Viktor Tikhonov, the 'Miracle on Ice', and the saga of Viacheslav Fetisov's NHL draft.

This is an interesting look at the development of the sport during the post-war era, the contrasting ideas of two coaches, and the impact of Cold War politics. It contains plenty of interesting interviews and archived footage all superbly edited together.

The most interesting aspects for me is insight provided into the hockey system within the Soviet Union. Mainly how the sport of bandy was developed into ice hockey by Tarasov, his coaching methods, philosophy, and how it fit the socialist mindset. The stark contrast of Tikhonov who is depicted as 'a man of the system', embodying the more oppressive aspects of the communist ideology.

A Soviet perspective on the 'miracle on ice' is refreshing, but the event itself is a story done to death by other sporting documentaries, movies, and nostalgic Olympic broadcasts. My favourite part is by far the Russian journalist who makes the 'kissing Sophia Loren' comparison.

Probably the most fascinating and emotive aspect is the final segment that focuses on Fetisov and everything that happened behind the scenes leading up to his draft.

I love the way they look at the more bigger-picture miracles through the contributions of Tarasov and Fetisov to Soviet hockey. Also the final comparisons between the philosophies of both ice hockey and the Soviet Union itself, likening the origins of each to institutions born out of good intentions that were perverted by cynicism and dictatorship.

For me an 8.5/10 but I round upwards.

Its hard to see all that both teams had to give up but more impressive is the commitment of these Russian players and coaches. I like to think that any given Sunday a American Football Team and beat another. That doesn't mean they are the best, just means it was their day. Injuries, luck etc...all play into the game.

This movie is hard hitting and has me cheering for the Russian Hockey Program.

Just a great movie!