From their meager beginning in the 1980s as "the red headed stepchild" of sports through four World Cups and three Olympic games, Dare to Dream examines how Mia Hamm broke through as a media phenomenon, why Brandi Chastain... more »'s celebratory moment stirred so much controversy, and how Julie Foudy, Michelle Akers, and Joy Fawcett overcame daunting obstacles to help the team step into history, and in the process lift the aspirations of all young women.« less
I watched because of my daughter, but I loved it too.
JKav | SF,CAL | 08/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Last year, I began coaching my daughter's U-8 team. The girls knew nothing about the glories of the USWNT. I told them about Mia Hamm and got them to read a brief bio on her, but this HBO documentary was the best teaching tool ever.
It is a great story that uses the retirement game for Hamm, Fawcett and Foudy to lok back at the history of the WNT from the first WC in 1991 through the 2004 Olympics.
This movie can't help but increase the self esteem of any young girl just starting the sport to see how good the Americans can be at soccer. Because the Men's World Cup gets more publicity, my girls all thought that Americans just weren't very good at soccer and that it was dominated by a half dozen European and So. American countries. This video points out that historically the US WNT is the best. It really got my daughter interested in the current WNT and we even went to see a game in San Jose last month.
The release is being timed to come just after the beginning of this year's Women's World Cup in China. (The first game for the US team, who are #1 ranked again, is Sept. 11th.
HBO is also selling it directly through their website, but for $5 more.
"
This One's a Score
JOE F. | Manassas, VA | 01/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I originally saw this documentary on HBO over a year ago. After watching it, I knew I had to get it on DVD for my daughter for Christmas this year. A truly inspirational story for anyone, but especially for young women, this story of the USA Women's Soccer Team shows their rise from obscurity to glory. My daughter was so captivated by the emotional and educational aspects of the Team's struggle to achieve validation, notoriety and greatness in the historically male centric American sports scene, that she has already planned to have her entire soccer team over to our house for a group viewing to inspire them for the upcoming season."
Heartwarming and Inspiring
Michael P. Crump | Muncie, IN United States | 07/16/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a fan of soccer for over 30 years. For me there are certain American highlights that I will always remember - Pele coming to America, the mens world cup being held here, and the women's world cup championship. I first saw this documentary when traveling to New York City. I can remember sitting there and thinking how well Dare to Dream captured the feelings of the time around this team. I could not wait to get it so I can watch it again.
I have a daughter who plays soccer and other sports and it's hard to find mainstream media stories about succesful women athletes. This video does it all - it's a great soccer story, it's a great story about women, and it's a great story about atheletes who truly came from no where and vaulted into the psyche of this country and plenty of others.
While it is a great story I think that the production of this documentary is also extremely well done. Great action scenes, great interviews, and some great private video footage. Excellent - an absolute must for any fan of women's soccer. A great buy for any fan of sports."
Dare to Dream
Donald R. Graham | Ashburn, VA United States | 03/22/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Inspirational DVD. First bought it for my young granddaughter. As she opened it, my 85 years young mother expressed an interest in the story. Sent her the DVD as well. Apparently it was perfect timing as my mother was dispirited as a result of the death of her sole mate and husband of many years. Boosted her spirits and reminded her of her own sense of adventure and love of life. Highly recommend the DVD.
Play soccer like a girl!!!!"
Dare to Dream
Fairfax County Public Schools | Fairfax, VA | 06/22/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I coach a U14 Girls Travel soccer team and as a motivating practice, I watched this movie with my team and they loved it! I was a bit surprised at the editing, as there were a few moments of bad language that I wouldn't necessarily let younger kids hear, but other than that, and if you don't really care, the video was raw and honest and perfect for inspriring girl athletes."