THE ROCKET (2005)

The Rocket brings the mythic life of hockey legend Maurice Richard (Dupuis) to the screen with boldness and emotional power. Tracing his humble beginnings as a Montreal machinist during the depression to his meteoric rise as the greatest scorer in hockey while leader of the Canadiens, the film features some truly gritty and thrilling hockey sequences. But this is much more than a sports movie. Director Charles Binamé frames the story in a cultural context: It isn’t until Richard, a man of few words, begins to speak his mind about the inequalities and prejudice directed towards French Canadians that he finds his voice. Many feel that the riots caused by Richard’s controversial suspension in 1955 were the spark that fuelled the Quiet Revolution in Quebec. This uniquely Canadian blockbuster is chock-full of heart, history and, of course, a whole lot of hockey — but the great story and searing performances are sure to delight even those who aren’t fans of the game.

The Rocket was nominated for thirteen Genie Awards and won nine.