Faithful Friday- Unstoppable: The True Story of Anthony Robles
by: Debbie waltz
Chronicling Anthony Robles’s triumphant return to championship form following a devastating loss the previous year, this movie offers a gripping account of his difficult journey. Born with a single leg, Anthony (Jharrel Jerome) unexpectedly assumes the paternal role, shouldering the responsibilities of a father figure due to Rick Robles (Bobby Cannavale)’s frequent and prolonged absences. Despite his status as a student who dreams of attending Iowa State University, he works tirelessly to support his family, often taking on second jobs cleaning airplanes to make ends meet.
Upon the shattering of his aspirations to attend Iowa, he bravely opted for the challenging path of a walk-on position at Arizona State University, rejecting the readily available full scholarship offered by Drexel University, a suggestion made by several people. He enters the room and finds himself among 55 other students, all competing fiercely for a coveted spot on the wrestling team. In his opening speech to the recruits, Coach Shawn Charles (played by Don Cheadle) said, “You are going to have to beat out men recruited ahead of you to be here.. You’re going to have to prove everyone wrong just to make the team..”
Following that statement, the highly anticipated tryouts finally began. The coach’s daily schedule was structured around a distinct theme, providing a focused and organized approach to the team’s training and skill development. The first theme focused on endurance. Coach Shawn had the recruits run laps around the track and, on unknown increments, were told to pass the weight to different teammates. When it came to him, he took off his shirt, wrapped one end through the middle of the weight, and tied it to his crutches. When they were asked to climb the bleachers, Anthony lost his crutch and occasionally used them to get his balance while jumping from step to step. Working in pairs was no different. While a teammate held his leg, he expertly used his arms to make his way up the bleachers- one hand at a time.
As tryouts began to get tougher and numbers dwindled, Anthony sought advice from his high school wrestling coach, Bobby Williams (played by Michael Peña). He encouraged Anthony to fight through it, having full knowledge that teammates would try to use his “disability” to their advantage.
“… You just need to make that leg as strong as two,” says Williams.
Disheartened by his advice, Anthony scoffs, telling him he’s heard that. Undaunted, Williams continues questioning his will to continue. Anthony snaps at him, telling him that’s why he’s still pushing through at tryouts.
“…Great, perfect! You have a point to prove. Use that!” William encourages.
From then on, Anthony begins training to strengthen his muscles. He starts hiking the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail on his own time; it is about 2.3 miles (3. 7 kilometers) and is around 1,151 feet (351 meters), making it a significant climb. Built on steps and uneven surfaces, one should expect a challenge that offers challenging yet rewarding views from the top. Little does he know this will help him in the long run when the team runs the trail during their workout. Though this endears him to the team, he still struggles to prove his worth to the coach. Meanwhile, Rick reenters the picture.
In one final test, Anthony is forced to wrestle one of his teammates for a spot in his weight class.
Getting the full support of his coach and teammates is not the movie’s only thing; the University has its own financial difficulties, which puts the team in jeopardy. It all works out, though, as a new camaraderie is formed in subsequent years.
Since sporting movies aren’t my thing, I was surprised how this movie captivated my attention. Sure, it focused on an athlete with a disability, but it showed how far she will go to support her children (spoiler alert: at one point, Judy donates her blood to make sure she has enough money to support her family). Let alone having your first child at 16 and accepting it has a disability.
In short, I recommend this movie to sports enthusiasts and everyone alike. It will entertain and inform audiences With inspirational themes such as self-acceptance and overcoming obstacles. At the same time, it does not shy away from some of the harsher realities of living in a fallen world. Though it touches on some sensitive themes that might upset younger audiences, it does not overwhelm the film. In other words, sensitive topics are broached but in just enough detail that you know something is happening behind the scenes.