Movies: Raising the Bar: The Alma Richards Story (2025) by T.C. Christensen: An Uplifting Portrait of Perseverance and Faith
- dailyentertainment95
- Sep 24
- 4 min read
From Ranch Hand to Olympic Champion
Raising the Bar tells the inspiring true story of Alma Richards, a young boy from rural Utah who quits school at the age of 14 to work as a ranch hand. After a chance encounter with a professor who sparks his curiosity about education, Alma resumes school, eventually earning a scholarship to BYU and discovering his natural talent for high jump. His journey leads him to the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, where he defies the odds to win a gold medal and becomes the first Utah-born Olympian to achieve such a feat. The film is both a celebration of athletic excellence and a reminder that perseverance, humility, and faith can turn unlikely beginnings into extraordinary legacies.
Why to Recommend Movie: Heartfelt Inspiration for All Ages
True Story of Triumph: Alma’s journey from dropout to Olympic gold medalist is a powerful testament to grit and determination.
Family-Friendly Entertainment: Rated PG, making it accessible for audiences of all ages who enjoy inspirational, values-based storytelling.
Underdog Sports Drama: Fans of Chariots of Fire and Woodlawn will appreciate its mix of sports, history, and moral lessons.
Focus on Character and Growth: The film prioritizes Alma’s personal development and integrity over flashy sports sequences.
This is a perfect choice for viewers seeking uplifting cinema that reminds them of the power of education, hard work, and believing in one’s potential.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/raising-the-bar-the-alma-richards-story (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/raising-the-bar-the-alma-richards-story (Canada)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34957792/
About movie: https://raisingthebarmovie.com/
What is the Trend Followed: Inspirational Biopics & Sports Films
Raising the Bar fits squarely into the tradition of biographical sports dramas.
Classic Underdog Narrative: It embraces the time-tested arc of a character overcoming early setbacks to reach the pinnacle of success.
Faith & Family Values: Reflects a growing demand for clean, motivational films that emphasize perseverance and morality.
Historical Recreation: Like Seabiscuit or McFarland, USA, it immerses viewers in an earlier era with period-accurate sets and costumes.
This trend reflects audiences’ appetite for true stories that uplift rather than shock — a counterbalance to darker, cynical dramas.
Director’s Vision: T.C. Christensen’s Signature Touch
Craftsman of Faith-Based Cinema: Christensen, known for 17 Miracles and Ephraim’s Rescue, brings his visual storytelling and sensitivity to historical authenticity.
Rooted in Place and Culture: His cinematography highlights Utah’s landscapes and small-town settings, grounding Alma’s journey in a sense of place.
Focus on Moral Themes: Christensen balances sports drama with a narrative about personal integrity, resilience, and humility.
Commitment to Research: The film takes care to depict the early 20th century accurately, from clothing to training techniques.
Christensen’s vision results in a film that feels intimate yet cinematic, offering a window into both Alma’s struggles and the era’s spirit.
Themes: Education, Perseverance, and Humility
Value of Learning: Alma’s decision to return to school is a turning point, underscoring education as a path to opportunity.
Overcoming Adversity: His journey highlights how poverty, bullying, and self-doubt can be overcome through discipline and support.
Faith in Action: Spirituality is subtly woven into the narrative, showing Alma’s inner strength without overt proselytizing.
Community & Mentorship: The role of mentors like Thomas Trueblood shows how one person’s encouragement can change the course of a life.
These themes make the story resonate far beyond the world of athletics, offering lessons that apply to everyday struggles.
Key Success Factors: Why It Works
Authentic Lead Performance: Paul Wuthrich brings sincerity and emotional depth to Alma, making him relatable and human.
Historical Accuracy: The film meticulously recreates early Olympic competition, lending credibility and immersion.
Positive Word-of-Mouth: Viewers praise its sincerity and inspirational message, driving strong audience scores.
Emotional Payoff: The climactic Olympic scenes are moving and satisfying, providing a powerful conclusion to Alma’s journey.
The combination of heartfelt performances, craftsmanship, and universal themes ensures this film stands out in the inspirational sports genre.
Critics Reception: Warm and Encouraging
Variety (early review): “A sincere and heartfelt portrait of a man who literally raised the bar for generations to come.”
Faith-Based Media Roundup: Applauded its balance of spirituality and sports drama, calling it “refreshingly non-preachy.”
Regional Critics: Praised Christensen’s direction and the film’s production design, noting its attention to detail and emotional impact.
Overall, critics note that while it follows a familiar sports drama formula, its heart and authenticity make it memorable and effective.
Reviews: Audience Response
Audience Scores: Currently holding an 8.2/10 rating, with many praising its inspirational message.
Family Appeal: Viewers highlight its accessibility for younger audiences and its emphasis on perseverance and moral character.
Emotional Impact: Multiple reviewers mentioned leaving the theater motivated and uplifted, with some calling it one of Christensen’s best works.
Movie Trend: Underdog Sports Stories
The film continues the cinematic tradition of celebrating underdog athletes — films like Chariots of Fire, Prefontaine, and The Boys in the Boat have proven the enduring appeal of stories where sheer determination beats the odds.
Social Trend: Audience Hunger for Positive Narratives
Raising the Bar comes at a time when audiences are seeking uplifting, wholesome content that can be shared with the entire family. It offers an antidote to the often cynical tone of modern dramas, providing hope, encouragement, and inspiration in a way that feels timely.
Final Verdict: A Triumphant True Story
Raising the Bar: The Alma Richards Story is a stirring and heartfelt sports drama that offers more than just a story about athletic success. It is about finding purpose, overcoming hardship, and inspiring others to aim higher — both literally and figuratively. For anyone who loves underdog stories, period dramas, or simply leaving the theater feeling hopeful, this is a must-watch.
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