Building Jerusalem

Building Jerusalem is a 2015 British documentary film directed by James Erskine and produced by Victoria Gregory. The film features rugby union players like Matt Dawson, George Gregan, and Martin Johnson. This movie aims to tell a compelling story while offering a unique perspective on the background and evolution of the England Rugby Union team, focusing particularly on the thrilling victory of England in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

The movie provides an in-depth look at the team’s journey following their disastrous performance in the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Their loss led to a complete re-evaluation of their strategies, a change in coach, and the developement of a new team ethos under Sir Clive Woodward. This documentary explores how this infamous defeat resulted in a momentous turning point for the team, catalyzing the development that would eventually lead them towards a glorious victory in 2003.

The documentary shines a spotlight on the significant individuals who played a crucial role in this transformation. Matt Dawson, who was an influential figure on the team, serves as one of the key narrators in the movie. Dawson provides his perspective on the memorable events, contributing personal and emotional details to the narrative. Additionally, Martin Johnson's input as the captain who led England to their 2003 World Cup win adds another layer of excitement and intrigue to the documentary.

Contributions from George Gregan, the Australian former rugby union player, create a well-rounded narrative perspective. As a member of the Australian team defeated by England in the 2003 final, Gregan's point of view grants an understanding of the riveting events from both sides of the competition.

'Building Jerusalem' combines exciting, high-adrenaline scenes with a well-structured narrative arch. The film appeals to a broad audience, offering entertainment for hard-core rugby fans but also engaging viewers who may not be familiar with the sport. The movie provides action-packed rugby footage interspersed with interviews and analysis from various perspectives, painting a vivid picture of the pressure, intensity, and happiness that defined the England rugby team's journey towards victory.

Moreover, Building Jerusalem is not just solely focused on the game. It explores the psychological and strategic aspects involved in such a huge competition, detailing its profound effect on players' mental health and their struggle to balance personal life with professional responsibilities. This approach provides a raw and human perspective often missing from the pages of sports history, humanizing these world-class athletes in a deeply compelling way.

The documentary excellently captures the transformation of an equally demoralized and criticized team into world champions. As such, it is also a film about leadership and the dramatic impact of good coaching, emphasizing the instrumental role of Coach Sir Clive Woodward. His innovative training techniques, coupled with a focus on team unity and mental strength, marked a distinct departure from the traditional approach to coaching rugby. The film documents Woodward's measures to build a high-performing team from scratch, riddled with pressures and expectations.

"Building Jerusalem'" thereby encapsulates many themes, be it the power of a strong sporting mindset, the relentless pursuit of excellence, recovery from defeat, or camaraderie between team members. The film offers a unique narrative on how the England Rugby Union team bounced back from disappointment and gradually climbed the ladder towards success. The interviews and visuals of the 2003 final imbue the audience with a sense of nostalgia, transporting them back to this triumphant moment in England's sports history.

The cinematography of the documentary enhances the storytelling, with stunning visuals of the games combined with the candor-filled interviews about the team's journey. Watching "Building Jerusalem" is a thrilling ride, making audience’s pulses race as if they were in the final match.

In conclusion, "Building Jerusalem" is an unwaveringly compelling documentary that retells the remarkable story of the England Rugby team's rise from the ashes. This film is a testament to the resilience, hard work, perseverance, and indomitable spirit of the team and will surely leave a lasting impression on every viewer, irrespective of their knowledge or interest in rugby. With a profound narrative and exceptional real-life characters, this documentary deservedly has a place in the annals of inspiring sports films.