Take Down

Take Down is a 1979 American sports drama film directed by Kieth Merrill. The movie features an ensemble cast headlined by notable actors like Edward Herrmann, Kathleen Lloyd, and Lorenzo Lamas. Benefiting from superb performances and a well-rounded script, Take Down offers an engaging portrayal of the world of high school sports and imparts lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and overcoming adversity.

Edward Herrmann, best known for his roles in "The Lost Boys" and "Gilmore Girls," shows his acting versatility through his riveting performance as Ed Branish, a laid-back English teacher at a woefully underfunded high school called Mingo. Branish is neither a sports enthusiast nor a competitive individual, making him an unlikely candidate to take on the school's new wrestling program. However, an unexpected turn of events results in him heading up the school's ragtag wrestling team. Herrmann brings the right balance of humor, empathy, and determination to his portrayal of Branish, ensuring audiences root for him from the onset.

Kathleen Lloyd, a TV veteran known for her appearances in shows like "Magnum P.I." and "The Practice," also stars in Take Down. She plays Sally, a determined real estate salesperson who gets involved with the school's wrestling team, thereby shaking up the status quo. Lloyd's performance displays not only her character’s audaciousness and strong personality, but also her sincere concern for the boys on the team.

Throwing a young Lorenzo Lamas into the mix, the film gets an added layer of drama. Lamas, in one of his earliest roles, is charismatic as Nick Kilvitus, a rebellious and talented transfer student who ends up on the wrestling team. The actor expertly captures the struggle and turmoil within Nick – who is clearly dealing with issues beyond the wrestling mat.

Take Down isn’t just about wrestling; it's a story about unlikely heroes and the potential within us to excel when put to the test. The movie explores a scenario that involves underserved students, dwindled school resources, and blighted social settings that result in key moments of raw human spirit, determination, and triumph that often characterize the sports drama genre. It is a testament to bonding, resilience, and the drive to succeed against all odds with a powerful message about the importance of believing in oneself and one's team.

The wrestling scenes in Take Down are impressively realistic, focusing on the gruelling, physically-demanding nature of the sport. These sequences are filmed with flair and dynamism, creating a palpable sense of tension, and effectively depicting the grit and stamina required of the participants.

Kieth Merrill's direction is superb and he manages to coax the best out of his actors. The script by Tim Maschler offers an engaging story and well-drawn characters, giving the actors plenty to work with. The cinematography by Reed Smoot puts viewers into the heart of the action, making the wrestling scenes come alive off the screen.

The soundtrack to the film is both understated and thoughtfully curated, adding depth to the mood without overshadowing the dialogue or action. Be it in the tense wrestling moments or softer, emotional scenes, the background score by Bill Conti elevates the on-screen drama and crafts an unforgettable sports film atmosphere.

In conclusion, Take Down stands as a testament to superb filmmaking and storytelling in the sports drama genre. With its engaging plot, memorable characters, and masterful performances from its ensemble cast, the movie is more than just a wrestling film. Apart from presenting exciting and skillfully rendered wrestling scenes, it offers an inspiring story of perseverance against adversity, making it a must-watch for all lovers of sports dramas. Despite its 1979 release, the themes explored in Take Down are timeless, and the film has remained an enjoyable and inspiring viewing experience over the years.