Movie's ratings

    Soundtrack

    Eddie the Eagle (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

    Different stars

    • 1 Matthew MargesonChampion! 1:30
    • 2 Matthew MargesonEddie the Eagle 5:07
    • 3 Matthew MargesonWhat Goes Up Must Come Down 2:13
    • 4 Matthew MargesonI'm Going to the Olympics 1:33
    • 5 Matthew MargesonMatti at Garmisch 1:04
    • 6 Matthew MargesonWarren Sharp 1:48
    • 7 Matthew MargesonEddie Gets a Taste 1:13
    • 8 Matthew MargesonUp Back Forward Down 2:47
    • 9 Matthew MargesonEddie Attempts the 70M 3:16
    • 10 Matthew MargesonThe Teaching Text 2:55
    • 11 Matthew MargesonFist of Glory 1:48
    • 12 Matthew MargesonSeniors Tournament 1:54
    • 13 Matthew MargesonOberstdorf 5:22
    • 14 Jason SoudahA Sporting Chance 1:10
    • 15 Matthew MargesonFirst Jump at Calgary 3:24
    • 16 Matthew MargesonPress Montage 1:16
    • 17 Matthew MargesonEddie's Announcement 3:04
    • 18 Matthew MargesonPeary's Return 2:50
    • 19 Matthew MargesonMatti's Gold Jump 2:14
    • 20 Matthew MargesonEddie Jumps the 90M 3:34
    • 21 Matthew MargesonNow the Real Work Begins 5:02

    7

    " The hysterical true life story of Britain’s most famous ski jumper Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards and his journey to Olympic fame."
    Country
    Spoken Language
    Runtime 1 hr 46 min
    Budget $23 000 000
    Premiere: World $46 152 800 February 25, 2016
    USA $15 789 389
    Other countries $30 363 411
    Box Office – Budget $23 152 800
    Premiere: USA $15 789 389 December 12, 2015
    first day $1 938 728
    first weekend $6 084 682
    theaters 2044
    rollout 310 days
    Digital: World May 27, 2016
    Parental Advisory
    • Frightening & Intense Scenes

      few

    • Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

      few

    • Profanity

      few

    • Violence & Gore

      few

    • Sex & Nudity

      few

    Production Companies
    Also Known As

    Description

    The story of Eddie Edwards, the notoriously tenacious British underdog ski jumper who charmed the world at the 1988 Winter Olympics.

    Сast and Crew

    Eddie the Eagle: The Book Behind the Film

    About the Book

    The film "Eddie the Eagle" is based on the life story of Michael Edwards, better known as Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards, a British ski jumper who became famous for his participation in the 1988 Winter Olympics. The book that inspired the film is titled Eddie the Eagle: My Story, co-authored by Eddie Edwards himself and Sean Macaulay. The book provides a detailed account of Eddie's journey, his struggles, and his determination to compete in the Olympics despite numerous challenges.

    Authors

      • Eddie Edwards: Known as Eddie "The Eagle," he is a British skier who became the first competitor since 1929 to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping.

      • Sean Macaulay: A writer and journalist who co-authored the book with Eddie Edwards, providing insights into Eddie's life and career.

    Book vs. Film

    The film adaptation, directed by Dexter Fletcher, takes creative liberties with Eddie's story for dramatic effect. While the core of Eddie's journey and his underdog spirit remain intact, certain events and characters in the film are fictionalized or exaggerated to enhance the narrative. The book offers a more factual and comprehensive look at Eddie's life, focusing on his personal experiences and the challenges he faced in his quest to become an Olympian.

    Goodreads Link

    For more information about the book, you can visit its page on Goodreads: Eddie the Eagle: My Story on Goodreads.

    The Real Story Behind "Eddie the Eagle"

    Introduction

    The film "Eddie the Eagle" is based on the true story of Michael "Eddie" Edwards, a British ski jumper who became famous for his participation in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Despite his lack of experience and resources, Eddie's determination and spirit captured the hearts of many.

    The Real Eddie Edwards

    Eddie Edwards was born on December 5, 1963, in Cheltenham, England. From a young age, he was passionate about sports, particularly skiing. Despite financial constraints and limited support, Eddie pursued his dream of becoming an Olympian.

    Challenges and Determination

      • Financial Struggles: Eddie faced significant financial challenges, often having to work odd jobs to fund his training and travel expenses.

      • Lack of Experience: Unlike his competitors, Eddie had minimal experience in ski jumping, having only started training in the sport a few years before the Olympics.

      • Physical Limitations: Eddie was not the typical athlete; he wore thick glasses and was heavier than most ski jumpers, which made his journey even more challenging.

    Olympic Journey

    Despite these obstacles, Eddie qualified for the 1988 Winter Olympics, becoming the first British ski jumper to do so since 1929. His performance at the Olympics was not remarkable in terms of scores, but his perseverance and positive attitude made him a beloved figure worldwide.

    Film vs. Reality

    The film "Eddie the Eagle" takes some creative liberties in portraying Eddie's story. While the essence of his determination and underdog spirit is captured, certain elements are dramatized for cinematic effect.

      • Fictional Characters: Some characters in the film, such as Eddie's coach, are fictional or composites of multiple real-life figures.

      • Timeline Adjustments: The film condenses and alters the timeline of events for narrative purposes.

      • Emotional Highlights: Certain emotional and dramatic moments are exaggerated to enhance the storytelling.

    Overall, while the film may not be entirely accurate in every detail, it successfully conveys the spirit and determination of Eddie Edwards, making his story accessible and inspiring to a global audience.

    FAQ

    What is “Eddie the Eagle” about?

    It’s a sports biographical story about British underdog Michael “Eddie” Edwards, who pushes past lack of support and experience to reach the Olympics in ski jumping, becoming a symbol of perseverance.

    Is the film based on a true story or is it fictional?

    It’s rooted in real events from Eddie Edwards’ life and his road to the 1988 Olympics, but many scenes and some characters/situations are dramatized for storytelling.

    Why is Eddie nicknamed “the Eagle”?

    The nickname highlights the idea of “flying” and courage in ski jumping. In the film it also functions as an inspirational label for someone few initially took seriously.

    What sports are shown in the film?

    The main focus is ski jumping. The film also shows training and attempts in other winter disciplines, overall athletic preparation, and the qualification journey to the Games.

    Is it more of a sports drama or a comedy?

    It blends sports drama with light comedy: there are plenty of uplifting beats, alongside humor built around the underdog angle and Eddie’s far-from-perfect beginnings.

    Which Olympic Games does the story lead to?

    The story climaxes at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, where Eddie competes in ski jumping.

    Do you need to understand ski jumping to enjoy the film?

    No. The film conveys the basics through training and plot, and the appeal is driven by character, persistence, and the emotional stakes of competition.

    What are the key themes and ideas?

    Persevering through rejection, believing in a dream, the cost of training, mentor support, and the question of what matters more—medals or a personal victory over oneself.

    Is the film suitable for family viewing?

    Generally yes: it’s an uplifting sports story without heavy subject matter, though there are tense competition moments and sport-injury/risk elements within the plot.

    Who directed the film and what’s its style?

    The director is Дexter Fletcher. The style is a fast-paced sports biopic with energetic training montages, emotional competition scenes, and a motivational tone.

    Where do the main events take place?

    The story moves through the British sports environment and European training/competition locations, ultimately leading to the Olympic stage in Calgary.

    Is the film strongly motivational?

    Yes. The core message isn’t “be perfect,” but keep working when the odds are low and others doubt you. It frames progress and courage as a personal victory.

    Production

    Eddie the Eagle is a co-production of Marv Films (UK), Studio Babelsberg (Germany) and Saville Productions (US).

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    Dexter Fletcher — Best movies and TV Shows

    Critique: 46

    72%
    33 13
    Empire Magazine February 4, 2016

    Eddie The Eagle turns a long-running joke of British sport into a crowd-pleasing story of inspiration. It’s a solid gold winner.

    RogerEbert.com February 25, 2016

    It’s a shame that a movie about a man with zero athletic ability, who had the fearlessness to attempt a perilous 90-meter ski jump for t...

    Arizona Republic February 25, 2016

    It’s a movie as warm and fuzzy as a comfortable blanket, and as safe as the milk Edwards prefers to anything stronger. Not as exciting...

    The Guardian February 23, 2016

    I was ready to lift Eddie up on my shoulders and parade him through the streets myself. There’s a reason mainstream film-makers stick to...

    Sydney Morning Herald April 21, 2016

    It is both folk and fairy tale, but sort of irresistible. Everyone loves a rags-to-riches story, even if Eddie never quite won the riches.

    It’s a recipe that worked for Rudy and Cool Runnings, and it’s effective here.

    Movie Mom February 25, 2016

    There are heroes who inspire us because they win, and then there are heroes who inspire us when they lose.

    Worstward ho! Just leave your brains behind and it’s perfectly enjoyable.

    Los Angeles Times February 25, 2016

    Prepare to be amused, moved and inspired.

    San Diego Reader February 26, 2016

    For every easy, eye-rolling bit, there’s a moment of genuine emotion; the champion jumper’s pre-climax speech on what matters in s...

    Times (UK) March 31, 2016

    How to make a hero out of a loser? This is the question that drives, inspires, defines and ultimately bedevils the rousing new biopic Eddie th...

    ReelViews February 27, 2016

    Taron Egerton reproduces Eddie’s offbeat charm, turning him into an Asperger’s afflicted champion of the undertrodden.

    AV Club February 25, 2016

    Like its protagonist, the film-produced by Kick-Ass and Kingsman: The Secret Service director Matthew Vaughn, of all people-is cheerful and unprete...

    Flavorwire April 9, 2016

    It’s not that making a period film in a throwback style is all that revolutionary. But it sticks out here because so many of these trope...

    Wall Street Journal February 26, 2016

    The people responsible for "Eddie the Eagle" might have made a better movie about Samuel F.B. Morse, since they’re devoted to telegraphi...

    Slant Magazine February 16, 2016

    It remains more committed to printing the uplifting legend of its title character than in actually examining the human beings underneath.

    Philadelphia Inquirer February 26, 2016

    A triumphant, feel-good, laugh-out-loud, sports biopic.

    Austin Chronicle March 3, 2016

    Eddie the Eagle, despite its shortcomings, will soar into moviegoers' hearts.

    Little White Lies March 29, 2016

    An oddly conventional biopic that uses a strained father-son relationship to frame its rabble-rousing, crowd-pleasing reflection on futility.

    MovieFreak.com August 15, 2016

    Watching this eagle take to the sky still manages to be a cheery delight.

    USA Today February 23, 2016

    A delightfully feel-good though hopelessly fluffy affair directed by Dexter Fletcher that slaloms around complete hokum thanks to a pair of wi...

    Chicago Tribune February 26, 2016

    While it’s often cookie-cutter sports movie conventional, you’d have to be stone-hearted to remain un-charmed.

    SFGATE February 25, 2016

    It does make you feel good, but it turns out that the film’s story is 90 percent fiction.

    TheWrap January 29, 2016

    Designed for audiences who will throw their weight behind the film’s schmaltz and sentimentality. Anyone unwilling to commit to the movie&rsq...

    Detroit News February 26, 2016

    Though it aims for heroism, Edwards' story doesn’t have a dramatic enough arc to be truly inspirational. It’s not about winning, i...

    buzzfeed.com November 6, 2018

    The overkill indicates an awareness that none of these would-be messages ring true.

    New York Times February 25, 2016

    Although Mr. Edwards’s last-place finishes in Calgary made him something of a sensation, a symbol of do-it-yourself persistence, this fi...

    The Guardian April 3, 2016

    Not so much a movie, more a morale-boosting initiative, but briskly jolly, and given a dash of class by Jim Broadbent, Christopher W...

    Entertainment Weekly February 24, 2016

    A massive vat of hot cocoa with a mountain of whipped cream on top-sweet and warm and made with a mission to satisfy everyone who takes a sip.

    Boston Globe February 25, 2016

    The infectious "Eddie the Eagle" succeeds by mining both aspects of Edwards’s story with an equally deft touch.

    Collider February 23, 2016

    There is no stopping a film with this much heart. Eddie the Eagle is the quintessential crowd-pleaser, brimming with so much positivity that i...

    Variety January 29, 2016

    If director Dexter Fletcher’s loose adaptation of Edwards' story often seems content to mimic "Cool Runnings" beat for beat, at least it...

    Newsday February 25, 2016

    Fluffy as new-fallen snow, but Egerton is terrific as the unlikely Olympian and Jackman makes a fictitious character seem almost real.

    Vox February 26, 2016

    Eddie the Eagle fits snugly into one of my favorite sports movie subgenres – films about how sometimes losing is better, if it means that you...

    Vulture February 28, 2016

    Eddie the Eagle tries to have it both ways with its main subject, simultaneously ridiculing and ennobling him. And, amazingly, it mostly works.

    The Australian April 22, 2016

    Peary is a completely fictitious character, but Jackman plays him like a younger Clint Eastwood, full of rugged charm and common sense, e...

    The Guardian March 31, 2016

    The film’s heart is in the right place, but Jackman and Walken are all wrong.

    Eddie the Eagle is one of those underdog sports stories we all love so much, with an excellent performance from the likeable, empathetic Hugh Jackman.

    Globe and Mail February 26, 2016

    It is a rare biopic of any kind, let alone a sports bio, that merely celebrates participation. It’s that novelty that makes this si...

    Toronto Sun February 25, 2016

    This tale of the quixotic British athlete who became the darling of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games is a tad sugary sweet, but thanks to th...

    Chicago Reader February 25, 2016

    This inspirational heart-warmer from director Dexter Fletcher is the cinematic equivalent of a hug.

    Daily Telegraph March 24, 2016

    Fletcher has a brilliantly attuned sixth sense for what his audience wants to see at any given millisecond, and Eddie’s final flight, fr...

    Irish Times March 31, 2016

    Dexter Fletcher’s unflinching determination to shamelessly hit every cheap chord cannot be faulted.

    New York Daily News February 24, 2016

    Hugh Jackman doesn’t play Wolverine in "Eddie the Eagle," which is too bad. The film deserves to be slashed to bits.

    New York Post February 25, 2016

    A bland underdog fable whose comedy never makes it off the bunny slopes.

    Rolling Stone February 25, 2016

    Director Dexter Fletcher shoves inspiration down your throat until you gag or give in.

    Add critique link

    Quotes

    The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part.

    You have to do it for yourself.

    I take jumping very seriously. Nearly as much as proving people wrong.

    You can’t ski down the hill if you’re afraid of falling.

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    friends impressions of the movie.

    Friends comments and ratings

    Watched

    A funny movie, with a charming main character. Egerton makes such faces sometimes, it’s just hilarious. Jackman is a nice addition, he brightens up any movie.

    Translated to English

    Watched

    My wife and I are delighted! A bright and inspiring comedy-drama based on real events, about an eccentric who has become everyone’s favorite. A man who strived for his dream without trying to be the first. Filled with positive emotions and emotions, a catchy story! 10 of 10.

    Translated to English

    Watched

    An excellent film, sometimes naive, sometimes amateurish, but it makes you sympathize with the main character until the very end.

    Translated to English

    Watched

    How important it is to be able to follow your dreams and enjoy little things! Without further ado: the film knocks out emotion from the very beginning to the end and leaves very bright feelings. Very rare. And at moments like "I’m Eddie’s dad,” you can generally stand me.

    Translated to English

    Watched

    A good, uplifting film, even better than I expected. At times naive and at times intense. Although Edgerton tries, he still doesn’t look like a weirdo, because he’s too cute. True, based on the film, I would say that Eddie was such a weirdo. The final scene with the father is sweet.

    Translated to English

    Watched

    About a goal, a dream! And most importantly, touch!! Fly eagle and pariii!!! I watched it when it came out Egerton’s benefit performance and this is the future of British cinema Hugh Jackman is no slouch either)

    Translated to English

    Watched

    This is how you should follow your dreams ffs even though some ppl think that you are crazy, weird or even call you an idiot you should not give up. Wonderful