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Willie

  • 2019
  • 1h 29m
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
79
YOUR RATING
Willie (2019)
In the midst of America's tumultuous fight to end Jim Crow and the birth of the civil rights movement, Willie - the descendant of escaped slaves - became the first black player to skate in a National Hockey League game. He was blind in one eye - an extraordinary secret that only his sister knew. He played 45 games in the NHL and then 22 years of minor league hockey. Later, Willie sold cars, managed fast food restaurants, and worked security at a hotel. When he was asked to become the NHL's diversity ambassador in 1994, he was 60 years old. He took the job, and he has never stopped. Now, 60 years after Willie broke the NHL's color barrier, a grassroots movement is working to get him into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Will he also break this barrier? "Willie" provides historical context and depth to O'Ree's incredible journey. The film is a testament to the resilience and determination of a man empowered by his family's legacy, and the people he has inspired along the way.
Play trailer4:02
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3 Photos
DocumentarySport

Documentary about Willie O'Ree who was the first black hockey player who played in National Hockey League for Boston Bruins in 1957-58 and 1960-61 seasons.Documentary about Willie O'Ree who was the first black hockey player who played in National Hockey League for Boston Bruins in 1957-58 and 1960-61 seasons.Documentary about Willie O'Ree who was the first black hockey player who played in National Hockey League for Boston Bruins in 1957-58 and 1960-61 seasons.

  • Director
    • Laurence Mathieu-Leger
  • Stars
    • Willie O'Ree
    • Gary Bettman
    • Wayne Gretzky
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • IMDb RATING
    7.7/10
    79
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Laurence Mathieu-Leger
    • Stars
      • Willie O'Ree
      • Gary Bettman
      • Wayne Gretzky
    • 2Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 nominations total

    Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 4:02
    Official Trailer

    Photos2

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    Top cast5

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    Willie O'Ree
    • Self
    Gary Bettman
    Gary Bettman
    • Self - Commissioner of the National Hockey League
    Wayne Gretzky
    Wayne Gretzky
    • Self - Former National Hockey League Player
    Wayne Simmonds
    Wayne Simmonds
    • Self - National Hockey League Player
    Devante Smith-Pelly
    • Self - National Hockey League Player
    • Director
      • Laurence Mathieu-Leger
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews

    7.779
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    Details

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    • Release date
      • February 17, 2020 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • Canada
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Production company
      • Don Kee Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 29 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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