Borg vs. McEnroe (2017)

Borg vs. McEnroe (2017) is a tense, character-driven sports drama that recreates the legendary 1980 Wimbledon showdown between Björn Borg, the cool, unflappable champion, and John McEnroe, the brilliant but volatile upstart. The film follows Borg’s struggle to defend his Wimbledon title for a historic fifth straight year while McEnroe’s raw talent and explosive temper threaten to upend the established order. Watching the movie you’ll get a mix of intimate psychological drama and high-stakes athletic spectacle: quiet, idiosyncratic moments that probe each player’s inner pressures and upbringing, intercut with electric match sequences that convey the speed, pain and intensity of top-level tennis. The contrast between Borg’s icy discipline and McEnroe’s fiery passion is played out both on court—in nail-biting rallies, strategic play and dramatic serve-and-volley exchanges—and off court, through restless nights, media scrutiny and the isolation of fame. The film emphasizes mood and character as much as sport, with strong lead performances that bring nuance to two very different personalities. Period detail, rousing match choreography and a steadily rising dramatic tempo make it satisfying for both tennis fans and viewers who enjoy psychological rivalry stories. If you watch it, expect an emotionally charged, stylishly filmed portrait of competition, obsession and the cost of greatness.

Actors: Sverrir Gudnason, Shia LaBeouf, Stellan Skarsgård

Director: Janus Metz

Runtime: 107 min

Genres: Biography, Drama, Sport

63 /100 6.9 /10 6.6 /10