Running Brave Reflection

            Billy Mills, the main character in the movie, is of Native American and White origins. From the very beginning of the movie it is clear that our protagonist lives in poverty and struggles with the hardships of daily life. As a narrator to the story, Billy tells us that his father taught him about the ways of the heart while his uncle taught him how to use his legs for running. In a flashback to his childhood, the root of Billy’s internal journey throughout the movie is presented: Native American in a White society. Later on in this flashback, a second, more saddening, journey begins with the death of his father.
            A young boy, living in a harsh world, is faced with one of life’s toughest realities: death. Such an abrupt occurrence at a young age becomes engraved in mind and it is shown when he is older and reminisces about his father with sadness in his eyes. Later, we can see Billy competing in a cross-country race, which he wins, while a scout from Kansas State University was watching. After he finished, he convinced the scout that he would give it his all if given the chance to prove to him that his preconceptions about Native American athletes are incorrect. This blatant discrimination is a clear representation of our protagonist’s internal journey as he faces a world in which society’s view of his roots conflicts with his dreams. This turns into an external journey as well since he will often clash with people who look at him with eyes full of judgment. When the scout accepts, we see the beginning of the biggest journey our character shall face: traveling to an unknown place filled with unknown people.  

           Once training starts, we can see a new internal journey in our character, as he sees running as a form of freedom and happiness instead of a competition.  This of course goes against the reason his coach wanted him, so Billy is forced to change his ways and transform into a fierce competitor.  In this light we can see how both of his journeys intertwine: by traveling to a distant and unfamiliar place, Billy must face new and more difficult psychological challenges.  He is faced with tougher study material to which he is not accustomed and keeps in mind that he wants and needs to make his family proud.  In essence, Billy’s journeys are filled with hardship and obstacles he must face in order to reach his destination.