Overcoming social class barriers in the early 20th century wasn’t easy -- either in the United States or Great Britain. The Greatest Game Ever Played takes place during a time when golf was considered a “gentlemen’s sport” in both countries, not a game for the working-classes. This involving film tells the true story of an amateur player and former caddy who defeated the reigning British champion in the 1913 U.S. Open, thereby changing attitudes about the sport.  

Twenty-year-old Francis Ouimet (Shia LaBeouf) and veteran professional golfer Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane) square off against each other after all other contestants are eliminated in that landmark tournament. But Ouimet and Vardon aren’t enemies. Ironically, both come from humble beginnings, and they respect each other. In fact, Vardon has been Ouimet’s idol while growing up. The Greatest Game Ever Played paints each of these men as a hero. Perseverance, talent, and a passion for the game are among their most admirable characteristics.

Delivering performances of great depth and sensitivity, LaBeouf (Holes) and Dillane (Spy Game) are simply splendid  here. Who knew LaBeouf could tone down his amusing, exuberant acting to portray such an intense and serious young man? La Beouf draws us into Ouimet’s world, and we can’t help aching for the character he plays as he struggles with feelings of unworthiness. We gladly cheer him on when he gains the self-confidence needed to achieve his goal. In Dillane’s case, however, there was no doubt in my mind about his ability to bring Vardon to life on screen. Dillane is a very thoughtful and convincing actor. For example, as Vardon, his penetrating looks at his upper-class managers speak volumes about the man’s disdain for their elitism.

Other members of the cast -- especially Elias Koteas (Ararat) as Ouimet’s disapproving father, Marnie McPhail (Ethel Kennedy in TV’s RFK) as his supportive mother, and Josh Flitter as his funny little caddy -- also perform impeccably, but the movie belongs to La Beouf and Dillane. I noticed only one casting error: the actress playing Ouimet’s love interest seems too old for him. Why throw in a romance anyway? This film certainly doesn’t need one.

Everything about The Greatest Game Ever Played works to evoke the time and place of this story. It has the same authentic feel as Seabiscuit or Cinderella Man. The film’s costumes, sets, art direction and, yes, even those old-fashioned golf clubs, help transport us back to Boston in the 1900s.

Thankfully, because golf isn’t the most exciting sport for viewers (I hope my husband doesn’t read this; he’s watching golf on TV as I’m writing my review), Shane Hurlbut’s (Drumline) cinematography livens it up with a variety of creative shots including balls zooming to their destination and the disappearance of everything on the course except the golfer and the hole he’s aiming at.

Kudos to director Bill Paxton (Frailty) for pulling all this together so impressively and to writer Mark Frost (Fantastic Four) for adapting his book into a wonderful screenplay. You don’t have to be a golf fan to appreciate The Greatest Game Ever Played. It’s a heartfelt movie the whole family can enjoy. 

A highlight of the fine DVD bonus items shows real-life Francis Oiumet in a 1963 interview. Although it’s a bit of a shock to see an elderly gentleman discussing the famous 1913 U.S. Open after watching young Shia LeBeouf’s portrayal, this footage is a treasure. I think Oiumet, America's first golf hero, would be an excellent subject for a movie at any age. Sadly, he passed away in 1967. But his Scholarship Program for Caddies is still going strong.

Other bonus features included are: A View from the Gallery, an enlightening behind-the-scenes look at the making of this classy film; Two Legends and the Greatest Game, which presents more information about Harry Vardon and Francis Ouimet; and audio commentary by director Bill Paxton and writer Mark Frost.            

(Released by Walt Disney Home Entertainment and rated “PG” for some brief mild language. Bonus material not rated.)