Title: Moneyball (2011)

Year of Release: 2011

Duration: 133 minutes

Rating: PG-13

Director: Moneyball is directed by Bennett Miller, an accomplished filmmaker known for his
distinctive style and focus on character-driven narratives. Miller previously gained recognition for his
work on "Capote" (2005), a biographical film about Truman Capote, which earned Philip Seymour
Hoffman an Academy Award for Best Actor. Miller's ability to bring real-life stories to the screen with
depth and authenticity is evident in Moneyball.

Character and Story: Moneyball revolves around the true story of Billy Beane (played by Brad Pitt),
the general manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team. Faced with a limited budget, Beane,
along with an economics graduate, Peter Brand (played by Jonah Hill), uses a statistical approach
known as sabermetrics to assemble a competitive team. The film explores Beane's struggle against
traditional baseball wisdom and his determination to challenge the status quo.

Acting and Cinematography: Brad Pitt delivers a compelling performance as Billy Beane, capturing
the character's intensity and frustration. Jonah Hill, in a departure from his usual comedic roles,
shines as Peter Brand, providing a nuanced portrayal of a data-driven baseball enthusiast. The film's
cinematography by Wally Pfister adds a layer of authenticity, capturing the essence of baseball
games and the behind-the-scenes dynamics of team management.

Strengths and Weaknesses: One of the strengths of Moneyball lies in its unique narrative approach,
blending sports drama with elements of business strategy. The film successfully explores the tension
between traditional scouting methods and the innovative use of data analytics in baseball. The script,
adapted from Michael Lewis's book, intelligently navigates complex concepts, making them
accessible to a broader audience.

However, the film may be criticized for its limited focus on the personal lives of the characters,
leaving some aspects of their backgrounds and motivations underdeveloped. Additionally, those not
familiar with baseball may find certain technical aspects of the sport and the business of team
management somewhat challenging to grasp.

Personal Opinion (from a Management student perspective): As a Management student, Moneyball

resonates strongly due to its emphasis on innovative management strategies and challenging
conventional wisdom. The film highlights the importance of adapting to change, embracing data-
driven decision-making, and being willing to take calculated risks in a highly competitive
environment. Billy Beane's approach to team building offers valuable lessons in resource
optimization, strategic planning, and leadership.

Movie Rating: MPAA Rating: PG-13, Personal Rating: 4.0/5

Recommendation: I highly recommend Moneyball to fellow Management students and anyone

interested in the intersection of sports, business, and data analytics. The film's engaging narrative,
stellar performances, and thought-provoking themes make it a compelling watch for those seeking
inspiration in unconventional management practices.