In 1997, on the west side of Chicago, a group of Black boys from Manley High School made a decision that would forever shape their futures. Although they already risked their lives just walking to school, they took a different kind of risk as well: getting in a boat. The documentary A Most Beautiful Thing reunites the first all-Black high school rowing team in the nation, and the youth, now men pushing 40, who made history by being trailblazers and who now want another shot at competing. Narrated by Grammy- and Oscar-winning artist Common, and executive produced by NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill, NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade, and Grammy-winning producer 9th Wonder, this inspirational story of achievement features a moving hip-hop score with original tracks by Femdot, Reuben Vincent, Ian Kelly, King Draft, and Swank, with beats by E. Jones, Khrysis, and Kash.
The inciting incident that brings everyone together is the death of one of their former coaches, Mike O’Gorman, who they all admit meant well but was “kind of racist.” At the wake, which they all attend, the former teammates decide to race again in the Chicago Sprints. Cue numerous training montages and the fantastic hip-hop soundtrack. Arshay raises the stakes by inviting some Chicago police officers to train and compete with them, sitting in every other seat.
