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Biographical documentary

Chasing Great (2018): Cast & Ratings

Chasing Great (2018) movie poster

Chasing Great is a 2018 biographical documentary directed by Justin Pemberton and Michelle Walshe, starring Charlotte Brewer as Richie McCaw's Sister, Aston Bentham and Briea Bentham. It runs 1 hour 45 minutes. Critics gave it 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.

IMDb rating
7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
79%
Echo Score
75
Chasing Great (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 45m (105 min)
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Chasing Great About?

The premise of Chasing Great without spoilers.

This inspiring documentary chronicles the extraordinary career of Richie McCaw, from his beginnings on a New Zealand farm to becoming a legendary figure in rugby. Through unique access and family archives, the film explores his pursuit of back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories with the All Blacks. Viewers gain a candid look into McCaw's personal story, revealing the dedication, challenges, and pivotal moments that defined his journey to becoming a champion.

Cast & crew

Chasing Great Cast & Characters

Charlotte Brewer leads the cast as Richie McCaw's Sister, with Aston Bentham as Rugby Child (Extra) and Briea Bentham as Restaurant Extra. Directed by Justin Pemberton and Michelle Walshe; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Chasing Great

· 6 more
Ratings

Chasing Great Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Chasing Great 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).

75 /100

Chasing Great Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, the film presents a visually impressive yet narratively uneven profile of its subject. Its striking imagery and artful editing draw the viewer into the athlete’s world, and moments of emotional sincerity resonate strongly. However, the storytelling sometimes feels superficial and pacing can waver, limiting engagement with deeper motivations. In sum, the film’s aesthetic strengths shine even as its narrative depth remains unevenly explored.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels in its cinematography and production design. The camera work captures dynamic movement with clarity, and the editing creates a seamless visual flow. Reviewers highlight breathtaking compositions and an artful color palette. Overall, the film’s visual craftsmanship stands out as its strongest element.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film offers moments of genuine resonance alongside some imbalance. The central figure’s mental rigor and dedication convey authentic conviction, and interpersonal dynamics deliver emotional weight. However, critics note occasional self-absorption and a lack of deeper insight into supporting figures. Ultimately, character depth fluctuates between sincerity and superficiality.

  • Story & Flow 70

    Regarding story and flow, the film’s narrative is clear but occasionally predictable. Pacing varies between engaging sequences and slower, less illuminating stretches, and the thematic stakes remain firmly grounded even when subplots are underdeveloped. Although the biographical arc provides coherence, a deeper exploration of key events is sometimes lacking. The overall plot feels serviceable but modestly undercooked.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    On sensory experience, the film delivers a compelling audiovisual package. The soundtrack complements the on-screen action with balanced intensity, and sound design enhances the atmosphere of each scene. Visually, cohesive stylistic choices reinforce the documentary’s tone, yielding an immersive aesthetic. As a result, the sensory dimension consistently enriches the viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    As a rewatch factor, the film leaves a moderately lasting appeal but uneven reengagement. Its evocative imagery and thematic sincerity invite repeat viewings to appreciate visual details and emotional nuances. Yet, narrative unevenness and occasional superficial moments may diminish the desire for frequent revisits. Overall, the film offers some replay value but may not sustain long-term repeat engagement.

Cars

Cars in Chasing Great

6 cars on screen, including the 1967 Ford Mustang and the 1966 Chevrolet El Camino.

All 6 cars
  • 1967 Ford Mustang in Chasing Great 1967 Ford Mustang Main role
  • 1966 Chevrolet El Camino in Chasing Great 1966 Chevrolet El Camino Minor role
  • 1968 Dodge Charger in Chasing Great 1968 Dodge Charger Minor role
  • unknown in Chasing Great unknown Minor role
Details

Chasing Great Also Known As

2 alternative titles: “Chihuo Quan Wang” and “Inseguendo il sogno”.

Also known as
  • Chihuo Quan Wang
  • Inseguendo il sogno

Seen Chasing Great?

FAQ

Chasing Great FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Chasing Great, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Chasing Great?

Chasing Great runs 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes).

When was Chasing Great released?

Chasing Great was released on March 2, 2018.

Who directed Chasing Great?

Chasing Great was directed by Justin Pemberton and Michelle Walshe.

More films by Justin Pemberton

Who is in the cast of Chasing Great?

Chasing Great stars Charlotte Brewer as Richie McCaw's Sister, Aston Bentham as Rugby Child (Extra) and Briea Bentham as Restaurant Extra, among 10 credited actors.

How is Chasing Great rated?

Chasing Great has 7.2/10 on IMDb, 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, 3.3/5 on Letterboxd and 3.8/5 on Movie Insider.

Does Chasing Great have a post-credit scene?

No. Chasing Great has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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