Cool Runnings

Cool Runnings

Year: 1993

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Director: Jon Turteltaub

Budget: $14M

AdventureSportComedyFamily

Driven by a disgraced Olympic track coach, a group of Jamaican athletes pursue an improbable dream: to compete in the Winter Olympics as a bobsled team. Facing skepticism and numerous obstacles, they leave their island home and travel to Canada to train. Through dedication, humor, and unexpected camaraderie, they overcome challenges and strive for a chance to represent Jamaica on the world stage.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Cool Runnings (1993)

Trace every key event in Cool Runnings (1993) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Derice's Dream Begins

In the picturesque landscapes of Jamaica, Derice Bannock is seen fervently training for the 1988 Olympic Games. His aspiration to win a gold medal like his father once did drives him to push his physical limits in preparation for the trials.

1988 Jamaica
2

Sanka's Pushcart Victory

Derice visits his friend Sanka Coffee, who is competing in a local pushcart race. Sanka triumphantly crosses the finish line but hilariously crashes right after, bringing laughter to the onlookers and showcasing his carefree spirit.

Jamaica
3

The Olympic Trials

On the day of the Olympic trials, excitement fills the air as Derice prepares to showcase his talent. Unfortunately, during the race, a mishap occurs when Junior trips Derice and others, leading to their disappointment as they fail to finish.

1988 Jamaica
4

Seeking a Second Chance

Frustrated after the trials, Derice confronts Coolidge, seeking another opportunity. Coolidge denies his request, but Derice's eyes catch a photo of his father with an unfamiliar man, leading him to inquire about the identity of that man.

Jamaica
5

Discovering Irving Blitzer

Coolidge reveals that the man in the photo is Irving Blitzer, an American who once tried to recruit Derice’s father for bobsledding. With renewed hope, Derice decides to track down Blitzer, setting a new path for his Olympic dreams.

Jamaica
6

Recruiting the Team

Derice and Sanka find Blitzer, who is initially reluctant to assist due to his tarnished past in the sport. However, once he learns of Derice's lineage, he softens and agrees to help form the bobsled team.

Pool Hall, Jamaica
7

Training Begins

With Blitzer as their coach, the team begins their rigorous training by constructing a makeshift bobsled. They focus on achieving a crucial push-start under six seconds, with each member assigned specific roles within the sled.

Jamaica
8

Challenges in Training

The training process proves difficult as the team faces numerous challenges, including falls and crashes. Despite the setbacks, they finally succeed in achieving a push-start time of 5.9 seconds, marking a significant milestone.

Jamaica
9

Journey to Calgary

As the team prepares for the Olympic Games in Calgary, they struggle with the harsh Canadian winter. Upon arrival, they purchase necessary winter gear and begin acclimatizing to their new environment for training.

Calgary, Canada
10

First Attempts on Ice

In their initial practice runs on ice, the team faces ridicule as they struggle with their new sled. Despite their poor performance, Blitzer encourages them to adapt quickly to avoid being the underdogs.

Calgary, Canada
11

Confrontation and Reinforcement

Tensions peak as Junior receives a telegram summoning him home, leading to conflict with his teammates. However, this moment strengthens their bond as they rally around their shared goal and passion for bobsledding.

Calgary, Canada
12

Qualifying Run Preparations

The night before their qualifying run, Blitzer gifts the team with new competition suits, boosting their spirits. They manage to complete the run in under a minute, only to be met with disqualification due to a rule change.

Calgary, Canada
13

Reinstatement

Blitzer confronts the ruling committee, passionately arguing for the team's reinstatement. His efforts pay off as the team joyfully discovers they will compete, reigniting their hope and determination.

Calgary, Canada
14

The Opening Ceremony

During the opening ceremony, the Jamaican bobsled team enters the stadium to a mix of cheers and skepticism. Junior asserts his desire for independence, challenging his father’s expectations and embracing his passion.

Calgary, Canada
15

Triumphant Finish

In their final run, the team faces disaster when an ancient sled leads to a crash. Despite the setback, they display remarkable resilience by carrying the wrecked sled to the finish line, earning admiration and respect from the crowd.

Calgary, Canada
16

Return to Jamaica

Though they do not win a medal, the Jamaican bobsled team returns home as national heroes. They embody pride and honor, and the closing text reveals their continued journey in future Olympic Games, reflecting their spirit of unity.

Jamaica

Last Updated: November 02, 2024 at 12:58

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Unlock the Full Story of Cool Runnings

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Cool Runnings Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Cool Runnings, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Cool Runnings Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Cool Runnings

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Cool Runnings. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Cool Runnings

Cool Runnings Spoiler-Free Summary

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Cool Runnings Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Cool Runnings

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