The Bronze

The Bronze

Year: 2016

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Director: Bryan Buckley

DramaComedy

A former gymnastics star, Hope Ann Greggory, finds her life stuck in a rut and reluctantly agrees to coach a rising young talent. As she works with the promising newcomer, Hope grapples with her own past disappointments and a surprising urge to undermine her protégé’s success. The experience leads her on a comedic and ultimately heartwarming journey of self-discovery, forcing her to confront her insecurities and redefine her relevance.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Bronze (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Bronze (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

present day

The movie unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal attitudes towards fame and athleticism. The events are influenced by current cultural phenomena, such as Hope's appearance on a reality TV show and the struggles faced by athletes in the spotlight. This creates a relatable backdrop for the characters' journeys.

Location

Amherst, Ohio, Toronto, Canada

Amherst, Ohio, is a small-town setting where Hope Ann Greggory is a local celebrity. Known for its pride in Hope's bronze medal achievement, the town even boasts a sign celebrating her success. In contrast, Toronto serves as a backdrop for Maggie's national gymnastics competition, highlighting the broader aspirations away from their hometown.

🏙️ City 🌍 International

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:46

Main Characters – The Bronze (2016)

Meet the key characters of The Bronze (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Hope Ann Greggory (Melissa Rauch)

Hope is portrayed as a foul-mouthed, bitter gymnast who struggles to adapt to life after her bronze medal win. Her tendency to sabotage Maggie's progress reflects her insecurities and fear of losing her celebrity status. Hope's journey is a complex exploration of personal growth as she navigates the challenges of coaching and her own desires.

🥉 Bronze Medalist 😠 Spoiled 💔 Insecure

Maggie Townsend (Haley Lu Richardson)

Maggie is a young, aspiring gymnast who idolizes Hope. Her innocence and determination contrast sharply with Hope's cynical attitude. As the story unfolds, Maggie evolves from a fan into a competitor, navigating her own journey in gymnastics with the shadow of her coach looming large.

🌟 Aspiring Gymnast 💖 Innocent 🏋️‍♀️ Determined

Lance Tucker (Sebastian Stan)

Lance is a skilled former gymnast turned rival coach, embodying the arrogance and competitiveness inherent in the gymnastics world. His turbulent past with Hope further complicates their relationship, adding layers of rivalry and personal vendetta that impact their respective athletes.

🏆 Rival 🔥 Charismatic 🎓 Competitive

Ben (Thomas Middleditch)

Ben is the gym manager who harbors a long-time crush on Hope. His character represents the supportive yet conflicted side of relationships in the context of ambition. As he interacts with both Hope and Maggie, he provides a moral compass amidst the chaos.

❤️ Supportive 😬 Awkward 🏃‍♂️ Loyal

Stan (Gary Cole)

Stan is Hope's father who tries to guide her towards personal responsibility. His tough love often clashes with Hope's self-destructive tendencies. His character embodies parental concern and the challenges of encouraging ambition without compromising values.

👨‍👧 Concerned Father 🏡 Traditional 💪 Supportive

Maggie's Mom (Cecily Strong)

Maggie's supportive mother who plays a crucial role in her daughter's gymnastics ambitions. Her character adds emotional depth, representing the personal stakes involved in gymnastics training and the familial bonds that support ambition.

👩‍👧 Supportive Mom 💖 Nurturing 🎠 Encouraging

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:46

Major Themes – The Bronze (2016)

Explore the central themes of The Bronze (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏅 Ambition

Ambition drives Hope Ann Greggory as she struggles between her desire for recognition and the responsibilities of coaching. Hope's journey highlights the fine line between personal ambitions and the impact they have on others, especially Maggie, who seeks to follow in her footsteps. Ultimately, the theme of ambition questions the cost of success in the competitive world of gymnastics.

🔄 Redemption

Throughout the film, Hope's desire for redemption surfaces as she attempts to reclaim her status while mentoring Maggie. Although initially self-serving, her journey evolves into a realization of the importance of genuine support over personal glory. The theme culminates in Hope's acceptance of her role in the gym and her commitment to the young gymnasts she trains.

🚨 Betrayal

Betrayal permeates relationships, particularly between Hope and her rivals, such as Lance. Their past complicates Hope's coaching efforts and leads to critical moments of emotional conflict. The impact of betrayal also extends to Maggie, revealing how ambition can distort personal connections and trust.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:46

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Reluctant Mentor Stories like The Bronze

Unlikely and unwilling guides who find purpose by helping a new generation.If you enjoyed The Bronze's story of a washed-up star finding new purpose, explore these movies about grumpy mentors and unlikely coaches. This list features comedies and dramas where reluctant guides are pushed into helping others, leading to humorous and heartwarming journeys of personal growth.

redemptivecomediccynicalheartwarmingself-deprecatingnostalgiccharacter-driven

Narrative Summary

These stories follow a cynical protagonist, usually past their prime, who is coerced into coaching or teaching a talented newcomer. The central conflict arises from their internal struggle between wanting the protégé to succeed and their own desire to remain relevant, culminating in a bittersweet but ultimately redemptive acceptance of their new role.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a focus on character-driven redemption arcs that are more about self-acceptance than grand triumphs. They blend comedy with genuine pathos, featuring protagonists who are hard to like but easy to root for as they grapple with generational change and find meaning in unexpected places.

Cynical Comedies with Heart like The Bronze

Hilariously flawed characters whose journeys surprise you with genuine warmth.Looking for more comedies like The Bronze that mix rude humor with real feeling? This list gathers movies where crass, self-deprecating characters embark on journeys that are as hilarious as they are heartwarming, blending sharp comedy with meaningful character growth.

crassheartwarmingcomediccynicalredemptivecharacter studyself-discoveryfunny

Narrative Summary

The narrative structure revolves around a protagonist whose defensive cynicism and bad behavior provide the primary source of comedy. As the story progresses, their tough exterior is chipped away by circumstances or relationships, revealing vulnerability and leading to a gradual, often awkward, emotional thaw without sacrificing the film's comedic edge.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together for their unique tonal blend. They offer the punchy laughs of a sharp comedy while delivering the emotional satisfaction of a character drama, creating a distinct vibe that is both edgy and endearing. The similarity lies in the balance, not just the presence, of humor and heart.

Unlock the Full Story of The Bronze

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Bronze in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Bronze is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Bronze Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Bronze, 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.

The Bronze Summary

The Bronze Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Bronze with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Bronze Timeline

The Bronze Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Bronze Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Bronze

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Bronze: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Bronze

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