61* (2001)

Introduction
"61 *" is a 2001 American sports drama film, directed by Billy Crystal. It revolves around the race for the 1961 Major League Baseball single-season crowning achievement record, between Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris of the New York Yankees. The film is about relationship, rivalry, and personal battle, set versus the background of a historic turning point in baseball history.

Premise
Set in 1961, the movie captures the determination of 2 baseball players, Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle, who are chasing after Babe Ruth's record of 60 crowning achievement in a single season. Mantle, a beloved sports icon, easily gathers public enthusiasm, while Maris, a reserved male, faces criticism and backlash from both the press and fans who consider his prospective victory as a risk to Ruth's legend.

Main Plot
The story is told by Roger Maris's son and starts on the Yankees' spring training in Florida. The group manager, Ralph Houk, announces his expectations for the upcoming season, and the players get ready to meet them. Roger Maris is portrayed as a peaceful family man, while Mickey Mantle is presented as a fun-loving bachelor. The story then demonstrates how Mantle led the run early in the season, but Maris ultimately catches up due to Mantle's injuries and individual issues, sparking the crowning achievement race.

Subplots and Themes
While the chase for the home run record comprises the primary plot, Maris's battle with the press also forms a significant subplot. Dealing with hostile press reporters, unpopularity amongst fans, and even dislike mail, Maris stands under extreme scrutiny while chasing the desired record. Mantle's personal struggles with alcohol addiction and injuries, juxtaposed versus Maris's difficulty, highlight the contrasting personas of these 2 remarkable players.

The film provides numerous styles, including friendship, media adjustment, and the pressure of star. Mantle and Maris's relationship is illustrated as an unfaltering bond, while the unfavorable media portrayal of Maris emphasizes the stress in between public understanding and reality. The immense pressure dealt with by both players in their pursuit of the record underlines the psychological and psychological expense of elite sports.

Ending
Regardless of the obstacles, Maris continues his pursuit and ultimately breaks Babe Ruth's record by hitting his 61st crowning achievement on the last day of the season - hence the movie's title "61 *". The film concludes with an intimate scene where Maris calls his better half to share his accomplishment, highlighting the personal significance of his victory. The asterisk (*) in the title recommendations Ford Frick's controversial judgment that Maris's record would only stand if he broke Ruth's record in 154 video games, the exact same number Ruth played in 1927, adding another layer of tension to the story.

Conclusion
Billy Crystal's "61 *" is a beautifully crafted sports drama that takes the audience back to a significant time in baseball history. While portraying the exhilarating home run race between Mantle and Maris, the movie likewise delves into deep human emotions, making it an interesting watch not simply for the sports lovers, but for any viewer thinking about human stories of battle and triumph.

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