Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story

Watch Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story

  • NR
  • 2011
  • 1 hr 30 min
  • 7.0  (141)

Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story is an inspirational documentary from 2011 about the incredible trajectory of Jay DeMerit, a young man from Green Bay, Wisconsin who dreamed of playing professional soccer. With no connections, no money, and no real prospects, he found himself chasing his dream overseas, first in England, then throughout Europe, and finally in South Africa.

Rise & Shine is a classic tale of underdog perseverance and determination. From the first few minutes, you get the sense that this is going to be a story about hard work and overcoming the odds. We see Jay growing up in a working-class family, where sports were always a big part of his life. As a kid, he seems to have been particularly drawn to soccer, and we watch as he develops into a standout player in high school.

But then, just as he's starting to hit his stride, Jay's soccer career hits a major roadblock. He fails to make the team at a Division III university in Wisconsin, leaving him with few options. That's when he decides to take the advice of a coach and try his luck overseas.

What follows is a wild ride through the ups and downs of professional soccer. We see Jay struggling to make ends meet in England, living in a house with other broke players and doing odd jobs to pay the bills. We see him bouncing around from club to club, always rediscovering his love for the game despite setbacks and injuries.

One of the highlights of Rise & Shine is the way it captures the excitement and intensity of soccer at the highest levels. We get to see Jay playing in packed stadiums throughout Europe, with screaming fans and hostile opposing teams. We also get a sense of how physically grueling the sport can be, with moments of bone-crunching tackles and agonizing injuries.

But the heart of the movie is really Jay as a person. Throughout his career, he's portrayed as someone with an unshakeable will and a positive outlook on life. Even when the odds seem insurmountable, he keeps pushing forward, always believing that he can make it to the top. Along the way, he makes friends, falls in love, and learns important life lessons about perseverance, resilience, and the value of hard work.

The documentary is also notable for its impressive production value. The film is beautifully shot, with stunning footage of soccer games and behind-the-scenes moments. The editing is slick and engaging, keeping the story moving along at a brisk pace. And the music, featuring a mix of upbeat rock and emotional ballads, adds to the film's overall sense of energy and momentum.

Ultimately, Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story is a classic sports documentary that will appeal to anyone who loves rooting for the underdog. It's a film that celebrates the power of the human spirit, and shows how even the most unlikely dreams can come true with hard work, courage, and determination. Whether you're a die-hard soccer fan or simply someone who loves a good story of triumph over adversity, this film is definitely worth a watch.

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Description
  • Release Date
    2011
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 30 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.0  (141)