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Moneyball is a sports drama film released in 2011, directed by Bennett Miller. It is based on the non-fiction book "Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game" by Michael Lewis, which chronicles the true story of how the Oakland Athletics baseball team revolutionized the way the game is managed and played using advanced statistical analysis and data-driven decision-making.
The film stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, who faces financial constraints and a small budget compared to other teams in Major League Baseball. Frustrated with the traditional scouting methods and limited resources, Beane teams up with Peter Brand, played by Jonah Hill, a young economics graduate who introduces him to the concept of sabermetrics, a statistical approach to analyzing player performance.
Together, Beane and Brand use data and analytics to identify undervalued players who are overlooked by other teams, based on their on-base percentage (OBP) and other advanced metrics, rather than relying on traditional measures such as batting average or home runs. They assemble a team of undervalued players, including former All-Star Scott Hatteberg, played by Chris Pratt, and embark on a bold and unconventional strategy to compete against the big-budget teams.
As Beane challenges the traditional baseball establishment and faces resistance from his peers and team staff, he struggles to balance his revolutionary approach with the pressures of managing a team and dealing with personal setbacks. The film explores the tension between old-school baseball traditions and the use of data-driven analytics in a competitive sports environment.
"Moneyball" is not only a sports film but also a compelling drama that delves into the human element of the game, including the relationships between players, managers, and the business of baseball. It highlights themes of innovation, resilience, and the pursuit of success against all odds.
The film received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling and performances, particularly Brad Pitt's portrayal of Billy Beane. It was nominated for multiple awards, including six Academy Awards, and it won the Best Editing Oscar. "Moneyball" is a thought-provoking and inspiring film that challenges traditional norms and offers a fresh perspective on the game of baseball and the power of data-driven decision-making.