The Natural (1984) Watch Online Free

The Natural (1984) Watch Online

The Natural (1984) Watch Online Free

Director: Barry Levinson
Year: 1984 Rating: 76
Genres: Drama

An unknown middle-aged batter named Roy Hobbs with a mysterious past appears out of nowhere to take a losing 1930s baseball team to the top of the league.


The Natural, directed by Barry Levinson and based on Bernard Malamud’s novel, tells the story of Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford), an exceptionally talented baseball player whose promising career is derailed by a tragic event. The film spans several decades, following Roy’s comeback to major league baseball after a long absence. Returning to the game in his 30s, Roy helps his underdog team, the New York Knights, battle for the pennant. Along the way, he grapples with his personal demons, including a romance with femme fatales Memo Paris (Kim Basinger) and a redemption arc involving his childhood love, Iris (Glenn Close).

The narrative emphasizes Roy’s battle against corrupt forces in the sport, symbolized by gamblers and the dark side of fame, while also exploring themes of fate, destiny, and second chances. Roy’s triumph, symbolized by his final game-winning home run, offers a redemptive conclusion, much more optimistic than the novel’s darker tone.

Themes and Analysis:

  1. Fate vs. Free Will: One of the central themes in The Natural is the concept of fate. Roy Hobbs is portrayed as a “natural” athlete, seemingly born to play baseball, but the tragic shooting that derails his career brings an element of chance and misfortune into his life. The film plays with the idea of destiny, especially in the way Roy’s return to baseball is framed as a second shot at life. His success in the final game, a grand moment of divine intervention, symbolizes the belief that sometimes, destiny can still be rewritten.
  2. Redemption and Forgiveness: At its core, The Natural is about Roy’s personal redemption. His journey is not only about returning to the game but also about reconciling with his past mistakes, notably his strained relationship with Iris, whom he abandoned years earlier. The film’s ending, in which Roy redeems himself by hitting the game-winning home run and embracing his son, speaks to the power of second chances and forgiveness.
  3. The Corruption of Baseball: The film contrasts Roy’s pure talent with the corruption surrounding professional baseball. The gamblers and morally ambiguous characters Roy interacts with are symbols of the darker side of fame and money in sports. The struggles Roy faces in navigating this environment offer a critique of the commercialization of sports, and the tension between personal integrity and the corporate world of athletics.
  4. The Myth of the Hero: Roy Hobbs is portrayed almost as a mythic figure. From the mysterious and magical origins of his bat (Wonderboy) to his iconic final home run, the film imbues him with a sense of heroic destiny. His return to baseball after years of absence feels almost supernatural, a triumph of fate rather than human effort, highlighting the larger-than-life status that baseball legends often acquire in American culture.
  5. The Role of Women: The female characters in The Natural are essential to the plot but are also somewhat underdeveloped. Memo Paris is the quintessential femme fatale, representing temptation and distraction, while Iris stands as a symbol of pure, untainted love. Both women reflect different aspects of Roy’s character and serve as catalysts for his emotional journey, but neither is deeply explored in their own right.

Why You Should Watch The Natural – 10 Reasons:

  1. Robert Redford’s Iconic Performance: As Roy Hobbs, Redford delivers one of his most memorable roles, bringing charm, depth, and a sense of nobility to the character of the aging baseball player.
  2. Stunning Cinematography: The film’s visuals, from sweeping stadium shots to intimate close-ups, create a timeless and epic feel, enhancing the film’s mythic undertones.
  3. Magical Realism: The film beautifully blends fantasy and realism, elevating baseball to an almost mythical level, which makes every hit and run feel significant.
  4. Powerful Symbolism: The use of Roy’s bat (Wonderboy) and the final home run sequence are rich with symbolic meaning, contributing to the film’s lasting impact.
  5. Themes of Redemption: Watching Roy’s journey toward redemption, both in his career and personal life, is emotionally satisfying and universally relatable.
  6. Baseball’s Golden Age: The movie captures the nostalgia of baseball’s golden era, appealing to fans and non-fans alike with its reverence for the sport.
  7. Strong Supporting Cast: From Wilford Brimley’s gruff manager to Glenn Close’s tender portrayal of Iris, the supporting cast brings depth and authenticity to the story.
  8. Classic Soundtrack: Randy Newman’s score perfectly complements the film’s tone, adding a layer of emotion to key moments in the story.
  9. A Fitting Hero’s Journey: The Natural embodies the classic hero’s journey, with Roy battling external and internal forces to achieve victory and redemption.
  10. A Feel-Good Conclusion: The film’s ending is uplifting, providing a sense of closure and triumph, leaving audiences with a sense of hope and satisfaction.

Emotional Impact After Watching the Film:

After watching The Natural, viewers are likely to experience a deep sense of fulfillment. The film’s themes of redemption and triumph against the odds resonate strongly, making it a powerful emotional journey. The uplifting ending, where Roy achieves both professional and personal success, brings a sense of satisfaction. At the same time, the film leaves a bittersweet feeling due to the sacrifices Roy made along the way and the dark side of the sport that he ultimately overcomes. The sense of hope and the belief in second chances will linger, offering a poignant reflection on life’s potential for renewal, even after great adversity.

The Natural is a classic film that combines sports drama with deep emotional and philosophical themes, making it a must-watch for both baseball fans and those seeking a powerful story about life, redemption, and fate.