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There are many films, shows musicals, etc. released every year that are based on true stories. However, it is almost unbelievable that the buddy comedy film Tag is also based on a true story. Films and shows based on true stories can be funny, scary, heartwarming and also dramatic. Tag is a 2018 comedy film based on an actual group of friends.


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After watching the film, and learning it was inspired by true events, some fans might be left wondering about the real game. For example, how close is the movie to the actual story? Is there a guy that the character Jerry was based on? Also, how did the people playing even start playing in the first place? The true story behind the film Tag is almost unbelievable.

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How Did The Game Start?

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Movie ideas can come from anywhere, especially life. While many movies, shows and other performances are based on books, or characters created by someone, there are numerous films, shows, plays, etc. based on a real person’s life, or something that happened in real life.

Tag is a comedy film which is based on the story of the real “Tag Brothers”. In 2013, The Wall Street Journal wrote a story about their wild antics.

Joe Tombari, one of the “Tag Brothers”, also wrote about his own experiences in a piece for The Guardian. In his article, he explains how the game began.

Starting simple, it developed into something more as the group continued playing. “As teenagers, a group of friends and I spent every spare moment at the school playing tag. The game developed into more than just chasing each other round the playground; it involved strategy and cunning.”

Related: Jeremy Renner’s Time In The Film Tag Was A Complete Disaster, With The Actor Breaking Both His Arms

When school ended, Tombari was sure he would be “it” forever. “But when I failed to tag someone in the last moments before school broke up for the summer – he’d locked himself in his car to avoid it – I resigned myself to forever being ‘it.'”

After reuniting at a reunion, someone mentioned they should keep playing. “We all went our separate ways…so the game fizzled out. Then a reunion brought the 10 of us together again a few years later and someone suggested reviving it.”

After the group decided to continue playing the game, they created rules for playing.

Are There Similarities Between The Real Game And The Movie ‘Tag’?

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When movies or shows are based on a real-life story or a real person’s life, certain details are usually changed for all kinds of reasons. Names might be changed for privacy, plot points can be changed to move things along, etc. However, some things in the film Tag are actually based in reality.

Like the film, the non-fiction group has rules too. According to the Guardian, the group came up with rules when they started playing again. First, they “would only play it in February each year; second, you were not allowed immediately to tag back the person who had tagged you; and finally, you had to declare to the group that you were ‘it'”.

According to The Mirror, the group the movie is based on is made up of ten friends (not five). Sneaking into each other’s houses, wearing disguises and flying back and forth across the country, the group of taggers goes to all sorts of lengths to reach each other. This is similar to what’s seen in the movie.

Joe Tombari said, “we don’t run like Usain Bolt, so subterfuge and collusion have become our weapons. Eleven months of the year are spent planning. Collaborating with a friend is where the fun is – we can spend hours discussing approaches.”

Related: 10 Actors We Loved In Films Based On True Stories (5 That Could’ve Been Better)

Like the movie, they play one month out of the year, and they also will involve partners, friends and others to help them with sting operations. The real group’s stories are almost unbelievable, and creativity is encouraged.

“Perhaps one of the most unexpected tags was during Mike’s father’s funeral. During the service, he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to find Joe mouthing, ‘You’re it.’ Afterwards, he said his father would have approved, because he found our game hilarious.”

In the film, audiences see the characters do many of the things the real “tag brothers” have done in real life. One major difference is there is no real-life Jerry.

Who Are The Real Players Of The Game Tag?

According to The Mirror, Joe Tombari said, “The best thing about the game is that it has kept us in touch over all these years – it forces us to meet and has formed a strong bond between us, almost like brothers.”

According to The Spokesman-Review, the game of tag that has been played for years using disguises and sneak attacks is being played by a group of 10. Their names are: Chris Ammann, Mike Konesky, the Rev. Sean Raftis, Rick Bruya, Patrick Schultheis, Joe Tombari, Bill Akers, Mark Mengert, Brian Dennehy and Joe Caferro.

Not all celebrities like their characters, but reportedly the two different “tag” groups got along. While not everyone who has had their story – real or not – adapted for the screen has liked it, it seems the “tag brothers” were happy with the film, and its positive message.

After watching the film based on something he does every year for a month, Chris Ammann revealed his thoughts about the film. “I thought it was great.” The Rev. Sean Raftis said, “There is a real sweetness to it – it’s about friendship. It’s nice to have an uplifting story based on reality.”

According to the group who plays the game, they hope that what audiences take away from the film that’s based on their story is friendship, which “is the common thread that has held the game together for so many years.” They keep playing the game because, as they say, “we make it happen.”

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