I should think a more honest title for The Beautiful Game might have been Uplifting Sports Drama #562. Of course, that wouldn’t have been as catchy. A group of English footballers (soccer to those of us in the U.S.) embarks on a journey to compete in Rome at the prestigious Homeless World Cup. Expect to see lots of perseverance amidst adversity on display.
It’s based on actual events. The Homeless World Cup was co-founded by entrepreneurs Mel Young and Harald Schmied, who believed in the transformative impact of sport. The first annual football tournament of its kind was held in 2003. It has become an emblem of hope, drawing together disparate people from around the globe who lack adequate housing. Sure, it’s a competition, but it also builds self-esteem and provides opportunities to transform one’s life. We’re talking about social change on a global scale.
As you can see, this is a feel-good flick. Sadly, it won’t win any awards for innovative storytelling. If a sports cliche exists, this script will employ it. Nevertheless, The Beautiful Game remains a family-friendly gem from creators well-versed in crafting wholesome entertainment. Director Thea Sharrock helmed Walt Disney Pictures’ movie version of The One and Only Ivan. English screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce is an award-winning children’s author. He wrote the book Millions and adapted it himself for the film by Danny Boyle.
The chronicle entertains with a heartfelt narrative heightened by exceptional performances. Fresh from his 2023 Oscar nomination for Living, Bill Nighy imbues the film with his charisma as the team’s coach. We are also introduced to assorted characters, each carrying their own burdens. The ensemble includes actor Micheal Ward (Empire of Light) as the irascible Vinny, a frustrating fellow who must learn to be part of a team. He’s ostensibly the star, but the chronicle meanders off on various tangents, focusing on random players. This includes those from different teams representing South Africa, Japan, and the U.S. The saga is a bit diffuse, but the various tributaries are consistently charming.
There has always been an ample supply of these types of narratives. Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins recently presented a similarly poignant saga using football just a few months ago. Their abundance only stands as a testament to the enduring power of these tropes. They often transcend the confines of the sport to present a captivating tale.
The Beautiful Game was released by Netflix on March 29.
04-05-24
2 Responses
Homeless Soccer World Cup. That was something I’ve never heard of. Good story, lead character was obnoxious, but everyone else was great. 3 1/2 ⭐️
Using the power of soccer to drive positive change for the homeless community. I had no idea this existed either.