Life is like a game of soccer!
In the spirit of the 2022 FIFA world cup scheduled to hold between 20th November to 18th December 2022, here are five football-themed movies to get you in the mood (wink):
1. Shaolin Soccer
The Hong Kong sports comedy film tells the story of a former Shaolin monk who reunites with his five brothers years after their master’s death to apply their superhuman martial arts skills to play football and bring Shaolin kung fu to the masses.
The inspiration for Shaolin Soccer came from Stephen Chow (the lead actor and director) wanting a unique premise for a martial arts action film.
2. Pele: Birth Of A Legend
The American biographical film is based on the early life of the renowned Brazilian footballer Pele and his journey to the Brazilian National team to win the 1958 FIFA world cup.
The film also focuses on the relationship between the character Pele and his father, his Ginga football style which dates back to the 16th century with a cameo appearance of Pele himself.
3. Maami
Set two days before the 2010 World Cup, the movie tells the story of Kashimawo (Wole Ojo) an international soccer player as he comes to terms with his painful childhood, reflecting on his mother’s love for him amid poverty and deprivation, and his estranged father.
The 2011 Nigerian drama was produced and directed by Tunde Kelani, a screen adaptation of Femi Osofisan’s novel which bears the same name starring Funke Akindele, Wole Ojo and Olumide Bakare.
4. Goal! The Dream Begins
The movie tells the story of Santiago Munez, a Mexican cook in Los Angeles, who gets a chance to follow his dream of playing professional soccer. A talent scout with contacts in the United Kingdom spots him and offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance if he could find his way to England where he tries out for the Newcastle United team.
The movie was made with the cooperation of FIFA, which enabled the inclusion of FIFPRO likenesses of real teams and players. Adidas also contributed $50 million towards the film budget and marketing campaign.
5. Bend It Like Beckham
The movie is a kaleidoscope of colour and culture which clashes humorously as an Indian family in London tries to raise their soccer-playing daughter traditionally. When she is forced to choose between tradition and her beloved sport, her family must decide whether to let her chase her dream.
Bending is a signature skill of Beckham’s where he can kick the ball so it curves around obstacles and is harder for a goalie to track. When the director Gurinder Chadha was planning to shoot her film, an enquiry went to Beckham as to whether he would appear. He was still in the midst of his football career at the time but agreed to take part though in the long run he and his wife, Victoria couldn’t make their schedules work.
#Unsolicited is a segment for reviews, opinion pieces and professional perspectives for various industries. This edition features 5 Soccer-Themed Movies You Can Watch This World Cup Season.
