Soccer (Football) movies and docs

Pelada is pretty good and I think it is now free and streaming on Hulu.

 

I think "Being Liverpool" does provide a different perspective and a window into a world we don't get to see. Keith Costigan said last week, it's less about Liverpool than the idea and that he'd watch "Being Atlanta Silverbacks." I agree with that. Don't care for the Pool and this likely won't change that, but it is interesting. That said, I don't ever want to see Fulham do it b/c, imo, it's fraught with potential problems. I agree, Valentine was grating and came off as very fake.

I agree, "The Two Escobars" was a good documentary.

Another good one is "Rise and Shine: the Jay Demerit Story." The first half is fairly boring and too heavy on the bio, documenting Jay's childhood through college years. But once the story switches to his move to England, it's a fascinating tale of determination and timely performances. Jay's ability to be clutch was massive and essential to his career arc. I started following the Prem the season after Watford won promotion, so I was unaware of Jay's story other than the fact he played for Watford and had a good relationship with the fans there. They were relegated at the end of that season.

While it's attempt to romanticise and justify firms and hooliganism is utterly ridiculous, Green Street was an entertaining watch.

I also enjoyed the first Goal movie, even though it has a huge "Disney" cheese feel to it.

The Damned United is a favorite of mine. I can't speak to it's historical accuracy as the era was before my time. However, it's an interesting look at football in the late 60's and an insight into a true character of English football. Plus it even comes with a moral about the pratfalls of vanity and ego.

I should probably give Victory a re-watch. I know I saw it but was a kid and really don't remember it.

 

Did anyone ever see 'The Game of our Lives' about the 1950 US 1-0 victory over England? This thread reminded me to add it to my netflix list.

One documentary that I really like, but couldn't find the title was about the USWNT team about the growth of the sport through the 1999 WC and beyond. Great interviews w/Foudy, Hamm, Akers, etc...Highlight is a camera being on the team bus as they headed to their first match at Giants Stadium in New Jersey, and the shocked looks/reactions when they saw the parking lot packed hours before.

 

:text-+1:

Fantastic movie. Not a lot of on-field action, if that's what you're looking for. But a fascinating and revealing look at the personalities of those in the game.

 

I thought it was called The Miracle Match? Anyway if it's the same movie, it's a must see for any MNT fan. Liked it a lot.

Two Escobars was too depressing for me, but well done and worth a watch.

The first Goal movie is my sentimental favorite. I think it is a good one for kids, but the sequel is terrible and the third one must have been so bad that they didnt let anyone see it.

I dont think anyone has mentioned Once in a Lifetime: the story of the New York Cosmos. I've seen it a couple of times and continue to pick up on interesting tidbits as my knowledge of soccer history has increased over the years. One of the most interesting things I've found is that Pele, Beckenbauer, and other famous European players said they preferred the NASL shoot-out as a way to settle draws.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKjJ62TQSjo[/youtube]

 

Great call Mo on the Cosmos' Doc.

Throw out a couple of movies w/the footy being the backdrop; Bend It Like Beckham, pretty entertaining and worth a rental. Kicking and Screaming with WIll Ferrell being a youth soccer coach. Not great, but some funny moments. Calling Mike Dikta juice box boy, and 'new game plan,pass the ball to the Italians' were highlights.

 

I stumbled across one on tv yesterday airing on NBCSports called "Dream On, The Journey of Wembley FC". The part I saw showed McBride helping the team with training and in a match in a coaching capacity and it was interesting both from an x's and o's aspect but also from a McBride aspect. Looks like it's a series that airs on Tuesday nights and they are re-airing episodes on NBCSports Network. I never saw any ads for this or I'd have been checking it out previously.

The episodes that have already aired are also up on YouTube in 4 part segments. If you pull up the user acct: DreamOnWFC, you'll find all of the episodes and interview segments. There are quite a few with McBride. You have to sign in due to age restriction requirements, but here's the link to Ep 1.

http://www.youtube.com/verify_age?next_url=/watch?v=bmXiIlTbwj4&feature=related

 

I think Grant Wahl agrees, here is what he tweeted

He he


From the bits of Being Liverpool that I accidentally watched, it appeared to be just a shameless marketing plug for Liverpool. Embarassed for them as usual.