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A film for soccer crazy fans
Birth of a Legend’ is the story of one of soccer’s greatest names. Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento and called Zico (a latter day star’s name tends to confuse the audience) for long in the early part of the movie, it is all about the blind faith the South Americans have in soccer.
Pele: Birth of a Legend’ is the story of one of soccer’s greatest names. Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento and called Zico (a latter day star’s name tends to confuse the audience) for long in the early part of the movie, it is all about the blind faith the South Americans have in soccer.
Zico’s dad Dondulo (Sen Jorge) wants him to be what he couldn’t be (don’t most father’s want the same?) because he did not have that self-belief so essential for success. Beginning with their loss in the 1950 World Cup the film follows this legends early days (played by Leonardo Carvalho and Kevin De Paula) when the 17-year-old made history in 1958.
Also in the milieu is right-winger Garincha (Filipe Simos) and names like Didi and Vava also in the 1958 team. But directors Jeff and Michael Zimbalist decide to get to his roots. How life was hard, often having to clean toilets and soccer was a dream to get them out of this rut.
May be, the establishing shots were unduly long and better editing would have helped but the cameos are well fleshed and so is the philosophy of the beautiful game. How the Brazilians want to adopt the European style till the coach finally sees the truth in a flash of genius.
Our own AR Rahman’s music sets the tone and the mood for this moving story, as it did in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ a few years ago. “Music that gentler on the spirit lies, than tired eyelids upon tired eyes,” to quote Tennyson.
Live footage is cleverly mixed with the action and soccer wizardry is given enough scope be it in the kitchens, kicking mangoes, whatever. It is in the second half that the film picks up but even this does not obliterate the halting opening half.
There’s not much by way of acting though the young Pele is natural and of the others Vincent D’Onofrio stands out as coach Feola. But this is a film for soccer crazy fans and is sure to do well in Goa, whatever the rating.
Film : Pele: Birth of a Legend
Cast : Kevin De Paula, Leonardo Lima Carvalho & Vincent D’Onofrio
Direction : Jeff Zimbalist & Michael Zimbalist
Genre : Drama
Likes : Music and mixing of live footage with the action
Dislikes : Editing
By Ervell E Menezes
