“ The Beautiful Game,” a new movie starring Bill Nighy and Michael Ward, is about a real international soccer tournament called the Homeless World Cup. Don’t go in expecting documentary realness or grit, however. This is a movie-movie (debuting on Netflix on Friday, tidily constructed to leave audiences feeling inspired and uplifted. Mind you, this isn’t a bad thing – verité authenticity has its place but so do well constructed, glossy fantasies that still evoke authentic emotion and get at some essential truths. “ The Beautiful Game,” directed by Thea Sharrock, is firmly the latter. Just managing expectations. The first Homeless World Cup was held in 2003, and in the past two decades, nearly 70 countries and 1.2 million people have participated. And yet, I suspect, its existence might come as a surprise to many (even soccer fans …excuse me, football). The foundation’s goals are noble, raising awareness for homelessness in major world cities and giving players a sense of pride and community. |
Travel Boom Sees 740 Mln Trips Made in 3Israel withdraws all ground troops except for one brigade from southern Gaza: media reportsChinese Publishers Examine AI Potential at London Book FairWomen Aerospace Scientists Share SciSerial Short Videos Released to Raise Awareness About Children's CharitiesWomen's Team Helps Residents Improve Understanding of LawsBook on PeopleStation Established to Improve Family Education Guidance ServiceSmart Agricultural Platform Improves Production Efficiency in Central ChinaBoosting Rural Revitalization in Hometown