Netflix dared to portray the great soccer legend in Pele. They did it with 3 actors: child (Leonardo Lima Carvalho), teenager (Kevin de Paula), and even a cameo and narration by the man himself, do Nascimiento, AKA Pele. The movie was made in 2014 and largely forgotten with negative reviews. Yet, it deserves a second look, at the eve of soccer's coming of age in the U.S. In 2018, at this writing, Los Angeles just inaugurated its second MLS sports team, LAFC, in its state of the art arena: Banc of California Stadium.
Much to its credit, Netflix educated moviegoers. Pele was a slur name. His larger than life fame overshadowed his surprisingly impoverished origins. Pele's style derives from 'Ginga': actually based on 'Capoeira,' the resurgent, yet centuries old Brazilian flowing martial arts. The movie devotes much time to Pele's roots, giving us the most intimate look into his upbringing.
Even so, Pele is shallow. 17 year old Pele is confused in the halftime's locker room of the 1958 World Cup semifinal against Russia, and suddenly transforms after a brief chat. More shallowness bubbles up in other scenes like Pele's almost nondeveloped relationship with his Coach Feola (D'Onofrio). Only one familiar Hollywood face, the Swedish finals Coach Raynor (Colm Meaney) did not add much star appeal.
In its defense, Brazilian soccer is presented as a wholly unique style, "a beautiful game," said their coach. Once more though, it barely makes note of Pele's excellent wingmen, Zagallo and Vava, who scored most of the 1958 Final's goals. Filmed in Rio, authentic colors and vibrant street scenes give it authenticity. The film scores by allowing us a smidgen of Brazilians' fanatical love for their national sport which had always eluded me. Those that had nothing are suddenly catapulted to the world stage.
For all its shortcomings, it is brief and concise. No other Pele flick even comes close. I will leave it on MIDFIELD for its youthful scope and leading effort.
No comments:
Post a Comment