The power of sport in bringing people together, with teamwork as a prominent theme, is evident. The representation of people experiencing homelessness is positive, as they are humanized, and the circumstances that led them to their situation are depicted with compassion and empathy. Another theme highlighted is the lack of support often afforded to young people who are sold a dream of becoming professional sportspersons but are not helped to navigate an alternative reality.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Mal is an inspiring figure; he takes a chance on people that society has otherwise rejected. Vinny is one such man, and while he initially shows a real ego and is in no way a team player, he soon learns to trust his teammates and realizes the strength in collaboration and teamwork. Vinny's fellow players, all of whom are experiencing homelessness, are shown to be caring and considerate, with some showing remorse for things they've done in the past.
Diverse Representations
some
The movie is about the soccer Homeless World Cup, with each player from various countries experiencing homelessness in some shape or form. These characters and their situation are depicted with compassion, empathy, and understanding. The film is primarily made up of male characters, although women are shown taking part in the tournament, though not on the side representing England. One character tells a distasteful joke to a girl who is notably offended, but he is reprimanded and he takes accountability, showing remorse. The lead role is played by the young Black British actor Micheal Ward.
Parents need to know that The Beautiful Game is an inspiring British sports drama based on the real-life soccer Homeless World Cup. It's a heartwarming underdog story with plenty of positive messages that approaches its characters with understanding, empathy, and compassion. Bill Nighy plays coach Mal who recruits the talented Vinny (Micheal Ward) to join his England squad, all of whom are experiencing homelessness in some form. The depiction of these characters is positive, albeit the journey Vinny goes on is one of self-discovery as he learns to become a team player. The cast is diverse with Mal's squad made up of characters from different backgrounds, although there are only a limited number of female roles. The language is generally mild with only a few uses of "s--t" and the British swear word "twat." There is a reference to a character's struggles with drugs in the past and a character's bare behind is seen as he comes out of the shower. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
Very obvious sex reference which isnt mentioned in the rating & should be. One character asks a girl "Got any English in you? Want some?"; this might go over a lot of kids heads until a little later in the movie it is explicitly explained that it was his penis he referred to (penis is actually mentioned) & the joke is repeated a couple more times in disscussion. Just to be aware of this if watching with younger kids, it was done a little too obvious & could have been addressed better regarding respecting others without being so blunt & direct.
good movie that shows homelessness in different ways, but nothing inappropriate. I liked how it was based on real event & people. I caught one curse word but overall very appropriate launguage-wise. Some drug useage was discussed but not in a glorified manner, more as it messed up my life kinda way. overall, it was a good teamwork should matter more than winning moral of the story which I appreciated. good movie and fun to watch.
What's the Story?
In THE BEAUTIFUL GAME,former soccer scout turned coach Mal (Bill Nighy) brings together a group of young men to represent England at the Homeless World Cup in Rome. Competing against other nations made up of players experiencing homelessness, Mal persuades Vinny (Micheal Ward) -- a man who showed great promise as a youngster before his life took a different path -- to join his squad. Will the tournament remind Vinny again of his ability to shine and to make a difference -- both on and off the pitch?
While there's a sense of predictability with this British sports drama, as it follows all the familiar beats associated with the genre, there's still much to enjoy. Directed by Thea Sharrock, The Beautiful Game comes equipped with a real sense of hope, supporting the notion of the underdog throughout, in this case, soccer players who are experiencing homelessness. While it's cliched at times, and conventional at others, as a film that is pretty easy to second-guess, the movie's heart is very much in the right place. Nighy is a safe pair of hands. He manages to carry the tone of the movie well, even if he feels somewhat miscast, his affability just about seeing him through. The matches are full of drama and the soccer sequences are impressive, with the cast of young actors actually looking like they can play -- not something every movie depicting the sport can claim.
What did Vinny learn about teamwork? Why is teamwork such an important character strength? Can you think of a time when you've shown this trait in your own life?
Do you play a sport? What are some of the benefits of playing a sport?
MPAA explanation:
some language, a suggestive reference, brief partial nudity and drug references.
Last updated:
August 7, 2024
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