One for soccer lovers

Ervell E Menezes

‘Pele: the birth of a legend’ is the story of one of soccer’s greatest names. Born Edson Arantes do Nacimento and called Zico (a latter day star’s name tends to confuse the audience) for long in the early part of the movie, the movie is all about the blind faith the South Americans have in soccer.

Pele’s dad Dondulo (Sen Jorge) wants him to be what he couldn’t be because he did not have that self-belief that is essential for success. Beginning with their loss in the 1950 World Cup, the film follows this legend’s 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 how soccer was a dream to get them out of this rut.

Better editing would have helped, but the cameos are well-fleshed and so is the philosophy of game. 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. Live footage is cleverly mixed with the action and soccer wizardry is given enough scope. 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. This is a film for soccer-crazy fans and is sure to do well in Goa, whatever the rating!