Sports events attract millions of fans around the globe, and while the popularity of specific sports varies according to continents or countries, all sports have at their core a competitive nature that seeks to overcome adversities.
Such form of entertainment has, of course, inspired many films, some better than others, but many times we get caught up in the same stories over and over. In this article, we will list some lesser-known sports films that often go under the radar of sports fans.
Goal! (2005)
Soccer is global industry and the world’s biggest sport. Being the focus of extensive media coverage, soccer events, such as the World Cup or the European Championship, are some of the biggest sports events in the world. Soccer’s influence is so enormous that it transcends the limits of sport and has inspired video games, such as FIFA or PES, films and even online casino games, where you can play in an online casino with live dealers while watching game highlights, in titles like Live Football Roulette and Live Football Studio.
When it comes to films, one of the best examples is Goal! While this is certainly not a perfect film, with average acting and sometimes a predictable plotline, it is the closest thing to an accurate depiction of the current football industry.
Living in the United States with his family, Santiago Muñez dreams of becoming a professional footballer. After being spotted by a scout, he gets the chance to take part in a trial in Newcastle, England. While at first not everything goes as expected, a twist keeps the dream alive.
Let’s just say, the film is only the beginning of Muñez’s story, as in Goal II: Living the Dream, the 2007 sequel, he gets to play in the Champions League.
Senna (2010)
Ayrton Senna was not only a Formula 1 figure, but he was also the symbol of hope for people living in the very troubled social and political climate of Brazil. As a result, his death left a void in the heart of the country. However, the life of the late Brazilian racing star could not have had a greater homage than this film.
The motion picture is structured as a documentary, using only archival images, such as home videos and television broadcasts, while the narration is delivered by Senna’s close friends. The film follows Senna’s Formula 1 career between 1984 and 1994, focusing particularly on his rivalry with Alain Prost. The tension is palpable from beginning to end, as the viewer is led to admire Senna’s professional feats, his personal life, and ultimately to despair by knowing beforehand how the film ends. The last 30 minutes are particularly powerful and a true anthem to sport and cinema.
Point Break (1991)
Apart from being one of the most iconic films in Keanu Reeves’ career, this motion picture is also set in the context of a particular sport. Coincidently, this same sport was featured in the Olympic Games for the first time this year. The sport is none other than surfing.
In this story, which mixes sports with the detective genre, federal agent Johnny Utah (Reeves) infiltrates a gang suspected of conducting a series of bank robberies in Southern California. Everything is planned out, but upon arriving at the community he meets Bodhi (Patrick Swayze), a mystical figure, who begins to show Johnny a different way of seeing the world.
Directed by award-winner Kathryn Bigelow, Point Break is usually criticized for its silliness, but there is a deeper meaning to this 90s classic than it may seem at first sight.
If you’ve missed any of these films, we recommend you go ahead and watch them, as we assure you you’ll have a great time.
Leave a Reply