By Ricky Davis
Fantasy Football Film XI
Mon 11 May 2020
Over the last several weeks we’ve learned to live without football to the point where we now truly know the pain of THAT Baggio penalty miss, THAT Beckham red card and THOSE Gascoigne tears.
Football is full of heroes and heartbreak, a compelling weekly 90 minute drama with the ability to invigorate us with the highest of highs or drag us to the lowest of lows – it’s even produced some great films.
So without further ado, here’s our fantasy eleven!
Next Goal Wins (2014), dir. Mike Brett, Steve Jamison
The formula for so many sporting films, from The Mighty Ducks to Cool Runnings, the greatest of all sporting stories is the underdog story – and underdogs don’t come much bigger than the Pacific island of American Samoa.
Beaten 31-0 by Australia in 2001, Next Goal Wins is a heart-warming story of a team’s road to redemption – perfect viewing for those who love football and even those who don’t.
Two Billion Hearts (1995), dir. Murilo Salles
A unique take on the football documentary, Two Billion Hearts chronicles the iconic USA ’94 World Cup.
Taking a panoramic approach to the event, the film captures what it was like to be there in the moment – with candid, vox pop-style interviews with fans and incredible in-game footage.
Not only a great football documentary, Two Billion Hearts is a cultural record of the ’90s.
The Damned United (2009), dir. Tom Hooper
Worlds and egos collide in this brilliant adaptation of David Peace’s best-selling novel about Brian Clough’s infamous 44 day reign as manager of Leeds United.
With acting chameleon Michael Sheen brilliant as the notoriously contrary Clough, feathers are ruffled early on when he calls his new players cheats and tells them to throw their medals in the bin – it’s only downhill from here in one of football’s most entertaining film.
Mike Bassett: England Manager (2001), dir. Steve Barron
We all fancy ourselves as football managers; be it in fantasy football, computer games or on the terraces themselves. We all believe that we know better than the real-life managers themselves – one man, however, goes a step further and proves anyone can do it and his name is Mike Bassett.
Ricky Tomlinson excels as the beleaguered England manager in way over his head in this brilliant send up of football’s managers, media and players.
Fever Pitch (1997), dir. David Evans
Based on the book by Nick Hornby, Fever Pitch manages that most difficult of real-life balancing acts with poise and charm – the great tug of war between relationships and football.
Centred around Arsenal’s 1989 championship win, the film features Colin Firth and Mark Strong in early breakthrough roles and proves that there’s no greater high than a last minute winner.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
Forbidden Games: The Justin Fashanu Story (2017), dir. Jon Carey, Adam Darke
A lesser known story in football is the life and tragic early death of Justin Fashanu. Scorer of one of the greatest goals English football has ever seen, Justin was the first football to come out as gay during his career.
This rigorous documentary chronicles his life and helps shine a light on the homophobia and racism that Justin Fashanu faced in his life and career.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002), dir. Gurinder Chadha
Gurinder Chadha’s charming romantic comedy is well worth a revisit – whether it’s for the wonderful performances from the fantastic ensemble cast, the terrific and electric soundtrack or that pure early ’00s nostalgia.
Parminder Nagra stars as Jess, a talented footballer who has to fight against the traditional views of her Sikh parents to pursue her dream.
Lionsgate UK are screening Bend it Like Beckham on their YouTube channel on Sat 16 May (for free).
Looking for Eric (2009), dir. Ken Loach
Better known for their challenging films tackling social inequality, poverty and working class issues, Ken Loach and Paul Laverty serve up this absolute treat about Eric, a down on his luck postman who receives some much needed guidance from Eric Cantona (who may or may not be a figment of his imagination).
Full of trademark Cantona flair and moments of magic, this is a real gem amongst Ken Loach’s incredible body of work.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
Bobby Robson: More Than a Manager (2018), dir. Gabriel Clarke, Torquil Jones
The story of Bobby Robson’s five decade career in football management, this documentary manages to feel personal and yet fully justify the scope of Robson’s achievements.
Featuring Sir Alex Ferguson, José Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Ronaldo, the roll call from the footballing world is incredible, but the film isn’t just a fantastic testament to a great manager, it’s a tribute to a wonderful human being.
Diego Maradona (2019), dir. Asif Kapadia
Asif Kapadia follows his amazing documentaries Senna and Amy with another portrait of a flawed genius – Diego Maradona.
Focusing on his years at Napoli, this high octane thriller in the vein of Scarface as much as a documentary with Maradona caught up in the grip of the mafia, drugs and fame.
As in Kapadia’s previous films, art proves to be an escape from real-world problems and despite Maradona’s casting as a villain, any audience will find themselves moved to sympathy.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
Hero (1987), dir. Tony Maylam
Maradona features a little in this choice as well – the official documentary of the Mexico ’86 World Cup.
With a wonderful electronic score from Rick Wakeman, beautiful slow motion footage and narration by Sir Michael Caine himself, there’s a lot to recommend Hero outside of the chance to watch those two Maradona goals one more time.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.