Shivangi Sinha
Under the direction of Thea Sharrock, ‘The Beautiful Game’ is a sports drama movie with a stirring narrative that extends beyond the screen, leaving viewers with a lasting sense of uplift. It follows various teams competing in the Homeless World Cup, where participants, who have faced homelessness and poverty, come together in a league of soccer matches. The movie focuses notably on England’s team and their manager, Mal.
As they advance through the tournaments, their key player, Vinny, faces performance struggles rooted in his challenges. While the film evokes strong nationalistic sentiments within the competitive sports realm, it refrains from vilifying other teams. Instead, it sheds light on the diverse socio-political backgrounds from which participants arrive at the tournament. This heartfelt narrative warrants analysis, inviting exploration of its real-world parallels.
The Story of The Beautiful Game Has Its Roots in Reality
In the world depicted in ‘The Beautiful Game,’ there’s no fantasy involved; instead, it mirrors a real-world phenomenon deeply ingrained in our society. While penning the script, writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce thoroughly examined the Homeless World Cup, which is an annual event organized by the Homeless World Cup Foundation. This event invites teams from over 80 countries worldwide to partake in a series of soccer matches, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition among participants. Additionally, since 2008, the foundation has also introduced a separate league for women, further expanding the inclusivity and impact of the tournament.
The tournament is organized to use the power of sport to inspire and create opportunities for people who have experienced homelessness and social marginalization. The foundation was established by Mel Young and Harald Schmied in 2001, while the first tournament was launched in 2003. It brings together teams from around the world and has an ever-expanding network that has brought about substantial change in the communities it has operated in. Through the universal language of soccer, the Homeless World Cup provides participants with a platform for personal growth, empowerment, and social inclusion.
The Homeless World Cup Foundation operates through organizations in various countries, collaborating with local communities to support homeless and marginalized individuals. By utilizing soccer as a tool for empowerment and social change, these organizations extend a helping hand and advocate for systemic improvements. Through grassroots initiatives, they provide not only opportunities for individuals to participate in the Homeless World Cup but also access to essential resources such as housing, education, and employment training.
By harnessing the universal appeal of soccer, these organizations break down barriers and stigma, fostering a sense of belonging and self-worth among participants. In crafting the characters of ‘The Beautiful Game,’ Boyce engaged directly with numerous athletes who had taken part in the Homeless World Cup. Through these interactions, he artfully portrayed a spectrum of experiences, each reflecting different facets of homelessness, such as substance addiction, poverty, and shifting life circumstances.
What is particularly intriguing is Boyce’s ability to delve into the root causes of homelessness as they manifest across diverse regions of the world, emphasizing that these issues are not uniform but rather deeply influenced by local contexts and factors. A compelling illustration of this can be observed through the older players depicted in the Japan team. In Japan, homelessness among older individuals is a prevalent and concerning issue. Many older adults find themselves facing homelessness due to factors such as poverty, unemployment, lack of social support, and the breakdown of traditional family structures.
Additionally, Japan’s cultural emphasis on self-reliance and pride often deters older individuals from seeking assistance or admitting their homelessness, further exacerbating the problem. Despite efforts by the government and non-profit organizations to address this issue, the problem persists, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions that encompass both social support and economic stability for Japan’s elderly population. Players like Lisa Wrightsman have lauded the film for its authenticity, drawing from their own experiences that closely mirror what has been depicted.
At the age of 29, Wrightsman started on a journey toward sobriety while residing in a transitional house, ultimately rediscovering her passion for soccer in 2010. Her debut game with Street Soccer USA marked the beginning of a path that led her to compete in the Homeless World Cup. Wrightsman has commended the film for accurately portraying the experiences she and others encountered during the tournament, affirming the genuine portrayal of their struggles and triumphs on screen.
Despite being centered around a social cause, the film manages to avoid coming across as preachy, which is its true beauty. It handles its subject matter with sensitivity, recognizing that it’s not just a story but a portrayal of real individuals finding purpose and dignity through the initiative. These are people who are often marginalized or overlooked, yet the film gives them the spotlight they deserve without resorting to heavy-handed moralizing. It understands the significance of the tale it’s telling, and in doing so, it delivers a satisfying and authentic portrayal of the human experience within the context of the Homeless World Cup.
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