Review of Goal II: Living the Dream (2007) by Lee R — 19 Mar 2009

I am not a sports film fan by nature. Before seeing Goal: The Dream Begins (I) I always felt lazy when I watched them and then depressed that I lacked the skill and committment one must have to play sports well.

But one very early morning (abt 5am) I turned on the TV and Showtime was playing this under-rated gem. It captivated my attention like no film has in many years. Partly because of my attraction to the lead actor Kuno and partly because of the beautiful landscape long shots, I was hooked.

So when I heard about the sequel I rented as soon as it was released. If you enjoyed the first you will also enjoy the second. This story is not your typical zero to hero film. It has more heart and reality than any sports film you'll ever see.

The writing accompanied by the directing is for the first time in sports film history (or at least what i've seen) is so pleasantly and disarmingly subtle that it takes away the stigma that I personally associate with sports films.

Yes of course they win, but there is a story behind the sports that is relevant to all. Anyone can relate to this film. You don't have to be soccer a soccer fan/player to know the pain and angest of a parent's loss and the hope that they were proud of you.

I could go on about the plot forever, I feel it is the best sports film ever made. Now to the cinematography. Some may criticize the filming of the game and the quality dip that the games take, which is merely because the directors went as real as to include the actual players during actual games digitally enhanced, to a novice eye it is soo cool.

To a critic it lacks in quality. I say I'd rather view the film and its attempt to include the reality of the most popular sport in the world, than to view it how actors would have portrayed the reality.

The second installment initially lacked the innocence that made the first so intriguing but this feature is portrayed later in the film and I remembered why I loved the first and made me nostalgic for it.

As far as Sports Films go this is my numbers 1 and 2 respectively, I have no others. For my all time favorite films it makes my top 10 based on its plot, content and beautiful long shots that make me yearn to visit England/Europe(in general).

This film has made my presumptive dislike for sports film an entirely rebuttable presumption and I welcome GOAL III's attempt to rebut said presumption!