Review of One Night in Turin (2010) by Sam P — 11 Apr 2012

One Night In Turin is a good documentary for anyone interested in football. The circumstances surrounding Italia â~90 is infamous and well documented. With the vocal talents of legendary actor Gary Oldman guiding us throughout the documentary, it is well crafted.

In any documentary, you need a character that you can find an interest in, something that would fascinate you regardless of whether you enjoy the subject or not. Here the documentary revolves around the two most important Englishmen during Italia 90â(TM), the manager Bobby Robson, at the time vilified & ridiculed, and the player Paul âGazzaâ? Gascoigne, an outstanding talent but untrusted at International level.

The arc of the two characters, âGazzaâ? growing to be instrumental to the team, only for on the biggest stage, to have his heart broken, and cry with the nation as he was yellow carded, and hereby, banned from the final, coincides with the travails of Robson, rising against adversity, demonstrating his heart and desire, helping the team drag themselves to the semi-finals, leaving the England team a hero.

There is in fact one beautiful moment where, before the Penalties in the semi-finals are taken, âGazzaâ?, tears in his eyes, is comforted by Robson, who tells him âyouâ(TM)ve been one of the best players of the tournament my lad, youâ(TM)ve earned this, and you have your whole career ahead of youâ?, subtitles displaying Robsonâ(TM)s comments.

Overall the documentary was enjoyable, showing the conditions of the time, the standards, and places you into the frame mind of the English at the time, so you get an idea of how important the tournament was all round. For fans of football, it would be a good documentary to enjoy.