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Pelé: Birth of a Legend
2016 107 min United States of America PG 16+
★6.7
Drama
Director: Jeff Zimbalist, Michael Zimbalist
Trailers
Description
The life story of Brazilian football legend, Pele.
US Gross:
$57,046
Worldwide:
$27,312
Starring
Vincent D'Onofrio
Actor
Rodrigo Santoro
Actor
Diego Boneta
Actor
Key opinion
Pelé: Birth of a Legend is generally viewed as an earnest, visually vibrant, and emotionally resonant sports drama, particularly for those who appreciate traditional underdog narratives. However, critics frequently point to a conventional, cliché-ridden screenplay and significant historical inaccuracies that undermine the film's biographical credibility.
| Acting | Kevin de Paula delivers a compelling and poignant performance that anchors the film's emotional arc. | |
| Cinematography | The cinematography and vibrant color palette effectively capture the atmosphere and spirit of 1950s Brazil. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay follows a predictable sports-movie formula that relies heavily on motivational tropes and fairy-tale archetypes. | |
| Adaptation | The film's depiction of historical figures and events is viewed by some as an engaging, inspiring tribute, while others condemn it as an unacceptable distortion of reality for dramatic effect. | |
| Accessibility | The use of English dialogue in a deeply Brazilian context creates a sense of detachment for some viewers, despite being intended to increase international accessibility. |