Football on the Big and Small Screen

Since we are all recommending "Being Liverpool", I got to thinking about great soccer-related shows/ movies. This is the movie/TV thread.

Streaming on Netflix:

"Once in a Lifetime" - a documentary about the New York Cosmos - the soccer team that filled up Giants Stadium not too long ago. Fascinating story about the team and the individuals involved. For DD watching purposes, note that one of the infamous incidents is when the GK posed for "Playgirl", so be warned.

"Fever Pitch" - Nick Hornby's autobiographical account of his love of Arsenal, and the ways in which he measures his life by Arsenal memories. Not just for Gunners and Gooners. Colin Firth. Not to be confused with the Americanized baseball movie of the same name.

"One Night in Turin" - Gary Oldman narrates the story of the England 1990 World Cup team, including the hooliganism, media and coaching drama, and some memorable players (remember "Gazza"?)

"Goal - Living the Dream" - a trilogy about a rags to riches soccer player. Probably has TV movie quality, but good enough to watch. Kid goes from playing in the streets with cardboard "shin guards" to a career with Newcastle and Real Madrid. Real soccer stars make cameos, with mixed levels of acting prowess. This is more of a fairy tale TV drama than great cinematic art, but it has its entertaining moments.

"Pelada" - a documentary about two former (burned out?) soccer players looking for the purest version of the game. Lots of street soccer. Some of the most memorable games were the Iranian women (reported to the authorities) and the game inside a South American prison. DD's will enjoy seeing spontaneous and unorganized global versions of the game they love.

"The Wonder Years" soccer episode - Kevin Arnold in high school gets kicked out of the football team. He joins the newly formed soccer team. Bad News Bears + Wonder Years + Soccer = greatness.

Not on Netflix but well worth finding, burning, downloading, renting, etc:

"Rise and Shine: The Jay de Merit Story". Inspiring story of JdM, who was undrafted out of college, went to England with a backpack and $1800 to try to play pro. The story of his discovery by Watford, his heroics at Watford including the playoff game to get into Premier League, and his World Cup performance for the US. DD's could benefit from watching this for the perseverance, determination and hard work that is rewarded.

Off the top of me head, these are the ones I can recommend. What about you? Any movies to recommend? Any thoughts on the above?

Some great movies mentioned here. Don't forget "Gracie," a mostly-true story about the Shue family. The movie captures the struggles Elizabeth Shue had to overcome in order to play on an all boys soccer team, following the death of her soccer star brother.

I forgot one notable cinematic achievement:

"Kicking and Screaming" - Will Ferrell, Mike Ditka, youth soccer. Nuf said.

Don't forget "Victory" set in WWII with Pele, an assortment of other soccer greats, Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone.

"The Miracle Match" is the incredible true story about the men behind one of the all-time greatest upsets in sports history. Two weeks before the 1950 World Cup, a ragtag group of recreational soccer players from St. Louis and New York were chosen to represent the USA in Brazil. Consumed with conflicts — personal, cultural, and playing styles — they had mere days to become a team. And then they had to play the British, the best team in the world. Inspired by a newfound belief in the team, their passion and talent turned into pure magic on the field — and the unthinkable happened. Filled with heart-stopping action, and featuring Patrick Stewart, this triumphant story is a rousing celebration of the human spirit, love of the sport, and pride of country.

"There's Only One Jimmy Grimble". Great British movie, about a kid looking to play for Man City (pre-lots of cash) and growing up in a school dominated by Utd fans. Attending trials and up against the rich kid who has and gets everything. Suitable for kids and has a cast including Ray Winstone and Robert Carlyle. Accents are pretty thick and fairly low budget but if you can get through that its a must see.