A boy with nothing who changed everything.
As its title suggests, sporting biopic Pelé: Birth of a Legend focuses on the Brazilian football legend's early life, covering the eight years that took him from scrappy slum kid in a São Paulo favela to 17-year-old star of the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. Along the way, the 'shoeless wonder' has to vanquish snobby rivals, rigid coaches and self-doubt before he can inspire his team to victory, putting his trust in the spirit of 'ginga', Brazil's native capoeira-inspired style of play.
A rousing tale of underdog achievement, by any measure. But the telling here is overly mushy and the accents are all over the place (Vincent D'Onofrio pops up as Brazil's national team coach). Brazilian musician Seu Jorge, however, brings great dignity to the role of Pelé's janitor father and Pelé himself makes a knowing cameo appearance.
Certificate PG. Runtime 102 mins. Director Michael Zimbalist
Pelé: Birth of a Legend debuts on Sky Cinema Premiere on 14 January. Available on Blu-ray & DVD from Icon Home Entertainment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBrfxHOXsDE
