The Game of Their Lives (2002)

A BBC documentary producer is given unprecedented access in North Korea to chronicle the story of the famed 1966 World Cup team from the North that advanced to the quarterfinals. The ... See full summary »

Director:

Daniel Gordon

Writer:

Daniel Gordon

Stars:

Daniel Gordon, Paul Nicholson, Eusébio

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Daniel Gordon	...	Narrator (voice)
Paul Nicholson	...	Himself

Storyline

A BBC documentary producer is given unprecedented access in North Korea to chronicle the story of the famed 1966 World Cup team from the North that advanced to the quarterfinals. The feature includes interviews with surviving members of the team, English fans and soccer pundits who saw the North Koreans upset Italy, 1-0, and go up 3-0 against Portgual before Eusebio eventually rallied the Portugeuse.

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Plot Keywords:

world cup | soccer | football

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Genres:

Documentary | Sport

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English Italian Korean

Release Date:

21 October 2002 (UK)

Filming Locations:

North Korea

Company Credits

Production Co:

Passion Pictures, VeryMuchSo Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min

Color:

Black and White Color

User Reviews

A Great Documentary, You'll Root for the North Koreans!

Daniel Gordon's documentary about the North Korean soccer team who went to England to play in soccer's 1966 World Cup finals is intensely moving, and the filmmakers were given unprecedented access to North Korea, where they interviewed the men who were on North Korea's team. I'm not a soccer fan at all, but it doesn't matter, the film deals with the common humanity of the North Korean players and their British hosts, who were able to put the Cold War aside (at its height in 1966), and just focus on their love of the sport. You can't help rooting for the North Korean team! The shots of Pyongyang after the war in 1953, in 1966 during the soccer finals, and in 2002 are fascinating, especially shots of child musicians, and the mass rallies at the stadiums. With all of the propaganda we hear in the US about how terrible the North Koreans are, in this film they are warm and friendly, and surprise! they have a great sense of humor. One of the best documentaries I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot. 10 out of 10.