The Game of Their Lives (2005)

Based on a true story, this film tells the tale of the 1950 US soccer team who, against all odds, beat England 1 - 0 in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Although no US team has ever won a World Cup title, this story is about the family traditions and passions which shaped the lives of the players who made up this team of underdogs.

Director:

David Anspaugh

Writers:

Geoffrey Douglas (book), Angelo Pizzo

Stars:

Gerard Butler, Wes Bentley, Jay Rodan

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gerard Butler	...	Frank Borghi
Wes Bentley	...	Walter Bahr
Jay Rodan	...	Frank 'Pee Wee' Wallace
Gavin Rossdale	...	Stanley Mortensen
Costas Mandylor	...	Charlie 'Gloves' Columbo
Louis Mandylor	...	Gino Pariani
Zachery Ty Bryan	...	Harry Keough (as Zachery Bryan)
Jimmy Jean-Louis	...	Joe Gaetjens
Richard Jenik	...	Joe Maca
Nelson Vargas	...	John 'Clarkie' Souza
Craig Hawksley	...	Walter Giesler
Bill Smitrovich	...	Admiral Higgins
Patrick Stewart	...	Older Dent McSkimming
Terry Kinney	...	Dent McSkimming
John Rhys-Davies	...	Bill Jeffrey (as John Rhys Davies)

Storyline

Based on a true story, this film tells the tale of the 1950 US soccer team who, against all odds, beat England 1 - 0 in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Although no US team has ever won a World Cup title, this story is about the family traditions and passions which shaped the lives of the players who made up this team of underdogs.

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Plot Keywords:

world cup | brazil | soccer | 1950s | world war two veteran | 

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Taglines:

America's finest moment in the world's greatest game.

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Genres:

Drama | History | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some mild language and thematic elements

Details

Official Sites:

IFC Films

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

26 August 2005 (South Korea)

Also Known As:

The Miracle Match

Filming Locations:

Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$175,336 (USA) (22 April 2005)

Gross:

$375,474 (USA) (10 June 2005)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Independent Film Channel (IFC), Bristol Bay Productions, Peter Newman Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

DTS SDDS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Composer Jerry Goldsmith was set to write the musical score before his untimely death.

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Goofs

When the team arrives in Brazil, the game against England is constantly referred to as the team's opening game. However, in the 1950 World Cup the United States' first game was against Spain on June 25th. The game against England was played on June 29th and was the second game for the Americans.

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Connections

Referenced in My Big Break (2009)

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Soundtracks

"Turn It Out"
Written by James O'Connell, Gordon Townsend, Christopher S. Parker & Jeny Nicholson
Performed by Beakertronic featuring Jeny Nicholson
Courtesy of Architune, LLC

User Reviews

Soccer Know-nothing loved this movie

If you enjoy soccer, you'll really like this movie about USA underdogs playing the Brits, the best in the world in 1950. The audience I was with consisted of adults and kids in soccer uniforms. The movie drew cheers and applause especially during the final confrontation. Gerard Butler as the great goalkeeper Frank Borghi really gives this movie heart and soul. The actors were chosen for their ability to actually play soccer so the game sequences are very realistic. Butler especially throws his body into a bone-crunching depiction of a goalkeeper with the heart of a lion.

You don't have to be know much about soccer to enjoy this movie. I highly recommend it to everyone who likes an exciting movie and wonderful acting. Three cheers!