Maradona by Kusturica (2008)

A documentary on Argentinean soccer star Diego Maradona, regarded by many as the world's greatest modern player.

Director:

Emir Kusturica

Stars:

Ernesto Cantu, Fidel Castro, Manu Chao

Cast

Credited cast:
Ernesto Cantu	...	Spanish Voice overs (voice)
Fidel Castro	...	Himself
Manu Chao	...	Himself
Hugo Chávez	...	Himself
Emir Kusturica	...	Himself
Diego Armando Maradona	...	Himself
Evo Morales	...	Himself
Claudia Villafañe	...	Herself

Storyline

A documentary on Argentinean soccer star Diego Maradona, regarded by many as the world's greatest modern player.

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Plot Keywords:

reference to robert de niro | soccer | slums | demonstration | reference to ronald reagan | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Sport

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site [France] Official site [Japan]

Country:

Spain France

Language:

English Italian Serbo-Croatian Spanish

Release Date:

28 May 2008 (France)

Also Known As:

Maradona

Filming Locations:

Argentina

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$683,632

Company Credits

Production Co:

Pentagrama Films, Telecinco Cinema, Wild Bunch

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Features Life Is a Miracle (2004)

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Soundtracks

God Save The Queen
Written by Paul Cook, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock and John Lydon
Performed by Sex Pistols

User Reviews

The Complete Maradona

Emir Kusturica's Maradona is not a sports documentary. It is a political, sociological, cultural and also a sporting document of the greatest footballer who ever lived on this planet. It is, like Kusturica movies, exuberant and full of life. It is sad, funny, exciting and controversial.

Geroge Bush, whom Maradona refers to as "murderer" is definitely not one of his favorite people. He greatly admires Fidel Castro & Hugo Chavez, with both of whom he is shown with in friendly conversations. When asked about his famous goal against England in the 1986 World Cup (named Goal of The Century by FIFA), he explains that he was motivated by revenge for the Argentinian soldiers killed in the Falklands War by the British. He feels that his ban for doping in the world cup was politically motivated and he likens Havelange & Blatter (respective FIFA presidents) as The Arms Dealer and Bullet Seller respectively!

Maradona is philosophical about his cocaine addiction and full of regret that he could have offered so much more to the football world. The footage of his exploits on the playing field, from when he was a kid to his world cup triumph are truly dazzling; no matter how many times you may have seen them before. The movie is full of touching moments, especially those concerning his marriage and his family and friends.

Kusturica is clearly a big admirer of his subject and Maradona also seems to be completely at ease with him. Whether you like Maradona as a person or not , after seeing this movie you can not deny that he was a footballing genius and you are also very likely to be moved by his life story. Highly recommended.