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A character-based feature documentary that portrays the transcendent power of soccer in modern Africa - a game that is helping to change the lives of individuals and communities across the continent. Players, fans, young, old, with or without a disability, male and female... millions of Africans' lives are wrapped up in the 'beautiful game'. Unlike anything else soccer brings fifty-four diverse countries into a common and passionate dialogue. And the results are tangible: when an African country does well at a competition, its national GDP rises, its exports go up, crime decreases, and political divides narrow. As Reverend Tutu shares in "The Beautiful Game": "soccer isn't like a religion in Africa. It is bigger than religion". The film interweaves a number of dynamic stories from six separate African countries: Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. Together these stories reveal how soccer can be an effective social and developmental tool; and how a game can ... Written by Anonymous
Well constructed film albeit a little longer than necessary in reviewing some of the characters otherwise an interesting insight in to the aspirations of these young men. The plight of them, especially when they are exploited by the game's charlatans is heartbreaking but their persistence is to be lauded. Perhaps it could have been shortened by shortening the time spent on each character a little and perhaps a précis of their achievements at the end of the film. Well researched and investigative journalism on a subject largely unknown outside the African sub continent. For anyone interested in the game and the heartache experienced by 99.9% of the aspiring players it is worth watching.