Pelada

Watch Pelada

"There is another side of soccer"
  • NR
  • 2010
  • 1 hr 30 min
  • 7.5  (352)

Pelada is a 2010 documentary film that explores the world of amateur soccer. Directed by Luke Boughen, Gwendolyn Oxenham, Ryan White, and Rebekah Fergusson, the film follows two former college soccer players, Luke and Gwendolyn, as they travel the world in search of pick-up soccer games. The film begins with Luke and Gwendolyn discussing their experiences playing collegiate soccer and how they miss the sport now that they have graduated. They decide to embark on a journey to find the most passionate and authentic soccer communities around the world. Their travels take them to twenty-five countries, including Bolivia, Brazil, China, Denmark, Iran, Kenya, and the United States.

The filmmakers use their personal stories as a framework to explore the role soccer plays in different cultures. Pelada is filmed in a raw, cinéma vérité style with handheld cameras, and it features interviews with local players, coaches, and fans. The film also has a strong focus on the unique challenges women face when playing soccer in some parts of the world.

One of the standout moments of the film is when Luke and Gwendolyn travel to a dangerous favela in Brazil to play soccer. The scene is intense and captures the excitement of the game, as well as the risks involved in playing in such a volatile environment. The film also touches on darker aspects of the sport, such as corruption and the exploitation of young players.

The documentary's title, "Pelada," is a term used in Latin America to describe a pick-up soccer game played on a makeshift field. These games are often played on concrete or dirt surfaces and are usually more intense than organized matches. The filmmakers showcase the beauty and simplicity of these games, highlighting the universal appeal of soccer.

Pelada is more than just a film about soccer; it is a love letter to the game and the people who play it. The filmmakers succeed in capturing the essence of pick-up soccer and the sense of community it creates. They also show how soccer can transcend cultural and linguistic barriers and bring people together.

Overall, Pelada is an engaging and entertaining documentary that showcases the power of soccer to unite people from different backgrounds. The film's mix of personal stories, stunning cinematography, and interviews with passionate soccer players around the world make it a must-see for any sports fan.

Pelada
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Description
  • Release Date
    2010
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 30 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (352)
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