If you’re a sports fan, you will more than likely have watched your fair share of sports-based films. They’re the perfect source of entertainment when there isn’t any sport happening, after all. And they can often provoke similar emotions to what sports can. So, if you fancy giving a sports film a watch, here are some great recommendations.
Hoop Dreams
Hoop Dreams is a basketball movie that goes beyond the basketball court. Everyone has their own dreams regarding sports, such as being able to play it, be a coach and lead your team to victory, even making the perfect sports bet when you pick all the right teams over a weekend. And Hoop Dreams is about having a dream but the process of turning said dream into a reality with the help of coaches and others while facing all of the challenges of life at the time. This 1994 movie is one of the best coming-of-age stories around and, therefore, a must-watch.
Raging Bull
Raging Bull hit screens in 1980, and you may not have believed it possible at the time when you consider how director Martin Scorcese was always against sports and the idea of sports films. But Raging Bull, which starred Robert De Niro, and was based around the sport of boxing, also detailed a story about toxic masculinity, self-sabotage, violence and women. And, with boxing being an international sport, many will have undoubtedly related to the movie and the message it attempts to deliver. It may not be authentically boxing, but it’s authentically masculinity that goes hand in hand with the sport.
Iqbal
In India, the most popular sport, bar none, is cricket. And cricket-themed films are naturally popular as a result. However, Iqbal, which is a great international sports film, moves away from the traditional Bollywood style. So, you’re not going to see the dancing and music, but you are going to watch the story of a deaf and mute bowler who dreams of making it as a player for India’s cricket team. Iqbal is a family film that also shows that having people support you can help you to achieve your dreams, with the youngster backed by his sister and even an ex-player along the way. He makes it to the top, but it’s not an easy journey, that’s for sure.
Shaolin Soccer
Soccer films are usually a couple of things – they’re based on soccer, or football, in countries where the game is incredibly popular and successful. And they’re often quite serious, and about winning. So, Shaolin Soccer is a welcome break from all that, as it details the story of a group of former Shaolin monks getting together and playing soccer, but in a way that allows them to promote martial arts at the same time. The best way to describe Shaolin Soccer, a movie originating from Hong Kong, is that there’s loads of comedy, plenty of fun, and even some incredible stunts for good measure. It’s a fun football movie.
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