Order against chaos. Expression vs. organization. Creativity, or structure? Brazil '70 or Greece 2004?
For decades soccer has been borne along by an eternal push-pull between two distinct ideological forces. That struggle of ideas paces "Pele: Birth of a Legend," the lush new biopic that tells the story of Edson Arantes do Nascimento's astonishingly rapid rise from barefoot-poor Brazilian adolescent to magic-weaving, World Cup-winning icon by the tender age of 17.
Before he was global superstar Pele, he was Dico, an undersized kid from the little town of Bauru who juggled a handmade ball through the streets and backyards with his friends. Seeing his father, Dondinho – a decent professional player until a knee injury sentenced him to a hardscrabble career as a hospital janitor – weep at the national tragedy that was Brazil's World Cup final loss to Uruguay in 1950, Dico promised his father he'd win the trophy someday.
"Pele: Birth of a Legend" speeds its audience through the eight years that followed, during which time Dico made that dream come true – in the process changing the way the game is played and perceived around the world, including right here in the United States.
Here's a few things you need to know about Pele, and the new movie that's bringing his story to mainstream North America.
PELE LIVED A FAIRY TALE
Viewers may be reminded of classic sports flicks like “Rocky” or “Rudy” as they watch this one. We're all familiar with the narrative of the underdog overcoming humble circumstances and difficult obstacles en route to stunning glory. In our current era of snark and cynicism, it may seem too good to be true, and some viewers with a high sensitivity to sweetness may be turned off by the familiar plot devices put to use here. But Pele's meteoric rise was real, and it predated many of the productions that have since made this genre somewhat cliché.
His journey from wide-eyed trialist at Santos FC to youngest goalscorer in World Cup history really did unfold in less than two years. And his two-goal, match-winning performance in Brazil's scintillating 5-2 1958 World Cup final victory over hosts Sweden really did happen. And he, along with teammates like Garrincha, really did change the world's game by elevating the skilled, spontaneous Brazilian flair – tagged here with the capoeira-derived term “ginga” – at a time when rigid tactics ruled.
THE CREW HAS CHOPS
Emmy-nominated filmmakers Jeff and Michael Zimbalist impressed many soccer fans with their ESPN documentary "The Two Escobars" and previously delved into Brazilian culture with "Favela Rising." The brothers' efforts to translate the depth and complexity of such topics for a wider English-speaking audience is always going to draw some controversy, and hard-core Pele or Brazil fanatics are likely to spot some glossed-over areas in the narrative.
But they know the game, as well as the legendary character at hand, and on balance do a good job of making this story accessible to those with limited background knowledge. Importantly, they hold their own with the game scenes, no small matter given the notorious difficulty of shooting soccer action realistically.
“Pele: Birth of a Legend” was shot on location in Brazil and originally scheduled for release at the time of the 2014 World Cup, only to be held back by extensive delays. But devotees of the beautiful game – that phrase itself is another gift to the world from “the King” – will easily find themselves re-submersed in the aura of that complicated, charming land once the show starts.
IT'S A FATHER-SON STORY AT HEART
Pele's father is played with charm and soul here by Brazilian musician Seu Jorge, perhaps best known to North American audiences for his David Bowie-loving character in Wes Anderson's quirky “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.” Dondinho was treated harshly by the game when his body broke down, leaving his wife Celeste Arantes mistrustful when young Dico is offered a chance to go pro. Mom directs Dad to bring the future legend to work with him, where Dico empties bedpans and cleans toilets so he can see the dangers of neglecting his education.
But the deep love for the game is passed down in the end. Some of the movie's most memorable scenes take place under a mango tree behind the hospital, where father shows son how to perfect his footwork by practicing on the sweet fruits – “green for shooting, ripe for finesse.”
“Don't try so hard; enjoy yourself,” counsels Dondinho when Dico spatters mango chunks with a rough touch. “Everything else will come.” It's a useful lesson for aspiring young players in the audience.
IT'S NOT FOR EVERYONE, THOUGH IT TRIES TO BE
Some prominent critical reviews of "Birth of a Legend" have been lukewarm to harsh thus far, with several complaining of a formulaic approach to the plot. There's some validity to this knock, as the movie does follow a well-worn path to resolution, which perhaps should be expected given the production team's priors like "Apollo 13" and "Friday Night Lights."
English is spoken rather than Portuguese with subtitles, another decision that has raised eyebrows, yet fits into the wider attempt at universalizing Pele's story for Western audiences. But the warm, colorful cinematography, the energetic score from A.R. Rahman and the magnetic presence of young actors Leonardo Lima Carvalho and Kevin De Paula in the lead role will charm most soccer lovers in the end.
Those with casual soccer watchers or young ballers in tow will appreciate the fact that "Birth of a Legend" works hard to connect with a broad audience, while the most devoted fans may savor the history and culture that undergirds Pele's progress.
"Pele: Birth of a Legend" is currently in limited release in US movie theaters and is also available on Amazon Video and iTunes.
