Next Goal Wins Film Synopsis:
Based on a true story, this heartfelt underdog comedy follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup qualifiers fast approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team into winners.
Recently I had the chance to watch Next Goal Wins which is based loosely on a true story. This movie was incredible and one to watch with families. It gives a sense of hope and determination to achieve what you are capable of achieving, but nervous to take that leap. Thomas Rongen is brought in, after being fired from the US soccer team, to help the American Samoa soccer team win one goal. For as long as they remember, they had not scored one single goal, and even got demolished with a 0-31 loss during a championship game.
As he starts his journey coaching this time, he is a lost soul (reasons we found out later in the movie) and does not have much ambition to help this soccer team improve. However, he begins to see their potential and realizes that bringing their culture (and the belief that life is about believing in yourself and having fun) will turn things around for this soccer team. During this movie, there is humor etched throughout it, along with true inspiration.
The characters are very likeable and you are rooting for the team from start to finish. You are also rooting for Thomas to make a change and see his potential in becoming the man we all knew he can become. There is so many emotions that will be drawn in the movie, and it will truly take you on a ride from laughing hysterically to having to reach for that tissue when the tears fall. I would rate this movie a 4/5 for humor, inspiration, good acting, and likeability.
Bonus Features of Next Goal Wins:
Featurette
- Creating The Pitch of Life – Explore filmmaker Taika Waititi’s loving homage to American Samoa, Polynesian culture, and the sports movie in this delightfully entertaining short-form documentary. See what it took to make a winning movie about the losingest soccer team in the world.
Deleted Scene
- Priest Blessing the Team