Next December 18 marks one year since the consecration of the Argentine soccer team in it Qatar World Cup 2022. As an early celebration, this Thursday they arrive at the cinemas from all over the country two productions dedicated to the feat of Lionel Messi and company.
On the one hand we have “I choose to believe”the official film of the AFA and on the other hand “Boys, the people’s movie”. From now on it can be said that both films are worth it for the soccer public. “I choose to believe” It has testimonies from several of the protagonists and the voice-over of Ricardo Darin. “Boys” is told by Guillermo Francellais based on a story by Hernan Casciari and has the script and direction of Jesus Braceras.
“I choose to believe”, the “Heroes” of a new generation
The official AFA film explores for one hour and 20 minutes the preview of the “albiceleste” team in Qatar, the journey and the consecration at the Lusail Stadium.
“Dibu” Martínez, Rodrigo de Paul, Nicolás Otamendi, Ángel Di María, Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel and Leo Messi They appear one by one to review, in some cases with great humor, everything they experienced in Qatar. This is perhaps the strong point of the film, being able to listen to the protagonists directly telling their feelings about what they experienced beyond Darín’s story throughout the film.
Although from December 18, 2022 to today we have seen thousands of videos about the “Scaloneta” and the World Cup, there is room for unpublished moments. One of them, and perhaps the most notable, is to see Scaloni in a car analyzing the defeat against Saudi Arabia and how he hopes the reaction will be from his players, but mainly from the people. “We have to know what we can lose”explains the DT stripped of any euphemism.
Other passages that deserve special mention are the preview of the match against the Netherlands, with the players’ explanation of how they experienced the continuous provocations of the Dutch and which later triggered Messi’s Topo Gigio and several brawls. The story behind Rodrigo de Paul’s injury told in first person and an emotional moment with Mario Zanabria, the historic team player popularly known as “Marito”. His emotion reflects the people’s desire for these players to achieve the desired consecration.
In conclusion, “I choose to believe” is an unavoidable piece for any football fan. Perhaps its documentary tone refers to other productions, such could be the case of “Héroes” (the 1986 champions’ film). As a record of a historical moment it fulfills its purpose without overdoing it too much, but if we are going to talk about “cinema”, it is time to talk about “Boys”.
“Guys, the people’s movie”, with emotion on the surface
The self-proclaimed “people’s movie” is undoubtedly a cinematographic event. A fable that is born from the magical left foot of Lionel Messi and concludes in the long-awaited consecration of a country as football-loving as it has suffered.
Francella’s narration differs from the solemn tone of her colleague and companion in “The Secret of Her Eyes” by that of someone close to her. He is a father, a grandfather or a friend telling us that story that we already know by heart but, nevertheless, no one tells it like he does.
The reactions of the fans from their homes, a square and in the stadiums while the games were taking place alternated with the wonders of Messi, the covers of “Dibu”, the crosses of Otamendi and “Cuti” Romero, the devastating runs of Julián , the touches of Alexis, the emergence of Enzo and the flashes of the beloved Angelito Di María.
The construction of the film, the editing and the precise words in the voice-over story give rise to fun and emotional moments, but without stopping suffering from the same things we suffered a year ago.
Unlike “I choose to believe,” “Boys” places people in a leading position on par with the Selected Team and perhaps that is where the emotion it generates lies.. One can see oneself in those images, remember how one lived that unique month. The first and only World Cup played in December, the warmth of the people overshadowed the heat of the season.
The beginning and epilogue of the film show people in the streets, gathered to celebrate. The people united under the deafening cry of: “Argentina champion of the World.” A story that could well be the best fiction ever written became, fortunately for everyone, the best memory that a country like ours could have.
When are “I Choose to Believe” and “Boys, the People’s Movie” released?
“I choose to believe” and “Boys, the people’s movie” arrive in theaters on Thursday, December 7.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
