This film is about the influence of the Columbian drug cartels on the national soccer team. The team was, at one time, financed by Pablo Escobar--the world's most notorious drug lord. And, following his death, this team of super-stars was expected to win the World Cup. And, when they didn't, mobsters in Columbia decided to exact revenge on players and their families--culminating with the assassination of Andres Escobar (no relation to Pablo).
While this is a very compelling subject matter for a "30 for 30" film and I am glad I watched it (as I'd remembered Andres' murder). However, the filmmakers REALLY needed to tighten this one up, as it ran over 100 minutes--much longer than a typical episode of this series. 60 minutes would have been plenty--and as a result, I found my attention flagging. Now this is NOT because I can't take long films (heck, I watched a three hour movie just a couple days ago)--but pacing is the key, not length of a show...and the pacing was a bit issue.
If you do watch this one, be cautioned--it is pretty bloody and you'll be looking at quite a few corpses.
While this is a very compelling subject matter for a "30 for 30" film and I am glad I watched it (as I'd remembered Andres' murder). However, the filmmakers REALLY needed to tighten this one up, as it ran over 100 minutes--much longer than a typical episode of this series. 60 minutes would have been plenty--and as a result, I found my attention flagging. Now this is NOT because I can't take long films (heck, I watched a three hour movie just a couple days ago)--but pacing is the key, not length of a show...and the pacing was a bit issue.
If you do watch this one, be cautioned--it is pretty bloody and you'll be looking at quite a few corpses.