Victory

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Victory

PG

Released Jul 16, 1981

1h 57m

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

70%

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10 Reviews

71%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

The head of a German POW camp, soccer enthusiast Karl von Steiner (Max von Sydow) organizes a match between Nazi players and their Allied captives. Orchestrated as a way to push the Third Reich agenda, the high-profile game is set to feature an international team led by John Colby (Michael Caine), a veteran British player. While the team, which also includes Luis Fernandez (Pelé) of Trinidad, trains for the match, Robert Hatch (Sylvester Stallone) plans a dangerous mass escape from the camp.

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Gavin Bainbridge

Empire Magazine

Huston, showing admirable range in his old age, creates enough on-field magic and nostalgia for the beatiful game as an idyll of now-extinct sportsmanship.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 13, 2010

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Time Out

Unsatisfactory both for fans of star-studded prison escape dramas and for football fans hoping to see cunningly devised tactics from Pele and his squad of internationals.

Aug 13, 2010

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Vincent Canby

New York Times

The form of the film is conventional, but the manner in which it has been executed is not.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 13, 2010

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

…best enjoyed as a simple-minded Boys Own sporting daydream for worldwide man-children…

Rated: 3/5

Jul 8, 2023

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Common Sense Media Editors

Common Sense Media

But in terms of pure nostalgia and its sense of fun, Victory has aged surprisingly well as a boys' own adventure played out by the alpha males of its day.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 14, 2022

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Intermittently entertaining if also exceedingly imbecilic.

Rated: 2/4

Mar 5, 2020

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Viking A

Nostalgic this many years later on. I still enjoy it. Saw this as a kid and I am definitely sure that kids today would enjoy it as well. A living memory of many legends.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/21/24

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Tom D

Pele, Michael Caine, sly Stallone, a bevy of soccer greats, max von sydow, and John Huston. Suspend hypercritical thinking and just enjoy this great and fun film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/19/24

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matthias s

"Victory" scores big on the entertainment front with a stellar soundtrack and an amazing cast that includes the legendary Michael Caine. The genius move of bringing in real soccer players like Paul Van Himst and Pele adds authenticity to the film. Stallone may not be a master thespian, but he brings an enjoyable charm to the screen. The stadium scenes and football choreography are brilliantly shot, immersing the audience in the game's excitement. While the film is decent and very enjoyable, the pacing could use a bit of fine-tuning. As the characters navigate the soccer pitch, one can't help but draw parallels to the intensity of war, making "Victory" a unique blend of sports and drama that keeps you entertained from kickoff to the final whistle.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/19/24

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Steve D

Things play out a bit too easy but it works.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/11/23

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Audience Member

Great movie!! The acting was amazing and the storyline was well written. I have watched this movie so many times.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

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Audience Member

If you like war films and football you'll love this film . Michael caine , pele , bobby moore, and ipswich town fc star

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

Full Review

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John Huston

Director

Sylvester Stallone

Captain Robert Hatch

Michael Caine

Capt. John Colby

Pelé

Cpl. Luis Fernandez

Bobby Moore

Terry Brady

Osvaldo Ardiles

Carlos Rey

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Synopsis

The head of a German POW camp, soccer enthusiast Karl von Steiner (Max von Sydow) organizes a match between Nazi players and their Allied captives. Orchestrated as a way to push the Third Reich agenda, the high-profile game is set to feature an international team led by John Colby (Michael Caine), a veteran British player. While the team, which also includes Luis Fernandez (Pelé) of Trinidad, trains for the match, Robert Hatch (Sylvester Stallone) plans a dangerous mass escape from the camp.

Director: John Huston
Producer: Freddie Fields
Screenwriter: Evan Jones, Yabo Yablonsky
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Lorimar Film Entertainment
Rating: PG
Genre: Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 16, 1981, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009
Runtime: 1h 57m
Sound Mix: Surround

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