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      Men in the Arena

      2015 1h 25m Documentary List
      Reviews 100% Audience Score Fewer than 50 Ratings Two friends on the Somali national football team chase their dreams in the face of impossible odds. Read More Read Less

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      Men in the Arena

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      Audience Reviews

      View All (5) audience reviews
      K B Such an interesting view of the multiple perspectives of life across the world especially in Somalia. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/05/24 Full Review Audience Member This movie had a great story and a great message. It depicts the true nature of Somalia like few other movies can. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member The director did a fantastic job on this film because he accomplished the goal of showing the story and truth of what happens in the forgotten nation of Somalia. Specifically, the use of interviews of those who live in the corrupt country provide the viewer of first person stories of how hard the life is there. Also, the sound during soccer games and background noises helped add a better perspective of the situation and how somalis communicate to one another. The music and visual design was terrific and added more feelings to the movie as I was watching it. There are many strength of the movie such as the purpose of the interviews, the content of real issues occurring in Somalia, and the footage of all the places the national team traveled to. There are very few weaknesses of the film in my opinion, however, the one that sticks out most is that the film focuses primarily on only two kids rather than everyone on the somali teams and the personal struggles of other people of Somalia. This movie has definitely shifted my opinion on how america could help Somalia and how the U.S. should deal with refugees of countries that are going through a terrible time. This film also educated me about some of the major conflicts somalis and terrorists have and how extreme Al Shabaab is when it comes to harming innocent citizens. Men in the Arena by J.R. Biersmith receives an A from me because of the way it impacts viewers and informs everyone about the horrorsd and constant fear the people of Somalia live in everyday. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member The film is a must see! It tells the story of hope for Somalia through the lens of the Somali National Football Team. It follows Sa'ad and Saadiq on their quest for a better life. It is inspirational and heartwarming. The movie does not disappoint. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Audience Member This movie was inspiring ! The lives lived by Saddiq and Saad, their coaches and team mates make my heart swell with joy as they persist in the face of incredible odds. I am proud that some of my countrymen have taken an interest in these young men. The film makers were incredibly bold to shoot this movie at considerable risk to their own safety given the security and political climate. What a wonderful story. Hopefully there will be a sequel. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Men in the Arena

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis Two friends on the Somali national football team chase their dreams in the face of impossible odds.
      Director
      J.R. Biersmith
      Producer
      Brian Bellinkoff, J.R. Biersmith
      Screenwriter
      J.R. Biersmith, Brian Bellinkoff
      Production Co
      2728 Pictures
      Genre
      Documentary
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Apr 15, 2017
      Runtime
      1h 25m
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