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Pelé

Play trailer Poster for Pelé PG Released May 13, 2016 1h 47m Biography History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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33% Tomatometer 30 Reviews 69% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Under guidance from manager Vicente Feola (Vincent D'Onofrio), young Pelé (Kevin de Paula) utilizes his street soccer skills to lead Brazil to the World Cup in 1958.
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Pelé

Critics Reviews

View All (30) Critics Reviews
Udita Jhunjhunwala Scroll.in Pelé's ambition and struggles seem superficial and the resolutions too simple. Jun 21, 2016 Full Review J. R. Jones Chicago Reader This cable-ready biopic of the Brazilian soccer star covers the eight years leading up to his triumphant performance at the World Cup...with Vincent D'Onofrio, Colm Meaney, and-in a standout performance-musician Seu Jorge as the hero's proud father. Jun 2, 2016 Full Review Soren Andersen Seattle Times "Pelé" is hagiography. But appealing hagiography. Rated: 2.5/4 May 26, 2016 Full Review Maria Garcia Biography.com The film's predictability is counterbalanced by a terrific score comprised of several styles of Latin music, colorful production design, lots of special effects, and some memorable plays by the child actors who portray Pelé. Aug 21, 2018 Full Review Indra Arriaga Anchorage Press The film is beautiful and entertaining even though it has some limitations, particularly in the oversimplification of the economic and racial dynamics surrounding places and events. May 25, 2018 Full Review Reagan Gavin Rasquinha The Times of India The good points outweigh the bad, and if you're a football fan, you'll realize why football's 'the beautiful game' description came to be associated with Pele. Rated: 3.5/5 Nov 7, 2017 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Bruno R How can you totally invent goals and actions from the most important Pele’s matches? Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 06/23/24 Full Review Алексей Ð The movie that I like and I can watch it many times is called Pele the birth of a legend. The biographical drama will tell about the backstage of sports, in particular about the life of the greatest player in the history of football — Pele. The audience will witness the difficult life of the Brazilian sports legend. How many obstacles did Tom manage to overcome on his way to achieve worldwide popularity? He is now demonstrating incredible professional achievements and, on top of that, does not forget about noble deeds, but before everything was different. From an early age, Pele longed for recognition, tirelessly pursued his dream, overcoming obstacles, thereby tempering his character. The picture covers the childhood of a football player, up to the victory at the first stage of the World Cup in Sweden, when Pele was seventeen years old. Fate has not always been kind to the athlete, but behind every successful personality there is a lot of work, iron will and firm self-confidence.I like this movie because I love football and my idol is Pele. This film teaches you to achieve what you sincerely want. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/04/24 Full Review Black B Una película entretenida a secas sobre una gran leyenda del futbol que creo le queda corta porque solo nos narran uno de sus tres grandes triunfos. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 10/04/23 Full Review Jerod S It's a rags to riches kind of sports story - but even more so, it's a cultural ownership and familial triumph kind of movie. Inspirational even if you don't know a thing about soccer. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 06/07/23 Full Review Max W Really good movie about the best player of all time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/31/23 Full Review Luke W "Pele: birth of a legend" is an inspiring and captivating biographical sports drama film, showcasing the life story of the Brazilian football legend- Edson Arantes do Nascimento known as Pele (portrayed by Kevin de Paula). The movie directed by Jeff and Michael Zimbalist expertly portrays the rise to fame of young Pele from humble beginnings to becoming known as one of the greatest football players of all time. The film hits all the right notes, from the storyline, the outstanding cinematography, and the music score, which captures the spirit of Brazil's rich culture. The acting performances from the actors portraying young Pele (Leonardo Lima Carvalho) and his father (Seu Jorge) are also quite remarkable, adding to the film's authenticity. Vincent D'onofrio's portrayal Vincente Feola, the head coach of Brazil's National team is remarkable and a true mark of this actors experience as a character actor. As we journey with Pele, we see life in the streets of Brazil and the struggles that he faced, especially with his father's resistance to his love for football. The film depicts his rise from a small town to playing for his country in the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden at the age of only 17 years old, while also touching on racial discrimination in Brazil. Overall, if you're a sports fan, a follower of football, a fan of biopics or searching for an inspirational story, "Pele: birth of a legend" is a must-watch. It offers a reminder that success is achievable with determination, resilience, and talent. It is a fascinating celebration of the legendary footballer whose tireless achievements continue to put Brazil on the map. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/29/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Pelé

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Under guidance from manager Vicente Feola (Vincent D'Onofrio), young Pelé (Kevin de Paula) utilizes his street soccer skills to lead Brazil to the World Cup in 1958.
Director
Jeff Zimbalist, Michael Zimbalist
Producer
Brian Grazer, Ivan Orlic, Colin Wilson, Kim Roth, Isabelle Tanugi
Screenwriter
Jeff Zimbalist, Michael Zimbalist
Distributor
IFC Films
Production Co
Imagine Entertainment, E1 Entertainment, Seine Pictures
Rating
PG (Thematic Elements|Some Smoking|Language)
Genre
Biography, History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 13, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 14, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$42.9K
Runtime
1h 47m
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