Next Goal Wins Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy soccer coach gets sent to a tropical island to teach a team of lovable losers how to kick a ball, but really they teach him how to feel again, probably set to ukulele music.

🍿 Next Goal Wins: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Infamous Loss

The film begins by highlighting the American Samoa soccer team’s devastating 31-0 loss to Australia in 2001, a defeat that became a notorious part of World Cup history. This sets the stage for their long journey to redemption and establishes their status as the perennial underdogs of international soccer.

Enter Thomas Rongen

As the 2014 World Cup qualifiers approach, the team seeks a new coach to help them turn their fate around. They recruit Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), a down-on-his-luck, maverick coach with a history of anger issues and a career in need of a serious boost. Rongen is initially reluctant but accepts the challenge.

Culture Clash and Team Building

Rongen arrives in American Samoa and immediately clashes with the team’s laid-back, culturally rich environment. He struggles to adapt to their unique approach to life and soccer, while also trying to instill discipline and structure. Along the way, he begins to connect with the players and understand their passion for the game, despite their lack of success.

Jaiyah’s Story

One of the key players is Jaiyah (Kaimana), a fa’afafine, which is a recognized third gender in Samoan culture. Jaiyah is one of the first transgender players to compete in World Cup qualifiers, and her journey adds depth and heart to the team’s story. Rongen initially struggles to understand Jaiyah’s identity but eventually embraces her and her importance to the team.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender): A down-on-his-luck, temperamental coach who is tasked with turning around the historically terrible American Samoa soccer team.
• Tavita (Oscar Kightley): The optimistic and supportive head of the Football Federation of American Samoa who believes in his team.
• Jaiyah (Kaimana): A talented fa’afafine player on the American Samoa team who faces unique challenges and inspires her teammates.
• Ruth (Rachel House): Tavita’s wife, who offers a grounded and humorous perspective on the team’s struggles and Rongen’s behavior.
• Nicky Salapu (Uli Latukefu): The American Samoa’s goalkeeper, haunted by the infamous 31-0 loss, seeking redemption.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tavita: “We haven’t score one goal in the history of our country trying to have a soccer team.” – Highlights the team’s longstanding struggles and the low expectations they face.
• Thomas Rongen: “It’s all about belief.” – This summarizes Rongen’s coaching philosophy and the key to changing the team’s mindset.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $14,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,713,826
• Worldwide Gross: $18,648,802

💥 Next Goal Wins Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie wanting a feel-good sports story, and it mostly delivered. Michael Fassbender was surprisingly funny! Kaimana as Jaiyah was amazing. The ending was predictable, but I still found myself cheering. There were a few scenes where I laughed out loud, especially the ones with Taika Waititi as the priest. It’s a solid movie if you want something light and enjoyable.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of underdog sports stories”
  • “Viewers interested in Samoan culture”
  • “Fans of Taika Waititi’s comedic style”
  • “Those seeking heartwarming and inspirational movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Language”
  • “Alcohol use”
  • “Some mature themes”
  • “Cultural insensitivity (potentially offensive stereotypes)”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “Waititi’s signature humor is present, but feels somewhat forced. While the film is enjoyable and heartwarming, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of his earlier work. Fassbender delivers a solid performance, but the supporting cast truly shines, bringing authenticity and charm to the underdog story.
• IndieWire: “Next Goal Wins is a charming if predictable sports underdog story, elevated by Waititi’s unique comedic sensibilities and a strong ensemble cast. While the film doesn’t break new ground, it offers a feel-good experience with genuine heart, and Kaimana shines as Jaiyah.
• The Guardian: “The movie lacks genuine depth and feels tonally inconsistent. What could have been an uplifting story of cultural acceptance and personal redemption falls flat due to forced humor and shallow character development. Fassbender is miscast, and the film ultimately fails to capture the spirit of the real-life events.

Audience Reactions

The heartwarming portrayal of American Samoan culture and the genuine camaraderie of the team resonated deeply with viewers.: Audiences loved the film’s uplifting message, quirky humor, and the feel-good nature of the underdog story.

Many viewers praised Kaimana’s performance as Jaiyah, noting her authenticity and the importance of her representation.: Viewers found the film inspirational and were moved by Jaiyah’s story.

Overall Consensus: A feel-good sports comedy with a heartwarming story and a unique cultural backdrop, though some find the humor forced and the plot predictable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 2014 documentary of the same name, which chronicled the American Samoa national football team’s attempt to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.”
• “Some of Jaiyah’s (Kaimana) soccer stunts were performed by Jaiyah Saelua herself, adding authenticity to the character.”
• “The movie was filmed in Honolulu, Hawaii, instead of American Samoa, to streamline production and logistics.”

🖥️ How to Watch Next Goal Wins?

Next Goal Wins is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability and rental options. Some cable providers may also offer the movie on demand.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Next Goal Wins, you might like these similar films:

• Cool Runnings (1993): Similar underdog sports story based on true events, focusing on a team overcoming adversity with humor and heart.
• The Mighty Ducks (1992): A ragtag team of misfits are transformed into a competitive force by an unconventional coach.
• Ted Lasso (2020-2023): Features a fish-out-of-water coach bringing a positive attitude and surprising results to a struggling sports team.

🛒 Next Goal Wins Related Products

• Next Goal Wins (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the inspirational moments with the official soundtrack, featuring authentic Samoan music and the film’s score. A great way to bring the movie’s spirit into your everyday life.
• Next Goal Wins: The Documentary That Inspired The Movie: Discover the incredible true story behind the movie. See the real American Samoa soccer team and their journey. An essential companion piece that reveals the authenticity and heart behind the fiction.
• Official ‘Next Goal Wins’ Team Jersey: Show your support for the American Samoa team with an official replica jersey. Made with high-quality materials and featuring the team’s logo. A tangible way to connect with the team’s spirit and story.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Next Goal Wins – Jaiyah: Add Jaiyah to your collection! This stylized collectible stands 3 3/4 inches tall, perfect for any Next Goal Wins fan!

🎧 Soundtrack

Next Goal Wins features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “La’u Rosa – My Rose” – performed by Choir of the American Samoa Arts Council
• “Chandelier” – performed by Sia

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Taika Waititi Talks New ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Next Goal Wins’ & Indigenous Representation

Want to hear Taika Waititi’s take on ‘Next Goal Wins’? He gets real about showing indigenous people on screen and even teases his new ‘Star Wars’ movie. It’s super insightful, you gotta check it out!

Taika Waititi Breaks Down the Mountain Climbing Scene from ‘Next Goal Wins’ | Vanity Fair

Ever wonder what goes into making a movie scene? Taika Waititi breaks down the mountain climbing scene from ‘Next Goal Wins,’ revealing the spiritual meanings and how they filmed it in Hawaii. Honestly, it’s fascinating to see his creative process!

NEXT GOAL WINS, BEHIND THE STORY: Get the lowdown on this amazing new film

Curious about the real story behind ‘Next Goal Wins’? This video features the actual team and people involved, discussing their experiences and the film’s message of inclusion. It’s so inspiring, you won’t regret watching!

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