Pelé: Birth of a Legend Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A poor kid kicks a fruit really well, joins a soccer team, and then kicks a ball even better, making his whole country happy.

🍿 Pelé: Birth of a Legend: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Poverty in Brazil

The film begins in Brazil, 1950, introducing Edson Arantes do Nascimento, nicknamed ‘Dico,’ who lives in poverty. His father, Dondinho, a former footballer, encourages his love for the sport. The devastating loss of the 1950 World Cup on their home soil inspires Dico to promise his father that he will one day win the World Cup for Brazil. His mother, however, sees football as a distraction from earning a living.

Discovering ‘Ginga’ and Overcoming Obstacles

Dico showcases exceptional talent despite playing barefoot and using makeshift balls. He develops a unique playing style known as ‘Ginga,’ a style linked to Brazil’s African heritage and martial arts. He faces discrimination and challenges, but his skills earn him the attention of Waldemar de Brito, a former player and scout, who recognizes his potential. Despite his mother’s initial resistance, Dico is given the opportunity to try out for a professional club.

Rise to Professional Football and the 1958 World Cup

Dico, now known as Pelé, joins Santos FC and quickly progresses through the ranks. His Ginga style clashes with the more European approach favored by the national team coach, Vicente Feola. Pelé faces pressure to conform, but struggles to abandon his natural playing style. He eventually earns a spot on the Brazilian national team for the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, but faces further challenges, including a knee injury that threatens his participation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Pele (Kevin de Paula): A young, talented soccer player from the slums of Brazil who rises to international fame by leading Brazil to its first World Cup victory.
• Younger Pele (Leonardo Lima Carvalho): A young boy with a dream and a promise that he will one day win the world cup for Brazil.
• Dondinho (Seu Jorge): Pele’s supportive father, a former footballer himself, who encourages his son to pursue his passion despite their poverty.
• Celeste Arantes (Mariana Nunes): Pele’s mother, who initially opposes his football dreams due to her fear of him suffering the same fate as his father.
• Feola (Vincent D’Onofrio): The coach of the Brazilian national team who initially dismisses Pele’s unique ‘Ginga’ style but eventually embraces it.
• Jose (Diego Boneta): A rival player who initially bullies the protagonist.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dico (Young Pelé): “I will win the World Cup for Brazil!” – Dico promises his father after witnessing Brazil’s defeat in the 1950 World Cup final.
• Waldemar de Brito: “He will be the greatest football player the world has ever seen.” – Brito says this when he saw the talent of Pele.
• Pelé: “Ginga is our heritage. It’s our rhythm, our dance, our soul.” – Pele describing Ginga style of football.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $57,046
• Worldwide Gross: $7,846,608

💥 Pelé: Birth of a Legend Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Pelé: Birth of a Legend’ to be a simple but inspiring film. The scenes of young Pelé practicing with his father, using grapefruits as makeshift soccer balls, really hit home. It’s a story about hope and hard work, and I left feeling uplifted, even if it’s a bit predictable.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Football (soccer) fans”
  • “Biopic enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in inspirational stories”
  • “Those who enjoy sports dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some scenes depicting poverty and discrimination”
  • “Brief depictions of sports-related injuries”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “While ‘Pelé: Birth of a Legend’ hits familiar sports biopic beats, its vibrant cinematography and energetic performances capture the spirit of Brazilian football and the rise of a global icon.
• IMDb: “An American-made, Hollywood-style sports film about one of the most famous athletes of all time, but the result is a feel-good movie with mixed English audio, filled with clichés.

Audience Reactions

The movie beautifully captures the passion and pride associated with Brazilian football culture.: Many viewers praised the film’s inspirational message and the depiction of Pelé’s early life and struggles.

Overall Consensus: A feel-good, but somewhat formulaic, sports biopic that celebrates Pelé’s rise to fame, but may not delve deep enough for serious football fans.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film features a cameo appearance by Pelé himself as the old man in a suit whose tea is dropped by the Brazilian team at the hotel before the Final of the 1958 World Cup.”
• “To ensure authenticity, the filmmakers incorporated elements of the ‘ginga’ style, a Brazilian martial art-influenced football technique, highlighting its cultural significance.”
• “The movie showcases actual match clips of Pelé during the end credits, demonstrating that the film could not fully capture the magnificence of his talent.”

🖥️ How to Watch Pelé: Birth of a Legend?

Pelé: Birth of a Legend is available for streaming on various platforms. Check services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary based on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Pelé: Birth of a Legend, you might like these similar films:

• The Blind Side (2009): Based on a true story, it portrays the rise of a talented athlete from a disadvantaged background.
• Goal! The Dream Begins (2005): A young footballer gets discovered and has to fulfill his dream of playing professional football.
• Race (2016): Tells the story of Jesse Owens, an African-American athlete who overcomes racial prejudice to win four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
• Invictus (2009): The movie follows Nelson Mandela’s use of the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unite a racially divided South Africa.

🛒 Pelé: Birth of a Legend Related Products

• Pelé Signed Brazil Jersey: Authentic Brazil national team jersey signed by Pelé himself. A rare and valuable collector’s item for any football enthusiast.
• Pele: The Autobiography: Dive deep into the life and career of Pelé with his official autobiography. An intimate and insightful look at the legend’s journey.
• FIFA 23: Play as Pelé in FIFA 23 and experience the magic of his legendary skills on the virtual pitch. Includes exclusive Pelé-themed content.
• Pelé ’10’ T-shirt: Show your love for the King of Football with this stylish ‘Pelé 10’ t-shirt. Made from high-quality, comfortable material.

🎧 Soundtrack

Pelé: Birth of a Legend features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Little Rascal” – performed by Anna Beatriz, Composed by A.R. Rahman

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

#shorts Who is the greatest player of the World Cup

Ever wondered who the greatest soccer player is? Check out this amazing clip from the movie – it’s a strong contender for Pelé’s case! You won’t believe the moves he pulls off.

He kicks the mango like a soccer ball. #shorts

See how Pelé’s journey began! This clip shows his raw talent and passion for soccer, even with just a mango. It’s a really cool glimpse into the making of a legend.

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