Pelé Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy kicks a ball real good, and Brazil wins, but also there’s some political stuff happening; it’s complicated, like a soccer dive.

🍿 Pelé: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Rise to Fame

The documentary explores Pelé’s humble beginnings in Brazil, highlighting his early talent and dedication to football. It showcases his father’s influence and the sacrifices made to nurture his extraordinary abilities. We see how Pelé quickly rose through the ranks, attracting attention from major clubs and earning a spot on the national team at a young age.

1958 World Cup Triumph

A significant portion of the film focuses on the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, where a 17-year-old Pelé stunned the world with his skill and athleticism. This section features archival footage of key matches and goals, demonstrating Pelé’s pivotal role in Brazil’s first World Cup victory. It establishes him as a national hero and a global icon, solidifying his place in football history.

The Turbulent 1960s

The documentary delves into the political turmoil of Brazil during the 1960s, coinciding with Pelé’s career. It examines the impact of the military dictatorship on the country and the pressure Pelé faced as a symbol of national pride. This section explores the complex relationship between sports, politics, and national identity, presenting a nuanced perspective on Pelé’s role during this period.

1970 World Cup Glory

The film culminates in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, often considered Pelé’s finest hour. Despite facing physical challenges and increased pressure, Pelé led Brazil to another World Cup title, showcasing his unparalleled talent and leadership. This victory is presented as a moment of national unity and triumph amidst political strife, further cementing Pelé’s legendary status.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Pelé (Pelé): The documentary focuses on Pelé’s journey from a young football prodigy to a national hero, winning three World Cups and navigating a turbulent political landscape.
• Dondinho Nascimento (Dondinho Nascimento): Pelé’s father, a former footballer, inspired and supported Pelé’s early career, instilling in him a love for the sport.
• Amarildo (Amarildo): Amarildo stepped up to replace the injured Pelé in the 1962 World Cup, contributing significantly to Brazil’s victory.
• Emílio Garrastazu Médici (Emílio Garrastazu Médici): As the president during Brazil’s military dictatorship, Médici’s regime intertwined with Pelé’s career, creating political complexities.
• Zagallo (N/A): The coach who stepped in shortly before the 1970 World Cup and led Brazil to victory with Pelé at the forefront.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Pelé: “I think I’ve done more for Brazil than many politicians.” – Pelé reflects on his role in uplifting the spirit of the nation during a turbulent time.
• Pelé: “Football is everything to me.” – Pelé describes his life long passion for the sport.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Pelé Reviews

Personal Review

I was really moved by this documentary! Seeing the old footage of Pelé playing was incredible; he really was a magician with the ball. What struck me most was the way the film showed how his career was intertwined with Brazil’s political struggles. The 1970 World Cup scenes gave me goosebumps, and it really cemented my understanding of why Pelé is considered a legend, even if some people think it focuses too much on politics.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Soccer fans”
  • “Sports history enthusiasts”
  • “Documentary lovers”
  • “Anyone interested in Brazilian culture and history”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Archival footage of violence and political unrest”
  • “Brief mentions of infidelity”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “The film offers a solid overview of Pelé’s career, focusing on his World Cup triumphs and the political backdrop of Brazil during his reign. While it doesn’t delve deeply into his personal life, the archival footage and interviews provide a compelling narrative of a sporting icon.
• The Guardian: “Pelé is a well-crafted documentary that balances sports highlights with the socio-political context of Brazil’s military dictatorship. However, it sometimes feels like it’s skating on the surface, avoiding a more critical examination of Pelé’s relationship with the regime.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A fascinating portrait of Pelé, capturing his brilliance on the field and the complexities of his role as a national symbol during a turbulent period in Brazilian history. The film’s strength lies in its use of archival footage, bringing the era to life.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the vintage World Cup footage that highlighted Pele’s extraordinary skills.: Most agreed that the documentary successfully balanced Pele’s career with Brazil’s political backdrop

A lot of viewers felt the movie didn’t go deep enough into Pelé’s personal life.: Several people agreed that the movie focuses too much on Brazilian politics.

Overall Consensus: Pelé is a compelling documentary that offers an overview of the football legend’s career, but its exploration of his personal life and relationship with Brazil’s political landscape receives mixed reviews.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film uses archival footage to recreate Pelé’s career, blending it with modern interviews to give a comprehensive view.”
• “Pelé himself was actively involved in the making of the documentary, providing insights and reflections on his life and career.”
• “The documentary not only focuses on Pelé’s sporting achievements but also explores the political and social context of Brazil during his prime.”

🖥️ How to Watch Pelé?

Pelé is available to stream on Netflix. Check local listings for availability, as streaming options can vary by region. Unfortunately, this documentary is not widely available for purchase on physical media or through digital retailers like Prime Video or Apple TV. Your best bet for watching is a Netflix subscription.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Pelé, you might like these similar films:

• Diego Maradona (2019): A documentary about another football legend that explores his career and personal life.
• Senna (2010): A compelling documentary about the life and tragic death of Formula One champion Ayrton Senna, another Brazilian icon.
• When We Were Kings (1996): Documentary of the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, capturing a significant cultural and sporting event.

🛒 Pelé Related Products

• Pelé: The Autobiography: Go beyond the film and delve into Pelé’s own words about his life, career, and the challenges he faced. This autobiography offers a more in-depth look at the man behind the legend.
• FIFA 23: Play as Pelé in FIFA 23 and experience the thrill of controlling one of the greatest footballers of all time. Includes legacy gameplay as well.
• Panini World Cup Stickers: Relive the excitement of Pelé’s World Cup triumphs with vintage Panini stickers. A great way to celebrate his legacy and collect memorabilia.
• Official Pelé T-Shirt: Show your love for the football legend with an officially licensed Pelé T-shirt. Featuring iconic images and designs, it’s a great way to pay tribute to the King of Football.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Imunização Racional” – performed by Tim Maia

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

pele movie scene the shoe less one

Ever wondered how Pelé’s career started? This clip from ‘Pelé: Birth of a Legend’ shows a pivotal moment that really highlights his raw talent and determination. It’s a must-see for any football fan!

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