A Welsh underdog tale that you will want to take home
- Published
Where were you on 6 July, 2016? Don't remember? Well let us jog your memory.
You were either proudly telling everyone just how Welsh you were or desperately combing through your family tree in the hopes of finding some kind of Welsh lineage.
Wales were the only UK team to make it through to the semi-finals of the Euros and no one wanted to feel left out of what was an incredible underdog story.
It's no wonder then that given Wales' incredible achievement a documentary on the team, Don't Take Me Home, is now hitting the big screen.
We've reviewed this film and compiled the best sporting docs out there right now.
Don't Take Me Home (12A)
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Welsh football fans haven't always been blessed with the most skilful of teams, yet all that has changed in the last few years with Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and co. bringing the team up the international rankings. This film documents the togetherness that not only exists between the players but between the team and fans too. There's loads of behind-the-scenes footage.
Who's it for?
Those who are in desperate need of a euphoria-filled pick me up.
What the experts say?
"An underdog success story that will inspire." The Up Coming, external
"If the togetherness on show - both publicly and privately - in this film is any clue, any future disappointments [by the team] will not be down to a lack of effort." Sky Sports, external
"The contagious joy in the film is seeing the stuff outside of the games: the small moments of the players bonding, Gareth Bale messing about on a golf buggy and captain Ashley Williams recalling how he’d watch Rocky IV on match day." NME, external
Hoop Dreams (12)
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In 1994 this gem came out. It follows two Chicago high-school boys, Arthur Agee and William Gates, who are hoping to make it as college basketball stars. It focusses on the struggles they face on and off the court.
Who's it for?
Those who love a socially-conscious flick which also delivers on compelling drama.
Why reviewers loved it:
"[Hoop Dreams is] not only a documentary. It is also poetry and prose, muckraking and expose, journalism and polemic. It is one of the great moviegoing experiences of my lifetime." rogerebert.com, external
Senna (12)
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He was the enigmatic Formula One star who seemed to be just as popular off the track as he was on it. This doc follows the highs and lows of Ayrton Senna.
Who's it for?
Well, you can have zero interest in F1 and still find this film absorbing. One warning: essentially everyone who watches this cries.
Why reviewers loved it:
"Shattering in the gentlest way, edited with rare care, it’s an affirmation of all the bonds Senna forged in his life — with his family, colleagues, the people of Brazil. To emerge unmoved is just about inconceivable." The Telegraph, external
Pumping Iron (12)
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It's 1977 and professional bodybuilding is getting more and more popular, especially when you've got people with star appeal taking part, like a very fresh-faced Arnold Schwarzenegger. This film was essentially the making of the former California Governor and made bodybuilding massive. Literally.
Who's it for?
Those who like their sports docs slightly odd.
Why reviewers loved it:
"Its strongest card is the outrageously charismatic Schwarzenegger, but its view of musclemen and physique contests in general has a charm not unlike Rocky." Time Out, external
Team Foxcatcher (12)
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This Netflix documentary may have less Hollywood appeal than the dramatization, which starred Channing Tatum and Steve Carell, but the never-seen-before footage makes this (horrendous) story definitely worth watching.
It focuses on John DuPont, an incredibly wealthy and eccentric man, who with an interest in wrestling, allowed Olympic athletes to create a training facility on his land. Everything fell apart for DuPont, which eventually led to him committing murder.
Who's it for?
Those who want their documentaries gritty.
Why reviewers loved it:
"This documentary isn’t just about suspense; it’s about every person surrounding this story who could have stopped all of it and didn’t." LA Weekly, external
O.J.: Made In America
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When Nicole Brown was found dead in 1994 along with Ron Goldman, her ex-husband O.J. Simpson was put on trial for murder.
Simpson was one of the biggest names in American football, the case soon gripped the nation with many regarding it not only as a criminal trial but also as a civil rights issue. This documentary explores how racial tensions in Los Angeles, Hollywood and sport all impacted on O.J.'s life and career.
Who's it for?
Those who remember the court case and, with the benefit of hindsight, need clarification about exactly how and why things happened.
Why reviewers loved it:
"An extraordinary seven-and-a-half–hour documentary that has forced us all to rethink a case we thought we already knew inside out." Rolling Stone, external
An Impossible Job/Do I Not Like That (15)
When ex-England manager, Graham Taylor, passed away in January, tributes poured in and huge crowds gathered at his funeral. He was incredibly well liked in and out the world of football. This film followed the Watford legend as his England side failed to gain qualification for the 1994 World Cup. One thing worth bearing in mind, despite its cult following, you might struggle to get hold of a copy of this one.
Who's it for?
Anyone who wants to remind themselves of what a character Taylor was. Even the most hardened of fans won't fail to be charmed by the man with many a catchphrase.
Why the experts loved it:
"In many ways it is football’s version of This is Spinal Tap." Daily Mail, external
