Goal! The Dream Begins
Director: Danny Cannon, Michael Winterbottom
Actors: Kuno Becker, Alessandro Nivola, Anna Friel
PlotA young Mexican immigrant, Santiago Munez, harbors a deep passion for football, having played the game since his childhood in the streets of Los Angeles. Despite his immense skill and dedication, Santiago's dreams of playing professionally seem unreachable, partly because of his family's financial struggles and his undocumented status in the United States. His father, a hardworking gardener, sees no future for Santiago in football and urges him to give up his dreams and focus on a more practical career path. However, Santiago's exceptional talent doesn’t go unnoticed; while playing for a local team, he catches the eye of a former British scout who sees in him the potential to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Encouraged by the scout's belief in his abilities, Santiago decides to pursue his dream, despite the discouragement from his family and the obstacles posed by his immigration status. This opportunity leads him to Newcastle, England, where he is given a trial with Newcastle United. The transition is fraught with challenges as Santiago struggles to prove himself in a new country, facing both cultural shock and the skepticism of his teammates and coaches. His journey becomes not just a test of his talent on the field, but also of his resilience and determination to make a name for himself and seize the opportunity of a lifetime.
Writers: Mike Jefferies, Adrian Butchart, Dick Clement
Release Date: 12 May 2006
Runtime: 118 min
Rating: PG
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Language: English, Spanish
Home Video Reviews
'Goal!' is a heartwarming, stereotypical sports film with soccer focus, featuring a strong newcomer but lacks distinctiveness.
Read our review of Goal! The Dream Begins Blu-ray to find out more