A GOOD KICK IN THE GRASS – SOCCER FILMS
Watching soccer films is the only way to watch the sport without falling asleep. In the spirit of the World Cup, check out some of your favorite actors in these beloved soccer films. Read more in “A Good Kick in the Grass”
Whether you are a “football” fan or not, now is an excellent time to study up on acting performances in the sports film genre. Learn from these portrayals (both good and bad) and find your inspiration to score your own goals.
Keira Knightley in Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
This movie tells the tale of an English-born Indian girl named Jess who dreams of playing sports against her conservative Sikh family’s wishes. Keira Knightley’s abdominal muscles co-star as Jess’s friend who convinces her to join the soccer club.
Gerard Butler in The Miracle Match (2005)
The Miracle Match tells the true story of the United States 1950 World Cup Soccer Team. This inspirational movie also features rock star-turned-actor Gavin Rossdale and Zachary Ty Bryan from Home Improvement. The true miracle here is that the film failed to jumpstart Gavin Rossdale’s acting career.
Sylvester Stallone and Michael Caine in Escape to Victory (1981)
Stallone and Caine star as prisoners of war who are challenged to a football match by German officers. The movie is based off a Hungarian film titled “Two Half-times in Hell” and inspired by the (now discredited) story of a so-called Death Match. For those who keep calling Stallone “the male Meryl Streep,” this film is a staple.
Charlie Hunnam in Green Street Hooligans (2005)
The Sons of Anarchy actor plays a boozing footballer in an independent drama that touches on football hooliganism. This film is filled with unruly, violent, and destructive behaviour by overzealous footballers. The most destructive thing in this film is Hunnam’s cockney accent, with some saying it was the worst in film history.
