Netflix viewers have been warned they will have to hold back tears after a “heartwarming” film based on a true story becomes available on the platform in time for the Easter bank holiday weekend.
The Beautiful Game, which tells the story of the team of homeless English footballers, in the annual global football tournament, the Homeless Football World Cup, was added to Netflix on Friday, March 29 and has already earned praise of the spectators.
Bill Nighy plays the role of the team’s coach, Mal, who tries to lead the team to world glory at the Rome tournament.
Meanwhile, Micheal Ward, who previously received praise for his portrayal of Jamie in gritty crime drama Top Boy, plays troubled but talented striker Vinny.
On X, formerly Twitter, users were quick to praise the film, posting: ‘What a beautiful film.’
Netflix viewers have been urged to fight back years after a “heartwarming” film based on a true story became available on the platform.
The Beautiful Game tells the story of the team of homeless English footballers, in the annual global football tournament, the Homeless Football World Cup.
“But I’m warning you… have a box of tissues nearby when you watch this because you might shed a tear or two.”
‘Everyone go and watch The Beautiful Game… today on Netflix! So touching, special and important.”
Film producer Katie Sinclair, who worked on the film, added a post of her own saying: “The Beautiful Game is out today on Netflix.” The last production I worked on at my old job is coming out.
‘A purely Easter family watch. Challenge yourself not to cry. Based on an incredible real organization.’
While the film is inspired by the real Homeless World Cup and was made in cooperation and with the support of the tournament foundation, the events depicted in the film are fictional.
The main characters, coach Mal and star player Vinny, are not based on the exploits of real people but were created for the film, but the filmmakers said they used several different real-life stories to help formulate a script. and a general plot.
Some people on whom the film’s characters were based are listed as “parallel” to their fictional counterparts, including manager Craig McManus and player Lisa Wrightsman.
Speaking about the film, Homeless World Cup Foundation president and founder Mel Young said: “We are incredibly excited to be the focus of the upcoming film The Beautiful Game.”
On X, formerly Twitter, users were quick to praise the film.
‘The Homeless World Cup is our contribution to tackling homelessness around the world, but there is much more to do.
“We have shown how powerful football can be when applied to a social problem, and we will continue to strive to do more.
“We hope that the work we do at The Beautiful Game inspires more people to join in and support future Homeless World Cups, and together we can aim to end homelessness for good.”
