The story of Vinny and how joining the England team for the Homeless World Cup would challenge him as a person and really highlight the power of football for people around the world.
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The Beautiful Game is based on true stories of real people who have taken part in the Homeless World Cup over the years, which is stated at the end of the film. So the full stories within the film have been all mashed together and taken from the inspirational people who have represented their countries when in the worst positions of their lives.
When Mal spots Vinny in the park one day having taken the ball from a kids training session and showing off his skills, he manages to defuse the situation with the coach and parents by saying that he is with him. Little did Vinny realize that Mal was in charge for the homeless England squad for the world cup that was going to be taking place in Rome, Italy.
Each of the players had different stories and issues, resulting in how they became homeless and how they then went on to be part of the England team. It’s obviously not easy to listen to in that sense, due to the addiction, gambling and drug abuse references which resulted in losing everything as well as family member support.
Vinny has always been a talented footballer and wants the trip just so he an play football, he is not interested in talking about his situation of living in his car and not getting to see his daughter as much as he would want. Football was everything and that would result in some rather bad moments of thinking he is better than the rest of the England team, without making any effort to get to know them.
We are shown the differences between the nations and how the stories of those from other countries as well were important to have an impact on everyone else. How it really can be a life changing event, appreciating those other cultures. It also really does show just how powerful football is and the difference it makes around the world on a daily basis.
The casting for the film was really good with Micheal Ward and Bill Nighy leading very well, and having some rather emotional scenes together. Ward has had quite a few impressive roles so far and is certainly still an actor to watch going forward. I have always been such a huge fan of Nighy and enjoyed him a lot in what felt like a rather different role. Callum Scott Howells was the pick of the supporting cast with some very impressive acting as an addict.
