The FIFA season is on, and Netflix makes sure that we are never running out of football documentaries every week. This Brazilian story takes us back to the muddy fields and neighborhood filled with football enthusiasts, where the sport is a celebration. The Root of the Game revolves around Super Copa Pioneer, which happens to be Sao Paulo’s largest amateur football tournament. With the help of the series, we follow the players and the coaches who are competing not for trophies but also for recognition, respect, and a hope to make it big someday. They don’t play just for the sake of playing. Rather, it is a game with high emotional stakes for those who are playing and those who are watching. For many living in the area, football is a way to escape poverty, a chance to live a better life for themselves and their families.
I love the fact that this time around, Netflix has opted for a more authentic display of footballs. In the past few weeks, we have seen many documentaries focusing on players, teams, coaches, and some iconic wins that went down in the history of this game. But what we did not see is how these diamonds are made, where they come from, and what their story is. And instead of focusing on any one player and his story, we get this wonder docu-series where the makers have meticulously shown us what it is like to play at the grassroots levels before making it global. The socioeconomic state of the players, their financial struggles, family responsibilities, along with the community pressure, etc have all been covered in great detail in The Root of the Game. Perhaps this authenticity is what makes the show such a great watch. It goes in great depth to make us viewers, who are sitting miles away from these amateur players, understand what it is like to live their lives.
What also makes the show worth another watch is that the pacing goes perfectly with what is shown to us. The overall speed gives enough time for the plot to develop and for us to register it as well. Right from the start to the very end, The Root of the Game has been well executed. Some of the previous documentaries that Netflix released had pacing issues, but that isn’t the case with this one. This one moves at an even pace, which complements the plot development. At the same time, the makers have not dragged the show much either. With just three episodes each spanning about thirty-eight to forty minutes, the makers manage to establish the point they have been trying to make at the same time they keep us intrigued from start to end. This makes the overall viewing experience a good one, ensuring that we aren’t bored at any point in time.
The Root of the Game isn’t without some good appearances from icons such as Cafu and Raphinha. They reflect on their own humble beginnings in the show, acting as an inspiration for those who are watching and those who aspire to be like them. They remind us that even the biggest sports stars once had a humbling start. So, dear viewers, if you are looking to get inspired, The Root of the Game is what you should be watching.
Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times