Rahman's score elevates an otherwise formulaic, skin-deep portrait of Pelé.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
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Critic consensus
Critical reception for 'Pelé: Birth of a Legend' leans largely negative, with most reviewers finding the film a missed opportunity given its rich subject matter. The most common criticisms center on predictable, formulaic storytelling, superficial characterization, and weak performances, with several critics noting the film fails to adequately capture the cultural and socioeconomic depth of Pelé's story. Opinion is divided on the film's technical elements: one reviewer singles out Matthew Libatique's cinematography for high praise while another dismisses it as unremarkable, and A.R. Rahman's score similarly draws both positive and negative notices. One outlying review was enthusiastically positive, but the broader consensus reflects disappointment with a sanitized, hagiographic treatment of compelling material.
4 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 7 critic reviews · may contain errors
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Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Film review ·
What can bog the film down at times though is that it can get a bit heavy-handed. The very same emotion that it goes for, can make it a bit drippy at times. The movie's trajectory is also a bit predictable and you should know that this film focuses quite squarely on his early life.
Film review ·
The poor acting, traditionalist treatment and regulated melodrama also fails to raise the bar in terms of overall affect. Only Mathew (Black Swan) Libatique's cinematography is worthy of high praise here!
Film review ·
All too linear and straightforward. Pele: Birth of a Legend, is a glorious opportunity missed. It had all the ingredients for a humongous biopic. With Pele, the canvas was always going to be broad. But the simplistic treatment, followed by the feeble performances by the cast, makes this film a huge let down.
Film review ·
It's an inspiring tale with exceptionally natural performances delivered by all the actors, making it seem realistic. Watch it for the crisp narration and the background score, done by A. R Rahman, which is so perfectly timed and is an added benefit to the film. All this and more makes this movie a must watch!
Film review ·
A.R. Rahman's score is flashy and fairly unremarkable; the same can be said for Matthew Libatique's cinematography. All in all, the sort of hagiographic biopic one expects when the person being profiled is the executive producer.
Film review ·
Yet, Pelé's ambition and struggles seem superficial and the resolutions too simple. The Zimbalist brothers do not effectively portray the claustrophobia of a Brazilian slum, or the poverty that propels the ambitions of people like Pelé.
Film review ·
The most disappointing thing about Pele: Birth of a Legend is its failure to bring alive a fascinating story that has layers of historic, cultural and sporting significance. The film's tagline not only refers to the arrival of one of the greatest footballers in the history of the game but also the introduction of an ancient, ridiculed-by-the-Western-world, indigenous form of martial arts-meets-dance athleticism practised by African slaves in Latin America in a game dominated by whites.
Credits
Vincent D'Onofrio
Diego Boneta
Rodrigo Santoro
Colm MeaneyEnglish films like Pelé: Birth of a Legend
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