International Sports Films You Have Got To Watch

What’s the secret behind the popularity of sports? Any sport. Is the fame that is a part of the game? The money aspect? Or is the talent of the players and the physical aspect of it all? There’s a bit of everything in there. But most importantly, it is the myriad emotions that everyone goes through, whether they are watching or playing a sport that makes it such a beloved part of our lives.

Sport is an essential feature of human nature, and we tackle it on a day-to-day basis. We might wear the jersey of our favourite team to work regularly. Indulge in games, hang posters of our favourite stars, or watch movies that glorify sports on an entirely different level. Very much like sports betting, which can be quickly done online with surprise offers from bookmakers to give you the edge at the very beginning, sports films have for the longest of times been some of the best money-makers in the movie industry.

The connection most people feel with games like football, cricket, ice-hockey, American football, or tennis makes films based on these sports all the more entertaining and popular with the masses. Now, Hollywood has had a fair share of sport-based cinema over the years, so, here are three from across the world that should be on your must-watch list.

Bend It Like Beckham – UK

Packed with drama, comedy, and tons of heart-warming moments, Bend It Like Beckham is also the movie that made Kiera Knightly a household name. Following the trials and tribulations of an Asian girl who just wants to play football, the film is a light-hearted tale of friendship, family bonds, and battling societal norms for the love of the game. Bend It Like Beckham was also made into a musical and had a yearlong run on West End.

 

Iqbal – India

A coming-of-age film that revolves around a budding cricket player, Iqbal is different from the usual Bollywood fare. There are no dance and music sequences in this one, as a young deaf and mute bowler, living in a village, goes about making a name for himself in the hope of joining the Indian cricket team. Iqbal received critical fame both nationally and internationally, and is a film that the entire family can enjoy together. The most beautiful feature of the film is how the main protagonist gets help from an alcoholic ex-player and his sister along the way. In the end, everyone comes together to give him the support that takes Iqbal to the top.

Shaolin Soccer – Hong Kong

Sports does not always have to be taken seriously, and Shaolin Soccer is one film that proves that. A merry band of former Shaolin monks get together in this eccentric film that sees them take on soccer to promote martial arts. What we get is physics-defying stunts and goals, with dollops of over-the-top comedy, and several charming characters to root for along the way. Shaolin Soccer was a massive hit in Asia and went on to win quite a few film awards for its special effects.