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Shooting for Socrates

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Shooting for Socrates

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Summary

Northern Ireland is divided by political turmoil in 1986, but for a boy in East Belfast, the only things that matter are his imminent 10th birthday and the prospect of the national side taking on Brazil in the World Cup. Meanwhile, in Mexico, the eccentric coach struggles to marshal his mismatched players to face the world's greatest team. Comedy drama, starring John Hannah and Art Parkinson

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Review

A star rating of 2 out of 5.

Stephen Carty

In 1986, the Northern Ireland football team brought hope to the nation when they qualified for the World Cup. Travelling to Mexico, they prepared for the first round of fixtures, which included a historic, David and Goliath-type match against the mighty Brazil. The squad's journey is loosely re-created in this modest sporting drama, with co-writer/director James Erskine charting a path from the qualifying campaign to the big game. At the same time, he also tells a parallel story in Belfast, where the tournament is providing a welcome distraction from the sectarian riots. These scenes highlight how football can bring people together, and Erskine produces some nice moments between a father (Richard Dormer) and his nine-year-old son (Art Parkinson). Unfortunately, though, there's no sense of occasion - you never feel like you're watching a real World Cup - and there are too many sequences that don't ring true. Like the '86 team, Shooting for Socrates falls short of glory.

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5.8/10

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Credits

Cast

rolenameBilly BinghamJohn HannahJackie FullertonConleth HillArthurRichard DormerDavid CampbellNico MirallegroSammy McIlroyCiaran McMenaminJimmy QuinnBarry WardIreneBronagh GallagherPat JenningsPaul KennedyNorman WhitesideChris Newman (1)Gerry ArmstrongAaron McCuskerSocratesSergio MurJimmy NicholMatthew McElhinneyTommyArt Parkinson

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Crew

rolenameDirectorJames Erskine

Details

Theatrical distributor

Soda Pictures

Released on

2015-06-05

Languages

English | Spanish

Available on

DVD

Formats

Colour

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