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If you’re still recovering from unwrapping presents and singing Christmas carols, fear not. There is an escape from the boredom of the season: five great documentaries that not only entertain but also enlighten us about what makes sport so great.
1. Once in a Lifetime (2006)
Narrated by actor Matt Dillon and featuring a groovy 70s soundtrack, this doco charts the spectacular rise and fall of the New York Cosmos and the North American Soccer League. It’s a fascinating story of a movie studio executive who saw the potential of the world game and successfully turned the Cosmos and soccer into the hottest ticket in the Big Apple. The film centres around the impact Pele had during his spell with the club including the following scene that looks at how the club wooed the greatest ever player to North America.
There are several parallels that can be drawn between the development of the sport in both North America and Australia so it provides an interesting avenue for comparison.
It’s a great tale told in a thoroughly entertaining manner.
2. The History of Football (2002)
This epic 13 episode series charts the history of the world game from its origins, evolution and future. It also contains episodes about Brazil, Africa and a particularly moving episode entitled “The Dark Side” on the sad history of hooliganism and other tragedies.
Not only is it informative, it also portrays the game in a way few documentaries have achieved – full of emotion, perspective and depth.
With over thirty hours of extras this is the definitive history of the game.
3. When We Were Kings (1997)
The story of the Rumble in the Jungle between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman is brilliantly told in this documentary.
Not only do you gain inside access to one of the most incredible sporting events, it also demonstrates why Ali is an icon of the 20th century. His bravado is on display throughout as well as his philosophies and relationship with the people of Zaire.
4. Faster (2004)
What motivates motorbike racers to risk life and limb every fortnight?
Faster, narrated by bike nut Ewan McGregor, explores their world. What motivates them to race and what it’s like to be part of the globetrotting MotoGP circus.
I suggest you also check out the short sequel film that updates the story of the sport up until 2004 and Valentino Rossi’s move to Yamaha.
It also contains this scene that explores the ultimate price the riders risk each time they get on the bike.
A very well made doco that gives you a historical perspective of the sports recent history.
5. Hoop Dreams (1994)
An American classic that explores the hopes and dreams of two African–American boys playing high school basketball trying to make it into the pro leagues.
The story is about so much more than basketball.
It’s about the struggle of the working class in inner city America and sport as an escape from this world. The hope it provides but also the devastation when it doesn’t happen.
There are plenty more great sporting documentaries out there. Please add your own favourites to the list.