Watch Celtic Soul

Celtic Soul is a heartwarming and humorous documentary film that follows Canadian Hollywood actor Jay Baruchel as he embarks on a journey to connect with his Irish roots through his love of football (soccer). Baruchel has been a lifelong fan of Celtic Football Club, a Scottish team with Irish roots, and his dream is to visit Celtic Park, the team's home stadium in Glasgow, Scotland. Accompanied by Celtic superfan and tour guide Gerry McLaughlin, Baruchel sets off on a road trip through Ireland and Scotland to discover the historical and cultural connections that bind the supporters of Celtic FC.

The film begins with Baruchel explaining his personal history as a fan of Celtic, which began when he was 12 years old and saw the team play on TV. He was drawn to the club's underdog status and the passionate support they received from their fans, especially those in Ireland. Baruchel sees his pilgrimage to Celtic Park as the ultimate expression of his love for the club and its culture, and he eagerly sets out on his journey.

The first few scenes show Baruchel and McLaughlin driving through some of the picturesque landscapes of Ireland and Scotland, chatting about their shared love of the beautiful game. This is where the documentary's humor comes out, with McLaughlin's unique take on life and his humorous comments about football and his beloved club. Each of the route's stops provides insight and detail to the connection between the club, its supporters and the Irish nation, often capturing the interest of its audience in the specifics.

As they travel, Baruchel and McLaughlin meet other Celtic fans and personalities, including former players and club staff. They visit pubs and social clubs where supporters gather to watch games, discuss tactics, and sing songs, giving a glimpse into the community and shared experience among Celtic supporters on the road. They discuss their favorite players and moments in club history, and Baruchel gets an education in the history of Irish immigration to Scotland and how the club became a symbol for the Irish diaspora.

One of the highlights of the film is Baruchel's visit to the Barrowfield training ground, where he meets coaches and players from the club's academy. He is genuinely charmed by the enthusiasm and dedication of these young Celtic supporters, and he sees parallels between their experiences and his own as a young fan. It's a touching moment that shows how football can connect people across generations and international borders.

The climax of the film is, of course, Baruchel's visit to Celtic Park. The documentary does a great job of capturing the emotion and awe that he experiences as he steps onto the hallowed turf and hears the crowd singing the club anthem, "You'll Never Walk Alone." Baruchel is clearly overwhelmed by the scale and history of the stadium, and he relishes the opportunity to meet some of the players and staff who make the club tick. The scenes that follow are full of joy and camaraderie, as Baruchel, McLaughlin, and other supporters celebrate their shared love of the club and the game itself.

Overall, Celtic Soul is a thoroughly enjoyable and uplifting film that champions the connection between football, culture and identity, and shows how sports can bring people together across the globe. With its mix of humor, history, and emotion, the documentary is a must-watch for any sports fan or anyone interested in exploring their roots in a meaningful way.

Celtic Soul is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.