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Gascoigne is a biographical documentary film about the life and career of Paul Gascoigne, a former professional footballer who became a household name in the 1990s due to his exceptional skill on the pitch and his larger-than-life personality off it. Directed by Jane Preston and produced by Sally Hodgson, the film was released in 2015 to critical acclaim and features interviews with Gascoigne, his family members, former teammates, and other notable figures in the world of football.

The film traces Gascoigne's life from his childhood in Gateshead to his rise to fame as a player for Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio, Rangers, and other top-level clubs. Through a combination of archival footage, still photos, and present-day interviews, the film provides an intimate look at Gascoigne's personal life, his struggles with addiction and mental illness, and his often-controversial antics on and off the field.

Gascoigne himself is the heart and soul of the film, and his interviews are candid, emotional, and often raw. He talks openly about his childhood experiences of poverty and abuse, his close relationship with his mother, and the intense pressure he felt to perform as a top-level athlete. He also discusses his numerous injuries, including the knee injury that ended his career and his subsequent battles with alcoholism and depression. Despite the often-difficult subject matter, Gascoigne's humor and warmth shine through, and his love for the game of football and his former teammates is palpable.

In addition to Gascoigne himself, the film features interviews with a wide array of former teammates, coaches, and friends, including Gary Lineker, Vinnie Jones, Glenn Hoddle, and Terry Venables. These interviews provide additional context and insight into Gascoigne's life and career, as well as highlighting the impact he had on those around him. Lineker, in particular, speaks movingly about his friendship with Gascoigne and the early signs of his friend's addiction that he observed on the pitch. Jones, meanwhile, offers a more irreverent perspective, describing some of Gascoigne's wilder antics and pranks.

The film is also notable for its use of archival footage, which provides a vivid glimpse into Gascoigne's playing style and the era in which he came to prominence. From his jaw-dropping goals for Tottenham to his iconic performances at the 1990 World Cup, the footage serves as a reminder of just how talented Gascoigne was as a player. It also underscores the intense media scrutiny and public pressure he faced, which undoubtedly contributed to his struggles later in life.

Overall, Gascoigne is an emotional and powerful documentary that offers a revealing portrait of one of England's most beloved footballers. While it may be difficult to watch at times, especially for those who followed Gascoigne's career, it is a must-see for any fan of the beautiful game. The film offers a reminder of both the glory and the tragedy that can accompany a life in football, as well as the enduring impact that one player can have on a sport and a nation.

Gascoigne is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.