Watch Kicking It
- NR
- 2007
- 1 hr 38 min
-
7.3 (386)
"Kicking It" is a 2008 documentary film that follows the journeys of six homeless people from around the world as they compete in the Homeless World Cup of soccer, which took place in Cape Town, South Africa. The film was directed by Susan Koch and narrated by actor Colin Farrell. Throughout the film, viewers are introduced to the six participants: Zoran from Serbia, a father of two who became homeless after suffering a car accident; Kofi from Ghana, who left Africa in search of a better life in Europe but ended up homeless in Austria; Craig from Charlotte, North Carolina, a former drug addict who found himself homeless after serving time in prison; Stacia from Washington, D.C., a recovering drug addict and sex worker who is reunited with her estranged daughter during the tournament; Jesus from Madrid, who battled alcoholism and homelessness before discovering soccer and the Spanish Homeless World Cup team; and Dee from Dublin, a former alcoholic who found his passion for soccer as a way to rebuild his life.
The film not only showcases the physical and mental challenges that the participants face on and off the field but also sheds light on the social and economic issues that lead to homelessness, including poverty, addiction, and mental illness. It also highlights the importance of sports and teamwork in providing a sense of belonging and purpose for those who are often marginalized by society.
In addition to following the participants' journeys, the film also features interviews with soccer legends such as Eric Cantona, who serves as an ambassador for the Homeless World Cup, and Desmond Tutu, who shares his own personal experiences with poverty and discrimination. The film also includes footage of the tournament itself, which brings together teams from more than sixty countries, each competing for a chance to be crowned the world's best homeless soccer team.
Throughout the film, the participants face a range of challenges, both on and off the field. They struggle with injuries, language barriers, and culture shock, as well as the emotional toll of being homeless and far from their loved ones. Yet, despite these obstacles, they remain determined to represent their countries, forge new friendships, and prove that they are more than just their circumstances.
Overall, "Kicking It" is a poignant and inspiring film that provides a glimpse into the lives of those affected by homelessness and shows the transformative power of sports and community. It captures the highs and lows of the Homeless World Cup, from the thrill of victory to the heartbreak of defeat, and reminds us that even in the most trying of circumstances, there is always hope for a better future.
Kicking It is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.