A boy with nothing who changed everything.|May. 06, 2016|USA|107 Min.|PG
Genre: Adventure;Documentary;Drama;Kids;Western
Description: Pelé: Birth of a Legend is an American biographical film that explores the early life of the legendary Brazilian footballer Pelé and his path to leading Brazil to victory in the 1958 FIFA World Cup. Directed and written by Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist, the film features Kevin de Paula as Pelé, alongside Vincent D’Onofrio, Rodrigo Santoro, Diego Boneta, and Colm Meaney. The story highlights Pelé’s relationship with his father and his unique football style, inspired by “Ginga,” a technique rooted in Brazilian culture and capoeira.
Principal photography began in Rio de Janeiro in September 2013 and concluded by late 2014. Despite its ambitious narrative, the film received mixed reviews, with critics noting a lack of depth in its storytelling. The film also includes a cameo appearance by Pelé himself, adding authenticity to the portrayal of his life.
The soundtrack was composed by A.R. Rahman, who was particularly fascinated by the concept of “Ginga,” a key element in Pelé’s football technique. Rahman’s work on the score was influenced by Brazilian music and YouTube videos, which helped shape the film’s sound. The song “Ginga” was later launched at an event in Mumbai, India, in May 2016, further promoting the film’s cultural significance.
Cast director: Jeff Zimbalist
Cast actor: Kevin de Paula, Leonardo Lima Carvalho, Seu Jorge, Milton Gonçalves, Seth Michaels, Vincent D’Onofrio, André Mattos, Mariana Nunes, Phil Miler, Rafael Henriques
Original name: Pelé: Birth of a Legend