Diego Maradona (2019)
Parents say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Diego Maradona (2019)
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Diego Maradona is an excellent documentary about the soccer player's on and off-field controversies -- drinking, drugs, and extramarital affairs -- with some subtitles. Much of the movie revolves around how Maradona became a drug addict, with archive footage showing him at parties, interviews explaining his actions, and his involvement with members of the Italian Mafia. Footage also shows Maradona involved in violent altercations during games. There are non-explicit shots of players naked in changing rooms. Injuries are shown up close, with some blood. Surgery on Maradona's ankle is shown. Much of the dialogue is taken from interviews with those involved. Archive footage does include various offensive, and even racist, terrace chants -- including terms such as "bastards," "whores," and "f--k." There are few if any positive messages or role models, as viewers witness firsthand the decline of a supremely gifted sportsman.
Community Reviews
not good for kids
Report this review
What's the Story?
DIEGO MARADONA is a documentary about one of the greatest soccer players in the history of the sport and his subsequent fall from grace. Focusing on his time in Italy playing for Napoli, archive footage shows the Argentine World Cup winner at his on-field best, before his descent into drugs eventually loses the love of the Napoli supporters.
Is It Any Good?
This is an excellent documentary about one of soccer's greatest-ever, but also controversial, players. While Maradona's story is long and ongoing, a conscious decision has been made to concentrate on Maradona's years playing in Italy. The approach affords director Asif Kapadia -- Amy and Senna -- the opportunity to look closely at the 1980s, the decade in which Maradona became arguably the greatest footballer of all time. An atmospheric soundtrack and brilliant editing of the copious amounts of archive footage weave a compelling story that gets to he heart of why Maradona's career -- and indeed his life -- went off the rails.
With drugs, prostitution, and the Italian Mafia all featuring heavily, Diego Maradona is more than your average sports documentary. There is so much archive footage that all the interviews are treated as voice-overs, rather than talking heads, which is an impressive feat for a documentary based on events from over 30 years ago.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the drug use in Diego Maradona. How and why could someone as talented as Maradona end up addicted to drugs? Do you have some sympathy with Maradona's plight? What was the role of those around him in enabling his decline?
Are Maradona's achievements tainted by his behavior? What other flawed heroes can you think of? Does this impact how we should support or remember them?
How is sex depicted in the documentary? What was Maradona's attitude to women like? Is there anything loving or consensual about any of them? Parents, talk about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 14, 2019
- On DVD or streaming: September 24, 2019
- Cast: Diego Armando Maradona, Pele, Dalma Maradona
- Director: Asif Kapadia
- Studio: Altitude Film Distribution
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts
- Run time: 130 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: March 2, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Next Goal Wins
Captivating, moving sports docu; some swearing.
-
I Am Bolt
Winning docu celebrates world's fastest man; mild cursing.
-
Hoop Dreams
Stunning documentary addresses race and class issues.
For kids who love sports
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate