Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Soccer legend shares his story in family-friendly docu.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Emi Martinez: The Kid Who Stops Time
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
EMI MARTINEZ: THE KID WHO STOPS TIME is a documentary about the contemporary Argentine soccer legend known as Dibu. The film combines animated characters with interviews and historical footage of Dibu, his family, his friends, and his teammates. It tells Dibu's life story, from a childhood defined by a close-knit family and soccer matches in his modest neighborhood of Mar del Plata to his start on youth teams and eventual professional career as a goalie. Dibu and others open up about the sacrifices and struggles behind his triumphs.
Is It Any Good?
This may be one of the most family-friendly documentaries out there about a pro soccer player. And that may also be what turns some older Dibu fans off of the film Emi Martinez: The Kid Who Stops Time. The blend of animated sequences and more mature themes has the potential to appeal to all ages, but the animations can feel childish. Older fans might have preferred more interview and archive material instead, even though the drawings are an evocative way to visualize what was happening in young Dibu's head.
The film's subjects are presented as humble, hardworking, and grateful for success, which has been a lifetime in the making. Dibu and others, particularly his father, are brought to tears remembering the sacrifices they have all made to support his dreams, including Dibu's leaving home at age 11, living alone on the other side of the world, and missing life events to play in key tournaments. The film positions Dibu—and his close-knit family—as role models worth having.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the sacrifices Dibu's family talks about making to support his aspirations in Emi Martinez: The Kid Who Stops Time. Do you think they made good choices? Would you feel the same if his career had not been successful?
How do Dibu and his family and friends demonstrate teamwork and perseverance in this film? In what ways do these character strengths serve them all?
What did you think of the combination of animation and live action? Have you seen other documentaries that combine these?
Who do you think is the target audience for this film, and why?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 28, 2026
- Cast : Emiliano Martinez , Agustín Aristarán , Lionel Messi
- Director : Gustavo Cova
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , South American Movie Director(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , South American Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Competition , Family Stories ( Dads , Moms , Siblings ) , Friendship , History , Sports ( Soccer )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 78 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : June 11, 2026
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