Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fascinating sports docu has language, drug-related violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Higuita: The Way of the Scorpion
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Some call René Higuita the most important Colombian soccer player in history, and the documentary HIGUITA: THE WAY OF SCORPION shows why. The film chronicles his life story from growing up poor all the way to becoming a sports legend for the way he changed the field through his unique way of playing. It also shows aspects of his personal life, including his love story with his wife Magnolia, and his controversial friendship with drug lord Pablo Escobar.
Is It Any Good?
At a time when most of the films about Colombia are about drug trafficking and true crime figures, it's refreshing to see a documentary that celebrates one of its most prominent sports icons. Higuita: The Way of the Scorpion centers on the famed goalkeeper René Higuita and how his idiosyncrasies on the field helped change the sport while turning him into a legend.
Director Luis Ara beautifully balances the talking heads who celebrate Higuita's influence while using historical footage and in-depth, honest commentary from Higuita himself about the more controversial aspects of his life. His involvement in the rescue of a little girl who had been kidnapped alone would warrant a film of its own. The film challenges the notion that Colombian stories can only be about drug trafficking, while showcasing an unlikely hero whose greatest superpower is being his authentic self.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way René Higuita stands up for his beliefs even when sometimes they go against the law. Are justice and the law always in sync? Why or why not?
Higuita invented "the scorpion" technique in soccer. What would you name a technique of your own?
Higuita was friends with the infamous Pablo Escobar, although he wasn't involved in any criminal activity. Do you think you could be friends with someone wanted by the law? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 2, 2023
- Cast : René Higuita , Jorge Campos , Carlos Valderrama
- Director : Luis Ara
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Character Strengths : Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 21, 2023
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