Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Biopic may be fun for soccer fans, but it's too formulaic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Pele: Birth of a Legend
What's the Story?
At the 1958 World Cup, Brazilian soccer phenomenon Pele was just a 17-year-old kid, untested and a newcomer to the global soccer elite. As PELE: BIRTH OF A LEGEND shows, he was clearly ready, scoring goal after goal and helping lead the team to victory while showcasing the grace and style of his country's unique playing style. The film starts with Pele's childhood: He grew up in poverty while wealthier kids teased him for playing barefoot and coaches (including Vincent D'Onofrio as the head of the national team) tried to make him play according to a more traditional, European-focused technique. But as he matured as a player, Pele (Kevin de Paula) eventually made his teammates and coaches realize that their Brazilian heritage and specialized techniques are to be celebrated, not muted -- and that's what helps them win on the world stage.
Is It Any Good?
Pele was a true soccer phenomenon, a joy to watch on the field -- and this movie brings some of that excitement to the screen. Watching Pele move the ball -- really, it looks more like he's dancing with it -- is perhaps the best part of the movie. But off the field, the story, as told on screen, becomes less vibrant, even though the real-life Pele overcame great adversity, faced down the doubters, and showed everyone what he had.
Like the staid techniques Pele struggled to break free of, PELE BIRTH OF A LEGEND feels far too predictable at times as it moves through the standard formula of a rising star no one saw coming. Even the action scenes aren't as good as they could be -- they tend to focus very tightly on the athlete's body, making it hard to see his most acrobatic moves. Young soccer players may find the story inspiring, but for most viewers it will probably feel formulaic.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about sports movies. How does Pele: Birth of a Legend compare to other films about real-life sports heroes? Do they follow a certain formula? Is that OK?
How does Pele demonstrate perseverance? Why is that an important character strength?
Did the on-field scenes give you a sense of Pele's unusual style? Do the filmmakers do a good job of showing viewers what he's doing that's so special and different?
When does competition cross over into something destructive? Is trash-talking on the field akin to bullying?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 6, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : September 20, 2016
- Cast : Vincent D'Onofrio , Rodrigo Santoro , Diego Boneta , Kevin de Paula
- Directors : Jeff Zimbalist , Michael Zimbalist
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : IFC Films
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History ( Biopic ) , Competition , Family Stories ( Dads , Moms ) , Sports ( Football , Olympics , Soccer )
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements, some smoking and language
- Last updated : September 8, 2025
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