Common Sense Media Review
By Danny Brogan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving sports biopic has some violence, strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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The Keeper
What's the Story?
THE KEEPER tells the true story of Bert Trautmann (David Kross), a German prisoner of war who later became a goalkeeper for the English soccer club Manchester City. In the aftermath of World War II, Bert must overcome hostility as well as learn to forgive himself. Bert's life begins to take a turn for the better: He marries Margaret (Freya Mavor) and wins over fans with his talent. But then tragedy strikes, both on and off the pitch.
Is It Any Good?
Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction; for proof, look no further than the story at the heart of this superb sporting biopic. From German POW to one of the greatest goalkeepers to play soccer in England, Bert's life is filled with unlikely and unbelievable events. The fact that many of them are tragic only adds to the drama. Soccer fans may be aware of certain aspects of Bert's life -- the events of the 1956 FA Cup Final are legendary -- but this is a comprehensive look at an extraordinary life.
German actor Kross is excellent as the determined Bert, who's wrestling with his own past. But it's Mavor's Margaret who captures viewers' sympathy and admiration in a time when women were very much kept in the shadows. The movie doesn't gloss over the events of WWII, nor does it exempt Bert from his role. But its gaze is looking forward, not back, with the overall message being one of forgiveness. It's also worth noting that the soccer sequences are impressively realistic -- not something that can be said for all sports movies. But whether you're a sports fan or not, The Keeper is an inspirational tale that needs to be seen to be believed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Bert is treated in The Keeper. Can you understand why some people are hostile toward him? Do you think that excuses their behavior? How does Bert win them over?
Did the fact the movie was based on a true story impact how you felt? Did it make the movie's more tragic scenes more difficult to watch?
What does the movie teach us about overcoming prejudice? How might forgiveness, compassion, and empathy help us achieve this?
What character strengths does Margaret show? Do you think the time period makes her behavior even more courageous?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 5, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : September 9, 2019
- Cast : David Kross , Freya Mavor , John Henshaw
- Director : Marcus H. Rosenmüller
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Parkland Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy
- Run time : 120 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : March 12, 2020
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