We recently watched the movie, “Next Goal Wins” and really got a kick out of it! The movie is written and directed by Academy Award winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok).
Taika Waititi attends the “Next Goal Wins” Preview. Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images for Disney.
The film stars Michael Fassbender (X-Men: First Class, The Killer) as Thomas Rongen, a Dutch-American soccer coach, who acts slightly unhinged during his time as the American Samoa head coach. His task, to turn one of the world’s worst soccer team into winners.
Photo by Hilary Bronwyn Gayle. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.
Based on a true story, this heartfelt underdog comedy follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup qualifiers fast approaching, the team hires down-on-his- luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team into winners.
There are plenty of ‘fish out of water’ moments between Coach Rongen and the people of American Samoa. In addition to humor, there are some feel-good moments, especially between the Coach and non-binary soccer player, Jaiyah Saelua. It was touching to see the Coach’s heart and mind accept a ‘fa’afafine,’ a third gender present in Polynesian society, as a member of the team.
Michael Fassbender and Kaimana in NEXT GOAL WINS. Photo by Hilary Bronwyn Gayle. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.
In my opinion, the film shines as a result of the supporting cast and their interaction with Coach Rongen. The ensemble cast includes Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Uli Latukefu, Semu Filipo, Lehi Falepapalangi, with Will Arnett (Arrested Development) and Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale).
“Next Goal Wins” is available now on Digital and is coming to Blu-ray and DVD on February 27th.
Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.
Bonus Features*
Featurette
- Creating The Pitch of Life – Explore filmmaker Taika Waititi’s loving homage to American Samoa, Polynesian culture, and the sports movie in this delightfully entertaining short-form documentary. See what it took to make a winning movie about the losingest soccer team in the world.
Deleted Scene
- Priest Blessing the Team
*Bonus features vary by product and retailer
“Next Goal Wins” is rated PG-13.
“Next Goal Wins” has a run time of approximately 103 minutes.
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Disclosure: No monetary compensation was received for this post. This blog post is for informational purposes. I received a complimentary copy of the movie which helped facilitate this write-up. Images shown in this post are used with permission. As always, my opinions are 100% my own.
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Sounds like a wonderful sports movie. Will definitely add to my ‘must see’ list as you’ve never let me down on your reviews! Thanks Jen
Everything Taika Watiti does is amazing. That man is a comic genius, and he knows how to inject real emotion into his stories, too.
Looks like a great movie for the whole family. I have seen Michael Fassbender in some other films and liked him!
Wow, that looks like a great movie!! I love some of the actors. Going to have to add this to my future watch list!
I’m not a huge fan of sports movies, but this one looks really interesting! 🙂
This looks like a fun, feel-good film! Pretty different from what I’ve seen from Fassbender too. I’m excited to check it out! ^_^
This sounds like it’ll be an incredible movie to watch. I will have to be sure to get the DVD.
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This a movie that I need to check out. My boys would love watching it.
Definitely going on the movie night list! My daughters absolutely love these types of films.
I haven’t heard of this movie before but it does sound like one I might enjoy. I do like feel good movies!
I thoroughly enjoy movies directed by Taika Waititi – his unique blend of humor, heart, and visual style always creates a captivating and memorable cinematic experience. Each film feels fresh and inventive, showcasing Waititi’s talent for storytelling and engaging audiences in a truly profound way.
loved the other movies by this director so will definitely add this one to our watch list
Next Goal Wins sounds like an interesting movie which I wish to watch as I am a big fan of Taika Waititi
I enjoy some lighter movies that have comedy in them, especially after a long day or week. This sounds entertaining!
It looks like a DVD worth purchasing. I wouldn’t mind seeing it.
The film does an incredible job of making you laugh one minute and tearing up the next. It’s a testament to the spirit of the game and what it means to truly work as a team!
I am looking forward in to his film as a person who likes a a movie that is related to sports. I can’t wait to watch this.
This movie sounds interesting and knowing that it was directed by Taika Waititi — I am pretty sure it would include great humor. Looking forward to watching this.
It sounds like a great sport movie. Since I am not really into sports that much. Thanks for sharing.
“Next Goal Wins” sounds like a nice movie. Being a sports and movie lover, I would love to watch this film! Loved reading your detailed review 👌🏻.
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I love movies like this where a person transforms a losing team into winners! This is what life is all about and I so have to see this one so thank you for sharing!