Shooting for Socrates is a 2014 Irish film co-written and directed by James Erskine and starring John Hannah, Richard Dormer and Sergio Mur as Brazilian footballer Sócrates.[1]

Plot

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During the 1986 FIFA World Cup the Northern Ireland national football team play against Brazil national football team in one of the most memorable games in Irish footballing history. The film follows the lives of passionate football supporter Arthur and his son Tommy from East Belfast. The lead up to a momentous day in the life of a young boy (his 10th birthday) mirrors the buildup to the big day for the football team as they play the greatest match of their lives.[2]

Cast

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Production

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The scenes of the game in Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara were recreated on Northern Ireland's home turf of Windsor Park in Belfast.[3]

Release

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The film had a limited cinema release in June 2015 before being released on DVD in October 2015.[4][5] It was "DVD of the Week" in the Irish News.[6]

Reception

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On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 29% based on 7 reviews, with an average rating of 4.67/10.[7]

References

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  1. ^ Felperin, Leslie (4 June 2015). "Shooting for Socrates review – football soothes tension in 80s Northern Ireland". Retrieved 3 May 2020 – via www.theguardian.com.
  2. ^ "Shooting for Socrates – review". Radio Times. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  3. ^ Taggart, Maggie (26 November 2013). "NI vs Brazil game hits big screen". Retrieved 3 May 2020 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  4. ^ "Shooting For Socrates". Empire. 19 May 2015. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  5. ^ "Shooting For Socrates". www.bbfc.co.uk. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  6. ^ "DVD of the week: Shooting For Socrates". The Irish News. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  7. ^ "Shooting for Socrates (2015)". Retrieved 3 May 2020 – via www.rottentomatoes.com.