Victory (1981)

Victory

This is a great WWII POW film in the tradition of The Great Escape and Stalag 17. While lacking some of the wartime action and battle sequences of most WWII films, or great chase scenes of the Great Escape; there is enough wartime context to satisfy the history buff and plenty of thrilling action sequences on the soccer field.
I am not primarily a major Soccer fan, but this move can make you one. Pele is amazing to watch! Michael Caine and Silvester Stallone give solid performances and Max von Sidow is exceptional as the X-soccer star and German officer at the POW camp.

WWII, Patriotism, Heroism, and rooting for the underdog...how can you go wrong?
October 24, 2008

Great all star cast, after watching it, I wanted to watch it again

World War II prisoners of war are challenged to a game of soccer against the Germans. The Third Reich against the prisoners. Of course, the Nazi bastards will cheat only because winning is more important than playing fairly and losing.
The picture quality of this DVD is kinda pasty. It does not appear to be mastered at all. Dark scenes and nighttime scenes are of a pixated grey appearance. The babe of the film is Renee'. Carole Laure a French Canadian actress whose mother was Indian. She was the girl who provides shelter for Sylvester Stallone after his escape from the prison camp.
If you liked this film, check out the Indian film called "Lagaan" where 18th century Indian farm workers were challenged to a game of cricket against the arrogant British who held a stranglehold of authority over the people of India.
September 1, 2008

Why do I like this movie?

I can't for the life of me understand why I watch this film whenever it is on TV. Maybe because I adore Michael Caine; or because I am hung up on POW camp movies; or because Stallone is at the peak of his good looks??? The first time I watched it years ago, I was in disbelief when the POWs chose not to escape into the sewers...it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Yet, I overlook it time after time to watch the movie. Certainly, the last half hour is the best, with the crowd being as big a part of the action as the actors and player themselves. Anyway, I have to go now, as it's on TV. July 28, 2008

Enjoyable movie

This is an awesome movie, perhaps one of the best soccer movies ever, and yes I'm including the latest "Goal" movies.

When this movie came out, people wondered why was Stallone included on this, since he doen't look like the "soccer type", Michael Caine being english knows football so it's more suited for him (no mind the belly) but it's Stallone charisma what keeps this afloat. Also the cameos of Pele, Ardiles and Mike Summerbee among other football cracks are the ones which kept this movie going.

It's not one of the best John Huston works, but it's enjoyable and the soccer great scene were coreographed by Pelé himself. Remember this movie was shot when the great brazilian player was in America playing for Cosmos, similar as Beckham is doing right now with the L.A. Galaxy.

For all soccer fans and action movie fans, this movie is also great for 14+ yrs kids who want to watch a great soccer game.

July 8, 2008

I never was sure...

..., which, players or fans, got the utmost stupidity, but I thank John Huston for showing they're about even. Of course, although here soccer is used for demonstration, but it can apply to any crap filling stadiums with subhumans who shouldn't have any rights whatsoever.... June 21, 2008

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