Netflix viewers have been warned they will be holding back tears after a “touching” film based on a true story is made available on the platform in time for the Easter weekend.
The Beautiful Game – which tells the story of a team of homeless English footballers, in the annual global football tournament, the Homeless World Cup – was added to Netflix on Friday, March 29 and has already received praise from viewers.
Bill Nighy plays the team's coach, Mal, who attempts to lead the team to world glory at the tournament in Rome.
Meanwhile, Michael Ward – who previously won praise for his portrayal of Jimmy in gritty crime drama Top Boy – plays troubled but talented striker Vinnie.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, users were quick to praise the film, posting: “What a beautiful movie.”
“But I'm warning you… keep a box of tissues close by when you watch this because you might shed a tear or two.”
“Everyone go and watch The Beautiful Game…on Netflix today!!” Very intimate, private and important.
Film producer Katie Sinclair, who worked on the film, added a post of her own that read: “The Beautiful Game is out today on Netflix.” The last production I worked on at my old job is coming out.
'A pure family hour for Easter. Challenge yourself not to cry. Based on an incredible real organization.
While the film is inspired by the real Homeless World Cup tournament, and was produced with the collaboration and support of the tournament foundation, the events depicted in the film are fictional.
The main characters' coach Mal and star player Vinnie are not based on the exploits of real people but were created for the film, but the filmmakers said they used a number of different true stories to help craft the screenplay and overall plot.
Some of the individuals the film's characters were based on are listed as “running parallel” to their fictional counterparts and include director Craig McManus and player Lisa Wrightsman.
Speaking about the film, Homeless World Cup Foundation President and Founder Mel Young said: “We are very excited to be the focus of the upcoming film The Beautiful Game.”
“The Homeless World Cup is our contribution to tackling the problem of homeless people around the world – but there is much more to do.
We have proven how powerful football can be when applied to a social problem, and we will continue to strive to do more.
“We hope the work we do in the beautiful game will inspire more people to join and support the Homeless World Cup, and together we can aim to end homelessness once and for all.”
