Film
John Maguire on Film: The Beautiful Game’s sugary excesses are tempered by realism and positivity
Also this week, an enjoyable French thriller and a disappointing Stephen Frears drama
The Beautiful Game
Directed by Thea Sharrock
Netflix, 12, rating: ***
The Homeless World Cup is, in many ways, a lot like any other football tournament. Teams of men and women from 70 countries meet for an annual knockout competition where the winner is awarded a glittering trophy, the difference being the players are all unhoused or otherwise socially excluded.
The four-a-side matches are fast and skilful affairs played over 14 minutes on a ...