Set in the backdrop of the 1970 FIFA World Cup win of Brazil, Brazil '70: The Third Star chronicles the road to the Seleção becoming the first ever team to secure a third title. But that is just the backdrop. Instead of re-enacting the most iconic scenes from the tournament, the makers show us a different side, which none of us ever got to see: the pressure the whole team faced, the political tensions, and the emotional breakdowns that led to the historic win in Mexico. The opening scenes of the documentary show Brazil’s military dictatorship and the impact it had on football. And at the center of all this is the greatest of all time: Pelé. He is no ordinary man in the history of football. This naturally means that he shoulders the heavy responsibility of a whole football frenzy nation in the World Cup of 1970. Played by Lucas Agrícola, the role of real-life Pelé has been brought to life really well in Brazil '70: The Third Star. There are moments when you will forget that he isn’t the real star but just an actor doing his job quite well. The show doesn’t revolve solely around Pelé. Rather, we are shown moments from coach João Saldanha, whose story arc made the show even more compelling to watch. Saldanha's political views and eventual departure showed us what was really happening on the ground.
But that is not where the show shines. The makers have managed to capture the whole mood and ear of the World Cup. We can spot vintage locker rooms and the feel of the stadium as and when scenes are rolled out. Even the football sequences are amazing, often managing to recreate the cinematic flair alongside reality for us to witness. I am sure most of us have not seen the match personally. Yet if you have heard of this iconic win and want to understand what exactly happened, then Brazil '70: The Third Star is the right watch for you.
However, even with all this, there are some issues with the show. For example, too much focus is given solely to Pelé. No doubt he deserves it, but sadly, that leaves the other players and their roles slightly underdeveloped. That balance is heavily missing in the show, and had the makers checked this aspect, the plot would have been even better than what it is now.
However, this is an issue that can be ignored as the rest of the aspects have been shown pretty well. As already mentioned, the makers have managed to capture the reality on the ground pretty well on screen. It is definitely a befitting honor to the winners who have imprinted their name in history. Most importantly, for today’s generation, it is a big reminder of how a player like Pelé dominated the field amidst so much political pressure to become a part of a win that will be remembered for ages.
So ultimately, while things do falter in between, the makers have done a great job of capturing the feeling. And if the ongoing cup makes you a bit nostalgic, then Brazil '70: The Third Star is a must-watch.
Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times