Diego Maradona | Film Review
Diego Armando Maradona, without question one of the greatest talents ever to walk on this planet. An artist with the ball at his feet, a natural born leader on the field and a larger than life character who reached the pinnacle of world sport before the lifestyle eventually caught up with him.
Diego was a victim of his own success and Asif Kapadia’s latest masterpiece strips back all the bullsh*t and brilliantly highlights the vulnerabilities of a man who took on the responsibility of supporting his family of 7 from the age of 15. Despite the hard exterior and the party life style, the image Maradona portrayed of himself was nothing more than a front. Deep down, Diego struggled to cope with the stardom that came with his incredible talent and despite having the world at his feet (literally) he was never able to find true happiness.
This brilliant documentary is certainly up there with the greatest sports film’s ever made. Put together expertly, Kapadia’s film features contributions from Diego himself, his ex-wife Claudia Villafane, former Napoli president Corrado Ferlaino, Diego’s immediate family members, his personal trainer and a host of others.
Packed with poignant scenes, unseen footage and exclusive interviews this film perfectly captures the rise and fall of one the games biggest stars. Focussing mostly on his time in Naples we’re provided with unfiltered access to the most significant chapter of Diego’s illustrious career. The man the people of Naple’s referred to as a God brilliantly humanised and it certainly pulls at your heart strings.
Maradona’s life and career went full circle, a kid from the shanty town of Villa Fiorita went on to become the greatest footballer of his time but the higher you rise, the further the fall and Diego’s decline almost cost him his life. His ties with the Camorra are accurately exposed, further highlighting his troubled personal life and inability to resist temptation which subsequently caused his domestic relationships to suffer.
This film was everything I wanted it to be and more. It’s a must watch for any football fan, but even if football isn’t your thing the story is an incredible one and you’d no doubt enjoy this brilliant feature film.
10/10 – Masterpiece
