Films/DVD Asylum

"Pel�," a compelling look at the career of the first true international

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sports superstar. Archival footage shows the highlights of his amazing career--- but what stood out to me is the humanity, dignity, and the true humility he always projected.

From a ridiculously early age, 17 (!), he led Brazil to its first World Cup victory in '58--- just 8 years after the country suffered a crippling, titanic defeat in the finals in its own national stadium. The national character was severely wounded--- it's hard for Americans to realize the symbolism the rest of the world attaches to a contest wherein only the goalkeeper may use his hands.

But the young Pel� realized it, he was only 10 when that defeat occurred, but he knew the critical importance this new contest meant to the collective spirit of the country--- for Brazil was on the cusp of becoming an industrial powerhouse even as it was wracked by an agonizing inferiority complex.

Unlike many films, this is one you wished had gone on and on...

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