I thought it was a pretty good movie. It also kind of shows the problems of the time and what this ment to the people.... definitely worth watching it even tough tis pretty long...
It is not a sports movie. Actually there are only short sequences of the game, the film rather focuses on the whole situation in Germany in 1954 than on football. Football is an important aspect of the film, but not more, you won't see much details.
That's somewhat exaggerated... ^^; Actually it is about two hours long (the IMDB says 118 minutes). I agree that it is a good, maybe even a very good movie, that is very successful in blending the story of the German success in 1954 and the effect it has on the German society, symbolized by and seen through the eyes of one particular family. It is a good historical epic. Definitely worth watching.
but don't watch it with an non-soccer-interested, jet-lagged tired American, she/he will fall asleep ;-) definetly worth a watch, I'd say german with english subtitles would bring the atmosphere closer...
Absolutely a "must watch" film. After hearing my Father tell stories of how him and his friends sat and watched the final on a small, black and white television, it really brought this story close to heart. Understanding what the German people had struggled through prior to '54, it really makes one appreciate what it meant for them to defeat Hungary. I would like for my children here in the States to view it, however, the only DVD player I can get to play it is on my computer.
I know it was in some independent cinemas in the US and actually was the most successfull German movie over there last year (better than Good bye Lenin!)