July 25th
The Keeper
Defend Conserve Protect
Diego Maradona
It All Started with a Stale Sandwich

It's a big week for documentaries. Two soccer films this week - one feature based on a post-war true story, and one on the life of iconic player Maradona. Also the Sea Shepherd warriors are in the spotlight, battling Japanese whalers. Finally, the fifty-year celebration of John Kaldor, champion of public art projects, is featured in a fascinating film that should delight art lovers. 

The Keeper
Director: Marcus H Rosenmuller
Length: 120 min

© Icon - truth is stranger than fiction -
a German POW ends up playing soccer for 
a British team

This is the true story of Bert Trautmann (David Kross), who was taken as a prisoner of war by the Brits at the end of the second world war. Deciding to stay on rather than be returned to Germany, he came to the attention of the local soccer team coach Jack Friar (John Henshaw) and later was signed to high-profile team Manchester City.  He also caught the eye of Jack's daughter Margaret (Freya Mavor). The challenge of overcoming old enmities and taking on a new life becomes the focus of this incredible, inspiring and heart-warming tale. The subject matter truly is remarkable; the film-making style not quite so unusual but it is a solid, old-fashioned and handsomely crafted retelling of a brave man's journey; one that reminds us that forgiveness and the eschewing of judgmentalism is critical to repairing many of the world's ills. And of course, fans of soccer will love it.
3.5 - well recommended!

Diego Maradona
Director: Asif Kapadia
Length: 120 min

© Roadshow - possibly the world's greatest soccer 
player - but his personal life was less
than successful

Regarded as one of the greatest football (soccer) players ever, Argentinian born Maradona played for his country, then for Barcelona, then famously was bought by Naples Soccer club for a record fee. The subsequent success of that team and the lunacy of fandom that broke out in the city, along with the curse of an overdose of money and fame, ultimately led to Diego's downfall.  The film traces his sporting life, using copious amounts of footage of his brilliant technique, and following the arc of his rise and fall, including accusations of Mafia involvement. Two soccer films in one week! All a bit much for a non-soccer lover like me. However, as always, a good doco should interest the viewer, regardless of the subject matter. This one intrigues in parts, though I'd have preferred more about his personal life than his soccer skills. Kapadia's previous films on racing driver Senna and singer Amy Winehouse were, for me, superior and more broad-reaching pieces of film-making, though this should enthral fans of Maradona and soccer in general.
3 - recommended!

Defend, Conserve, Protect
Director: Stephen Amis
Length: 88 min

© Limelight Pictures - brave eco-warriors of 
the Sea Shepherd take on the might of
Japanese whaling ships

At a time of troubling environmental crises, this award-winning feature doco looks at the role of global activism by spotlighting the fearless volunteers of the anti-whaling Sea Shepherd movement. Dan Ackroyd narrates, speaking through the voices of the whales who are hunted mercilessly by Japanese whaling ships. The film-makers follow the Sea Shepherd vessels as they take on the might of the hulking Japanese ships in pursuit of Minke whales. Time and time again, the smaller boats position themselves between the larger vessels, hoping to thwart their harpooning tactics. Crew members and volunteers speak of the critical important of whales for our ocean environment, and of how many their efforts have saved. There are moments of high tension, and one can't help but admire the bravery of the volunteers. This is a timely film that should further awaken the world to the importance of doing something . . . while we still can.
3.5 - well recommended!


It All Started With a Stale Sandwich
Director: Samantha Lang
Length: 94 min

© Footprint Films - wrapping
a coastline and planting out a dog -
all part of Public Art

Background: Fifty years ago a Hungarian immigrant called John Kaldor initiated an art project in collaboration with another Hungarian, Christo. It involved wrapping part of Sydney's Little Bay in fabric, much to the shock and/or delight of onlookers and art critics. Since then, Kaldor has been responsible for 34 projects, all under the banner of "public art", namely free for folks to enjoy. You may remember Gilbert and George, the singing sculptures. Or perhaps Jeff Koons' Puppy, a giant dog sculpture planted out with flowers. The Kaldor Public Art Projects are are having a 50-year celebration with a stunning outdoor artwork featuring indigenous artefacts.

Puppy

This doco focuses on Kaldor and the art (and ground-breaking artists) he has brought to the Australian public. The film will be a treat for art lovers, but also it is a fascinating, informative and well-crafted doco even for those who don't understand a great deal about modern art - like me! It is a terrific window into our past and parochial attitudes, tracing the development of a vibrant appreciation of art that has developed in Australia. And what a wonderful homage to a man who has devoted his life to bringing something of value, free, to the masses.

3.5 - well recommended!