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The Kick

The Kick (2014)

Aug 10, 2014 1h 31m Drama

The dramatic behind-the-scenes story of All Black Stephen Donald and the pentaly kick that saved the 2011 World Cup.

Directed by Danny Mulheron

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Danny Mulheron

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Kick examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Danny Mulheron brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Kick took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $27.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 2471 individual shots.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 2014, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Kick shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Perfect Creature, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Kick subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like This Sporting Life and Jean Fell in Love explore similar territory, The Kick stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: August 10, 2014
  • Runtime: 1h 31m
  • Budget: $27,000,000