Cast
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Crew
Director
- James Erskine
- Rachel Ramsay
Producer
- Victoria Gregory
- Jannat Gargi
- Anna Godas
Reviews
CinemaSerf
It's quite interesting that even now, there are those amongst the footballing establishment who dismiss this competition as little better than an unsanctioned exhibition event of no consequence whatsoever. If you watch it, however, you can't help but get a sense of the pride with which the women from six teams assembled in Mexico to play. James Erskine et al has done a quite an effective job tracking down many of the players who took part and at finding some grainy, but perfectly watchable, archive of the games and of the celebratory nature of the hosting country back in 1971. The narrative and commentaries take a pretty firm swipe at the men-only culture that prevailed in the sport - and amongst most of their advising medical professionals - which limited women's participation in the sport and though the film make precisely no attempt to balance it's clear objective with any counter-arguments about the perceived dangers to women players, or feature any interviews with anyone from FIFA or UEFA regarding their decision making rationale, this still makes for quite a powerful depiction of just how inclusive football, as a sport, can be. The contributors are engaging and as one Dane points out - she can knit and she can use a chainsaw, so why not play football?
Mar 16, 2024
Thematic Analysis
Copa 71 represents a fascinating example of Documentary/History cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director James Erskine 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2024, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Copa 71 took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1838 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 274 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2024, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Copa 71 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Damned United, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Copa 71 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Maradona by Kusturica and The Prostitution Monologues explore similar territory, Copa 71 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: March 8, 2024
- Runtime: 1h 31m
