The documentary shows an insight into the work of multiple referees during the European Cup 2008. If you like to see how referees act and what they experience during and after a match, this film is highly recommendable. This documentary provides an insight into how frequent the referee interacts with his linemen, what they say against football players, how they react after the match, and how their families are involved into refereeing. After seeing this documentary, I have gained much more respect for the job they do. It clearly shows under how much pressure these referees have to operate. It also shows the personalities (egos) of the referees.
6 Reviews
"Who'd be a ref?"
shakercoola4 July 2018
A Swedish sports documentary; The film is a compelling insight into the life of a professional football referee at a major international football competition. There are moments in the match when the forensic view of the decisions on a football field almost feels like the scene of a crime where the officials are the accused in a diabolical arena.
The two areas of focus are the decisions made and their implications in terms of career progression, and the adverse effects it has on their private lives. Never credited when they do well, lambasted when they make a mistake, and sometimes it is not their fault. It was interesting to observe the personal lives of the referees which humanises these voiceless lawkeepers, but perhaps too much was given over to this in the final third.
Interesting perspective.
scottda-4222629 June 2016
I have seen many documentaries on refereeing, but none have immersed me so much in the action as this documentary did. In the documentary, three referee teams are followed during the Euro 2008. Several cameras follow the referees, showing their every action during high stakes matches. We also hear the communication between the officials and the stress and pressure they feel after their every decision. As a referee myself I found the referee's actions to be quite a learning experience.
I felt that sometimes the documentary was a little disjointed. One moment Howard Webb would be having a coffee, one frame later he would be whistling the start of a match. I didn't mind this too much, but it might annoy other viewers.
After watching this documentary, I feel like watching more football matches that just follow the referee.
Very enjoyable documentary. I would watch it again and would definitely recommend it.
I felt that sometimes the documentary was a little disjointed. One moment Howard Webb would be having a coffee, one frame later he would be whistling the start of a match. I didn't mind this too much, but it might annoy other viewers.
After watching this documentary, I feel like watching more football matches that just follow the referee.
Very enjoyable documentary. I would watch it again and would definitely recommend it.
A good insight into a refereeing team.
valleyjohn27 August 2011
While "The Referees" lacks the cutting edge of a lot of current documentary films , it's still a fascinating look at how the system works during a major tournament .
England's leading ref , Howard Web is one of the protagonists and it's interesting to see how he communicates with his assistants during the game.
It's interesting to see how the refs treat a game as if they are playing themselves and how they all work like a team just like the players they are reffing.
I would have liked to have seen some kind of narrative and it would have been much better if we could have seen the world cup in 2010 instead of the European Championships of 2008.
England's leading ref , Howard Web is one of the protagonists and it's interesting to see how he communicates with his assistants during the game.
It's interesting to see how the refs treat a game as if they are playing themselves and how they all work like a team just like the players they are reffing.
I would have liked to have seen some kind of narrative and it would have been much better if we could have seen the world cup in 2010 instead of the European Championships of 2008.
Refreeing is not for the faint hearted
sahasourav-s23 April 2015
A fly on the wall documentary, that essentially captures the lives of Referees and how their families are influenced. The "real heroes" where their superpowers are that of integrity, honesty and hawk vision. Portraying a calm demeanor, while the adrenaline is pumping does require a lot of strength, which a referee time and again illustrates.Different trios entrusted with responsibilities, that can cause a flutter among the political elites as well. All in all, a very insightful documentary and a must watch for anyone who enjoys the game of football and wants to understand the mentality of all the personnel involved which ensure the smooth running of the beautiful game.
From the eye of an referee
Georgescvs7 August 2018
I have seen this movie in 2010 when it appears and I can tell that is highly recommended for people that love football in order to understand better the whole industry. I am a professional referee and I recommend this movie for everyone that loves football not to pity the referees life but to see what it takes to handle the pressure.
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