Nothing can stand in the way of a will power. Before watching, i had some prejudice about this movie. First,I thought that it would be one of those one-sided movies but I was wrong.One may think that it is all about football or Liverpool. But it isn't. It is all about holding on to life.We all need something to hold on to.In this movie that something is football for an eleven year old kid who has almost lost all his hopes in everything.Each one of us find relief in different things, some go fishing , some do gardening, some lay on their backs all day dreaming ,but we all do something to relax. In this movie, you will find yourself.
19 Reviews
An excellent movie for any football club fan...
vaibhavsachdev2828 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Well This is my first review ever and of all the movie i choose this one as I have never seen a movie with this much emotional connect for their beloved club. I saw this movie from a fan perspective and ignored the minute details that could be improved.
There is Liverpool everywhere in the movie but this was what movie all about, the limit to which football fans can go to support their club and country. And Will the little boy makes his journey against all odds through his sheer will power to fulfill a dream he saw with his father. This movie shows how a game can play a common ground for people with different ethnicity, culture and how a Yugoslavian found a cause to rediscover himself.
Starts with different fantasies that we all have as a child, in middle it throws the challenges and struggles and ending is in miraculous mode.
I enjoyed every bit of it ....
There is Liverpool everywhere in the movie but this was what movie all about, the limit to which football fans can go to support their club and country. And Will the little boy makes his journey against all odds through his sheer will power to fulfill a dream he saw with his father. This movie shows how a game can play a common ground for people with different ethnicity, culture and how a Yugoslavian found a cause to rediscover himself.
Starts with different fantasies that we all have as a child, in middle it throws the challenges and struggles and ending is in miraculous mode.
I enjoyed every bit of it ....
Good, but not really for a wider audience...
Joshreynolds-4710 March 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The film has this really feel good get you up story about it. It's well written, factually correct in many ways ( Csevinc has you believe in his review it isn't possible in Europe to cross borders without a passport which in actual fact it is) However, the film is weak, very weak. Starts you off with his life as it is, then BOOM his father returns (out of the blue) and you feel great, then tragedy happens, and you feel for little Will. We then follow him on his journey and I myself couldn't help but think this gives the viewer a nice positive image of the world. Well Europe at least. But overall this film is quite literally only for Liverpool fans, I struggle myself to watch it again due to the over use of Liverpool football club. But if your looking for a tear jerker you found it!
For a Liverpool fan its good watch
mahajan-sahil27 February 2012
Will is a story all about a 11 year old kid named Will(Perry Eggleton)and his struggle to reach Istanbul to watch his favourite team Liverpool play against AC Milan in the Champions league final.
Perry Eggleton has done a decent job as Will, Damien Lewis as Will's father has very small role but does a good job and Kristian Kiehling as Alek who helps Will in his journey has also done good job. Kenny Dalglish did a great job and showed in his brief cameo that he can act but Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher in their cameos showed that they don't have an alternate career in acting. Overall acting was decent but not overly impressed by anyone.
I would have to say biggest flaw about this movie is its script which is very weak and certain dialogues were good but actors did terrible job in executing them right. Cinematography was great and great soundtracks too and when "You'll never walk alone" was played it gave me goosebumps. Certain scenes were very emotional and surprisingly good.
Its a great movie to watch if you are a Liverpool fan but average for the neutrals and non football fans. I would suggest anyone to watch it but don't keep your expectations too high otherwise you will be disappointed. For people with normal expectations, its a good movie and you will enjoy it and you can watch it with your family too. I am giving it one extra star because i am Liverpool fan too.
Perry Eggleton has done a decent job as Will, Damien Lewis as Will's father has very small role but does a good job and Kristian Kiehling as Alek who helps Will in his journey has also done good job. Kenny Dalglish did a great job and showed in his brief cameo that he can act but Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher in their cameos showed that they don't have an alternate career in acting. Overall acting was decent but not overly impressed by anyone.
I would have to say biggest flaw about this movie is its script which is very weak and certain dialogues were good but actors did terrible job in executing them right. Cinematography was great and great soundtracks too and when "You'll never walk alone" was played it gave me goosebumps. Certain scenes were very emotional and surprisingly good.
Its a great movie to watch if you are a Liverpool fan but average for the neutrals and non football fans. I would suggest anyone to watch it but don't keep your expectations too high otherwise you will be disappointed. For people with normal expectations, its a good movie and you will enjoy it and you can watch it with your family too. I am giving it one extra star because i am Liverpool fan too.
The road to Istanbul
Prismark108 November 2013
Will is an odd film of a 11 year old boy called Will (Perry Eggleton), whose father has died and he attempts to make his way to Istanbul to watch Liverpool play AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final.
Damien Lewis and Bob Hoskins make cameo appearances. I did think that a 11 year old boy setting out for a journey across Europe alone rather filled me with horror.
Of course before long Will loses his tickets to crooks in Paris but meets an ex Yugoslav footballer and together they set out to Istanbul.
Liverpool legends Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher also make cameo appearances.
Now the 2005 Champions League final will go down in history as one of the all time great finals. Yet the film finishes before the match starts so we are deprived of the footage of Liverpool's comeback as they secured their fifth European Cup and getting to keep the actual trophy with their victory in penalties.
It is essentially a road movie, slightly sentimental, even a bit surreal. It leads to a feel good climax unless you are an AC Milan fan but it is still a slight film.
Damien Lewis and Bob Hoskins make cameo appearances. I did think that a 11 year old boy setting out for a journey across Europe alone rather filled me with horror.
Of course before long Will loses his tickets to crooks in Paris but meets an ex Yugoslav footballer and together they set out to Istanbul.
Liverpool legends Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher also make cameo appearances.
Now the 2005 Champions League final will go down in history as one of the all time great finals. Yet the film finishes before the match starts so we are deprived of the footage of Liverpool's comeback as they secured their fifth European Cup and getting to keep the actual trophy with their victory in penalties.
It is essentially a road movie, slightly sentimental, even a bit surreal. It leads to a feel good climax unless you are an AC Milan fan but it is still a slight film.
a great movie, almost
steveng-633-96434315 March 2013
Warning: Spoilers
At first i thought thew movie was gonna be great, an intriguing storyline, British humour, the most famous comeback in the history of the champions league, all the ingredients were there. Everything started excellent, but somewhere along the way they got lost. for example people in France speaking Croatian, but then people in Bosnia spoke English? come on, that was such a terrible mistake i just couldn't get over it, there are more mistakes but i don't want to go into details. I think they had a great idea for the beginning, awesome idea for the end, but messed it up in the middle... If you are a Liverpool fan like me, you'll rate this movie with 6 stars, but if you aren't i don't think you should give it more than 3...
best football feature of the year
fussballfilm18 December 2011
I have just seen this film at the Kerala Film Festival in India and I am still amazed! It might be very well the best football feature film of the year 2011. The story about a boy who tackles his great trauma with the potential healing power of football and who is helped wherever he goes by the solidarity of football fans from different nations brought me at different moments very very close to tears. It didn't surprised me that a female director got this deep understanding of the very soul of football, but when two American scriptwriter-producer prove to be so close at the heart of what they have to call "soccer" in their own country - then there is hope for more good football films to come out of Hollywood...
I was there too!
r-fronimides9 December 2016
Well, it's not only for football fans (sorry, American mates, it's not "soccer"!). It's not only if you are a proud "RED-MAN" (like myself), a supporter of the MIGHTY LIVERPOOL FC.!!!... ...It's a family movie. You can watch it, no matter what.
It's not perfect film, no question about it. But is emotional, is dramatic, is good to watch it.
Obviously... if you're a football fan... and even more, if you are a LIVERPOOL FC supporter... you won't stop crying, at the end of the film - I couldn't. I remember every single second of these MAGNIFICENT three days in Istanbul; these days that changed my life for ever... ...I understood that except my true family (parents, sister, etc), I have also A HUGE "RED family", so proud, so magnificent, so magic.
I remember all... And I do remember the long way back (from stadium, many-many miles away from the city), by foot (!) - because we've lost the bus - and arrived in Istanbul early hours of next morning... without feeling tired, without any thought of sleep... just a remarkable joy, like we have conquered the universe!!!
...You'll taste a bit of it, in this film. You'll taste a bit of OUR PRIDE, OUR "RED" ONE!
"YNWA"... as always, my Liverpool!
It's not perfect film, no question about it. But is emotional, is dramatic, is good to watch it.
Obviously... if you're a football fan... and even more, if you are a LIVERPOOL FC supporter... you won't stop crying, at the end of the film - I couldn't. I remember every single second of these MAGNIFICENT three days in Istanbul; these days that changed my life for ever... ...I understood that except my true family (parents, sister, etc), I have also A HUGE "RED family", so proud, so magnificent, so magic.
I remember all... And I do remember the long way back (from stadium, many-many miles away from the city), by foot (!) - because we've lost the bus - and arrived in Istanbul early hours of next morning... without feeling tired, without any thought of sleep... just a remarkable joy, like we have conquered the universe!!!
...You'll taste a bit of it, in this film. You'll taste a bit of OUR PRIDE, OUR "RED" ONE!
"YNWA"... as always, my Liverpool!
A MUST See!
samat-204-88419810 November 2011
This is the most inspirational film I've seen in a long time. Ignore the critics—many who have criticized the emotional intensity of this film. Perhaps they are uncomfortable with their own emotions. If you have an open heart you will LOVE this movie. This is a film about overcoming life's obstacles by staying true to your heart. You will laugh, cry, feel excited, disappointed, sad, and exhilarated. This film has beautiful cinematography (see it on a big screen!) and music depicting a moving story of passion (Will's passion for football). If you're not already a Liverpool fan, seeing this movie will make you one!
Can't really stand Liverpool but still a good movie though.
deloudelouvain17 April 2020
I watched this movie because I love football, but mostly because I love the passion of the fans. You can't really understand that if you never been part of this culture, being member of a side, firm, kop or whatever kind of hardcore fan. I watched this movie with apprehension though, as it's about Liverpool, and that's not exactly the team I would root for, in fact I hate their guts since the team that I support, Standard de Liège, lost unfairly against them in the Champions League. Add to that that Liverpool fans, the scousers, are known as thieving scumbags, so not really fans I have a high opinion of. When I was young I had some sympathy for the club though, Ian Rush, Kenny Dalglish, and others, they had a team that made me dream, plus they had The Kop, a red and white wall of fans behind one of the goals, with their famous anthem You'll Never Walk Alone, a song sang by Gerry And The Pacemakers, that became popular in the stands, not only in the Merseyside but everywhere in stadiums with a decent fanbase. Everytime I hear that song I can't help it to think about mates that died during the years, people that were all passionate about the team we followed, it's a bit of a tear jerker. That all said this movie isn't only about football, it's about passion, friendship and determination. I liked it, made me remember the good old days, the eighties and early nineties, when I would have done anything to support my team everywhere with my mates. But even if you're not really into football it's a movie worth watching, with decent actors and a good emotional story.
Sometimes there is fantasy, and suspension of belief, but sometimes it can go too far
johnbirch-226 October 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I have to go with the minority on this. Its a workable - even interesting - idea, but surely one major (and very interesting, even dramatic) barrier to an 11 year-old crossing Europe WITHOUT A PASSPORT is how the heck through the borders (Schengen only gets you to Croatia at best!). Its not insurmountable, but pretty significant - significant enough for it to be a pretty major part of a film like this, you'd think. But no.
Instead the drama is made up of daft, random, and at times very predictable, events that hang in the air and then get forgotten (like the theft, for instance) along with total fantasy nonsense such as the ending. I was even at a loss to work out who on earth the target audience was - children? Adults? Families? Cannot work it out...
Its like a first draft of a script that somehow got made without anyone so much as reading it through. Indeed its worse than that - its like a film that was made up as everyone went along, with every stupid idea thrown in without consideration for anything at all.
As for the acting... WTF? Did they rehearse at all?
I wonder - was this one of those films made as a tax dodge...?
Instead the drama is made up of daft, random, and at times very predictable, events that hang in the air and then get forgotten (like the theft, for instance) along with total fantasy nonsense such as the ending. I was even at a loss to work out who on earth the target audience was - children? Adults? Families? Cannot work it out...
Its like a first draft of a script that somehow got made without anyone so much as reading it through. Indeed its worse than that - its like a film that was made up as everyone went along, with every stupid idea thrown in without consideration for anything at all.
As for the acting... WTF? Did they rehearse at all?
I wonder - was this one of those films made as a tax dodge...?
Probably the most emotional football movie ...
taimoor3813 April 2012
An excellent movie. A truly inspirational movie. The name 'Will' epitomes the movie perfectly. If you have WILL, you can do anything. For a boy whose everything is lost, he still has everything he needs, his passion for football. The movie also brings the good side of football supporters to the fore. In today's world where everyone is divided either by race or religion or ethnicity or political point of view, this movie shows that all these things can be forgotten when there is a football match on. Football has this amazing power of bringing people together and this is shown brilliantly in the film. The initial scenes in which Will runs away from his school and the help of his mates they hilarious and brings the lighter side in an extremely emotional movie. You will cry, laugh, get excited, and get goose bumps while watching the movie. Although this is a football related movie, but it also teaches us a lesson in every walk of life "Never get fever in the way of your dreams".
A red card offence.
Jonathon_Natsis8 January 2013
Warning: Spoilers
When what looks to be a film's strongest point abruptly disappears towards the end of the first act, it can only hope to be so enjoyable. This is the case for the quasi-inspirational and very family-friendly Will; the story of an orphan boy (Perry Eggleton) hell bent on honouring his father's (Homeland's Damian Lewis) dying wish by travelling from England to Istanbul in time to watch his beloved Liverpool compete in the 2005 Champions League Final.
The story of a determined child thriving in an open and dangerous world is likely to appease the kiddies, but the film contains little additional stimulation, bogged down by contrived storytelling, unnatural dialogue and painstaking predictability.
Lewis rises above a lame duck of a script and puts the team on his back with a man-of-the-match performance as Will's father. Disappointingly- and to make his son's journey that much more poignant- he is killed off right out of left field courtesy of a brain haemorrhage. The melodramatic sloppiness of that scene foreshadows what is to come, as the rest of the film plays out as a muddled combination of unrealistic highs and crushingly depressing lows, none of which manage to suspend disbelief long enough to warrant recommendation. A simple film at heart, Will proves ironically challenging for anyone over twelve, football fan or not.
*There's nothing I love more than a bit of feedback, good or bad. So drop me a line on jnatsis@iprimus.com.au and let me know what you thought of my review. If you're looking for a writer for your movie website or other publication, I'd also love to hear from you.*
The story of a determined child thriving in an open and dangerous world is likely to appease the kiddies, but the film contains little additional stimulation, bogged down by contrived storytelling, unnatural dialogue and painstaking predictability.
Lewis rises above a lame duck of a script and puts the team on his back with a man-of-the-match performance as Will's father. Disappointingly- and to make his son's journey that much more poignant- he is killed off right out of left field courtesy of a brain haemorrhage. The melodramatic sloppiness of that scene foreshadows what is to come, as the rest of the film plays out as a muddled combination of unrealistic highs and crushingly depressing lows, none of which manage to suspend disbelief long enough to warrant recommendation. A simple film at heart, Will proves ironically challenging for anyone over twelve, football fan or not.
*There's nothing I love more than a bit of feedback, good or bad. So drop me a line on jnatsis@iprimus.com.au and let me know what you thought of my review. If you're looking for a writer for your movie website or other publication, I'd also love to hear from you.*
A brilliant British film.
Boogalow4 November 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I have no idea why some reviewers are saying this is awful, it is not! This is a British film in the mode of 'They don't make em like that anymore.' FROM HERE THIS FILM CONTAINS Spoilers: The film deals with the father bringing his son tickets to a football match in Istanbul in 2005. If those who are decrying this film actually watched it they would see that Alek explains to Will, when he finds out that the tickets are fake, that the father had been taken in by whoever sold them to him - he did not deliberately buy fake tickets to give to the child! The film is a really good and takes Will on a journey after his fathers sudden and therefore unexpected death to Istanbul via Dover and Paris in the company of Alek, someone who tried out for Liverpool and didn't make it, to watch Liverpool win the EUFA Champions League Final in 2005. There are a lot of recognisable characters in the film, Damian Lewis (the father) from Homeland, Bob Hoskins and Neil Fitzmaurice who plays Fergus in the TV series Mount Pleasant and cameos from Liverpool legends Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Kenny Dalglish. Add to this the amazing countryside and scenery of France and Turkey as well as the beautiful Nether Wynchendon House in Oxfordshire - it is a movie that will pull at the heartstrings and the final dedication once you sit through the end credits will bring a lump to the throat.
And for those wondering (if indeed you were ) I am an ex-pat scouser and a Liverpool fan. Not surprisingly I loved it ... as did my husband who is not a scouser or a Liverpool fan! I loved it rather more for the story telling, the acting, the scenery and the emotions throughout, not just because I am from Liverpool - that it was about a Liverpool fan added to the enjoyment, it is a really good film - those criticising it, although they are entitled to their opinions, have maybe missed the more subtle explanations for the things happening in the film, I don't know. I loved it and I think you will too. Liverpool fan or not!
And for those wondering (if indeed you were ) I am an ex-pat scouser and a Liverpool fan. Not surprisingly I loved it ... as did my husband who is not a scouser or a Liverpool fan! I loved it rather more for the story telling, the acting, the scenery and the emotions throughout, not just because I am from Liverpool - that it was about a Liverpool fan added to the enjoyment, it is a really good film - those criticising it, although they are entitled to their opinions, have maybe missed the more subtle explanations for the things happening in the film, I don't know. I loved it and I think you will too. Liverpool fan or not!
2nd favorite soccer themed movie next to the cup
torchwood373 June 2014
they don't make many movies with a soccer story line to them.
i just finished watching will. runs a very close 2nd to the cup for favorite soccer movies.
i saw it as a soccer theme movie but with a Charlie and the chocolate factory flavor. a very delightful. heart warming movie that also includes pain and sorrow. its rated pg and a great family movie. well worth the watch great timing also with the world cup less than 2 weeks away.
the kids are sure to enjoy this film along with the cup and bend it like Beckham
i just finished watching will. runs a very close 2nd to the cup for favorite soccer movies.
i saw it as a soccer theme movie but with a Charlie and the chocolate factory flavor. a very delightful. heart warming movie that also includes pain and sorrow. its rated pg and a great family movie. well worth the watch great timing also with the world cup less than 2 weeks away.
the kids are sure to enjoy this film along with the cup and bend it like Beckham
Not good
csevinc17 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
the movie was very poor from beginning to the end. I didn't enjoy it at all. First of all, It was very boring. The story was weak, not interesting and worst about the movie was very poor acting performance, especially by Perry Eggleton...Perry Eggleton didn't convince audience at all and played it poorly and I think Perry Eggleton ruined the whole movie. Why Will's father tried to give fake tickets to Will? Who wants to pay 9,000 Euro to please a strange child in a real world ? and crossing borders of many countries without A passport is possible ? Maybe the actors didn't believe what they played and that's why their performances were so terrible.
One of the finest films I have viewed in years.
bobcstudio30 December 2013
This is simply an amazing movie, I loved every minute of it. With 12 grandchildren to entertain, it's often difficult to find a film suitable for all to enjoy and learn from. This film has it all, beautiful locations, superb script, and wonderful acting from a great cast. I must single out the youngest cast member for particular praise. Perry Eggleton, starring in his first major film role, gives a riveting performance as Will. His emotional and expressive range are truly moving and quite fantastic for one so young. I predict a great career ahead for this talented young actor. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who appreciates an wonderful cinematic experience.
For the love of football
Braveheart671 May 2020
An inspirational tale whether you're a football fan or not!
hank_saiia12 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
As an American, I don't follow "football" across the pond. I have no connection to Liverpool, nor do I know their place in the annals of European soccer history. But frankly, none of that matters. Fans of any sport can relate to the fervor with which another fan follows their team. I saw myself in Will. It reminded me of a time when I was an 11 year-old boy collecting baseball or football cards and talking about sports with my friends. At one time or another we all have passionately defended our team, its heroes, and their importance not just in the sport, but to the very fabric of the universe.
And that is what this movie is about - passion. The reviewers who have commented on small points like traveling without a passport are missing the point. It's a bit like complaining about the chips in a chocolate-chip cookie not being properly spaced. The important part is the joy you experience when the chocolate hits your taste buds. This theme in this flick is simple. Let your passion shine through and it will inspire others. If you haven't seen the movie, don't read any further. Watch the movie. That is my only recommendation here.
Now, that having been said, in my opinion the script was very well- written. There is believability in the actions of all of the main characters. Consider the following:
*****************Spoilers Below*****************
1. The father was a bit of a MacGuffin. His purpose was solely to provide the end goal – the Championship game – and the opportunity to get there. The writers could have had the father live and the story could have been about them bonding on the journey. But this story is about Will.
Still, it's believable that the father would shell out a fortune for the tickets. Even if he didn't pay the 10,000 EUR each for real tickets, it likely was a big sum. So why would he do it? Soccer was the one thing the two could bond over. He saw the passion that Will had for the team, and it rekindled memories of him as a boy with his own father. The guilt he felt for abandoning Will was overwhelming. But this trip would be perfect to forge a new beginning, and for him to perhaps once again be the kind of man a son could look up to.
2.The tickets and bet were critical plot devices as well. As others pointed out, the father didn't know the tickets were fake. He got taken, pure and simple. But the tickets being fake was important because it creates empathy for Will. It creates additional impetus for Alek to make the journey. It also provides the rallying point at the conclusion of the story.
The bet too was crucial. Even a naive 11 year-old would not believe he could make it across Europe with no money. The money won from the bet is the additional motivation he needs to start on his journey. It also gives the viewer a feeling of manifest destiny. He foresaw the victory, against all odds (or at least 11-1 odds). He simply had to make that trip!
3.As much as the money was important to get Will started, it was critical that he lose the money early. Even with the money, it is hard to imagine an 11-year old completing that long of a journey on his own. Enter Alek. The writer(s) put the pair together in a smart way. Would Alek have given Will the ride if he didn't have to make a quick getaway? Maybe not. He may have validated the boy's story first. The other events – Alek's friend spotting him dropping the boy off, money being stolen, etc. all serve to bring the pair together.
4.I really liked Alek's back-story. Why on earth would this man risk everything to help a boy travel across a continent? As we later learn, it's his personal desire for redemption that motivates him, even if he didn't know it at the time. In Will he sees the young boy who inadvertently died years earlier. They share a common bond, soccer, and Will's passion in the backdrop of grave misfortune inspires Alek. He thinks he is saving the boy, but truly the boy saves him. His friend Mathieu saw that, and provided the means (car and money) for him to start down the path of salvation.
So overall, I really liked the movie. My 6-year old daughter started watching a few minutes in, and it gave us an opportunity to discuss some difficult topics and a number of teaching points. And it left me with a little inspiration as well.
And that is what this movie is about - passion. The reviewers who have commented on small points like traveling without a passport are missing the point. It's a bit like complaining about the chips in a chocolate-chip cookie not being properly spaced. The important part is the joy you experience when the chocolate hits your taste buds. This theme in this flick is simple. Let your passion shine through and it will inspire others. If you haven't seen the movie, don't read any further. Watch the movie. That is my only recommendation here.
Now, that having been said, in my opinion the script was very well- written. There is believability in the actions of all of the main characters. Consider the following:
*****************Spoilers Below*****************
1. The father was a bit of a MacGuffin. His purpose was solely to provide the end goal – the Championship game – and the opportunity to get there. The writers could have had the father live and the story could have been about them bonding on the journey. But this story is about Will.
Still, it's believable that the father would shell out a fortune for the tickets. Even if he didn't pay the 10,000 EUR each for real tickets, it likely was a big sum. So why would he do it? Soccer was the one thing the two could bond over. He saw the passion that Will had for the team, and it rekindled memories of him as a boy with his own father. The guilt he felt for abandoning Will was overwhelming. But this trip would be perfect to forge a new beginning, and for him to perhaps once again be the kind of man a son could look up to.
2.The tickets and bet were critical plot devices as well. As others pointed out, the father didn't know the tickets were fake. He got taken, pure and simple. But the tickets being fake was important because it creates empathy for Will. It creates additional impetus for Alek to make the journey. It also provides the rallying point at the conclusion of the story.
The bet too was crucial. Even a naive 11 year-old would not believe he could make it across Europe with no money. The money won from the bet is the additional motivation he needs to start on his journey. It also gives the viewer a feeling of manifest destiny. He foresaw the victory, against all odds (or at least 11-1 odds). He simply had to make that trip!
3.As much as the money was important to get Will started, it was critical that he lose the money early. Even with the money, it is hard to imagine an 11-year old completing that long of a journey on his own. Enter Alek. The writer(s) put the pair together in a smart way. Would Alek have given Will the ride if he didn't have to make a quick getaway? Maybe not. He may have validated the boy's story first. The other events – Alek's friend spotting him dropping the boy off, money being stolen, etc. all serve to bring the pair together.
4.I really liked Alek's back-story. Why on earth would this man risk everything to help a boy travel across a continent? As we later learn, it's his personal desire for redemption that motivates him, even if he didn't know it at the time. In Will he sees the young boy who inadvertently died years earlier. They share a common bond, soccer, and Will's passion in the backdrop of grave misfortune inspires Alek. He thinks he is saving the boy, but truly the boy saves him. His friend Mathieu saw that, and provided the means (car and money) for him to start down the path of salvation.
So overall, I really liked the movie. My 6-year old daughter started watching a few minutes in, and it gave us an opportunity to discuss some difficult topics and a number of teaching points. And it left me with a little inspiration as well.
See also
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