The Workers Cup (2017) User Reviews

The truth about the scandalous Qatar World Cup

[OJT · 7/10 · 7 November 2017]

A film about the exploiting of construction workers from Africa and Asia, coming to build the football grounds for the scandalous and corrupt Qatar World Cup and the shallow background of making a worker's cup as sole band aid.

Working under severe and dangerous conditions they build the many new football stadiums before the world Cup, not happy with the food, the working conditions, nor the fact that they are modern slaves, in a desert country in severe lack of construction workers. They build for the rich, which are in their own playground, adding racist rules like disallowing them to even go into the buildings they build after 10 o'clock in the morning.

The only entertainment is the football cup which the different firms participate in, which is used for telling the world of great welfare benefits. Apart from that they like the cup, they are not happy, missing their family, being away for years, not earning enough to stop working. They are simply exploited as slaves with low wages and no time off, even for a single day or a date.

A meeting with the workers, their dreams, and their frustrations. Their wish for another life, and getting back their own country to build for their family.

The film is slow and well balanced only using text for the facts, and letting the workers talk.

Workers cup Review for Econ 180

[killarosi · 8/10 · 2 December 2023]

Sitting in a darkened room, the lights all dimmed Caught up in the story, can't help but grin From the opening scene to the climactic end Every moment in between, I don't want it to end Captivated by the characters, they come to life Emotions running high, it cuts like a knife From laughter to tears, the range is so true Damn, that was a good movie, feeling so brand new Damn, that was a good movie, it hit me right in the heart Took me on a journey, never wanting to depart The actors brought it all, they played their part so well Damn, that was a good movie, a story I'll forever tell The plot twists and turns, keeping me on my toes Each scene carefully crafted, the director surely knows From action-packed scenes to tender love affairs Damn, that was a good movie, it had me on edge, unaware The soundtrack weaved its magic, enhancing each scene Setting the tone, making it all so real and mean I couldn't look away, I was completely consumed Damn, that was a good movie, my emotions bloomed Damn, that was a good movie, it hit me right in the heart Took me on a journey, never wanting to depart The actors brought it all, they played their part so well Damn, that was a good movie, a story I'll forever tell In that darkened theater, time stood still I lost myself in the story, forgetting all my ills For a couple of hours, I was lost in that world Damn, that was a good movie, my emotions unfurled Damn, that was a good movie, it hit me right in the heart Took me on a journey, never wanting to depart The actors brought it all, they played their part so well Damn, that was a good movie, a story I'll forever tell As the credits rolled and the lights came on I couldn't help but cherish every moment, every song Damn, that was a good movie, it left me in awe And I'll forever cherish those memories deep in my core.

Very interesting film.

[tovarsot · 8/10 · 15 December 2023]

I usually never watch films like this, but it was truly captivating before the world cup, last year I never even knew that Qatar existed. To be able to learn more about the 'richest' country in the world. Really in depth on the characters and it was shocking to find out that they had (migrant) workers building the stage and all. To think that the richest country has the biggest population of underpaid migrant workers. This changed the way I see the sport and the city, giving me new insight. I can now say that it reminds me of old imperialism and other exploitation methods of 20th century Europe.

A Brief Review on The Workers Cup

[sdelcorevictor · 9/10 · 2 November 2023]

The Workers Cup is a thought-provoking documentary that provides a deep observation into the lives of migrant workers in Qatar. The film follows a group of laborers from diverse backgrounds, such as Nepalese, Ghanaian, and Indian living in cramped accommodations and working long hours in horrific conditions. Shortly, those workers participate in their own football tournament: The Workers Cup, and it is clear how this event serves as an escape from their routine.

The main central theme highlighted in the documentary is the exploitation of migrant workers in building the glamorous stadiums for the 2022 FIFA World Cup while living in conditions that were opposite to what the immigrants were promised. The employers would take advantage of the fact that many of their employees dreamed of becoming professional footballers in order to persuade them to move to Qatar. Consequentially, the employer would confiscate the employees' passports and other documents, and prohibit them from leaving to country.

Overall, The Workers Cup raises important questions about the ethics of hosting such events and the responsibility of the global community in ensuring fair treatment and rights for migrant workers. Through the interviews and the narration of the workers, the documentary provides a platform for repressed voices and demonstrates the manipulation of the hierarchy in the labor camps. The film also serves as a reminder of the human cost behind major sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup, and the need for action to protect the human and working rights of involved individuals.

The Workers Cup

[watarl · 9/10 · 3 November 2023]

This film is based on workers who have moved to Qatar in hopes of working there to create a better life for themselves. Many are there under visas which the company they work for controls. Not letting them do anything except work and providing them with poor working and living conditions. The company has failed to fulfill the promises made to these men and now the men are stuck there hoping to find a way put. Several companies decided to host a Qatar World Cup and allow workers from each company to form teams. Many of the men are hoping that this can be their way out of the unideal lives they are living right now. They hope to be noticed by scouts and begin their soccer career as that is what many of them dream.

Overall this film is eye-opening. It forces viewers to re-examine our world and the corrupt system that some countries continue to use. Viewers may be urged to ask questions about the morals of society and its practices.