When I was 14 or so, I read the book, "The Boy who sailed around the world alone" by Robin Lee Graham. I am sure that I read a lot of books at that time but I don't think that any made a more lasting impression on me. I even know to this day exactly where that book is. I guess that is the power of a travelogue. Travelogues let us experience things that we often have neither the time, means or for that matter physical stamina for ourselves. When done well, they also give us great insight both into the challenges in the world around us but also can remind us of the greatness of humankind and give us hope for its future. I think that Pelada is an example of just such a film. I hope you enjoy it.

As a story of pick-up soccer, Pelada is fascinating and occasionally visually captivating, particularly the scenes in South America which occupy about half the movie. However, neither of the lead characters is particularly engaging, and after a while the movie seems more like a paean to the filmmakers rather than a good story.There's a hint of a much better movie here. Why not tell the story exclusively out of the mouths of those playing in the games? Better yet, why not let us learn more about those people, where they've come from, what their life stories were? We meet old men playing soccer in a park on Sunday, but have no idea who they are, how they all happen to be there, or what their lives are like.

While PELADA may be regarded as a film about soccer, it is really much more. This is a film about perseverance, love of a game, love for one's friends - and for strangers, too. Dare I say it, it's even a little bit about romance. This film is a behind the scenes look not only at football - soccer - but at the lives of ordinary people around the world.This movie calls one's attention to one's values, and doesn't preach about what those values should be. To a great extent, this is a film about the need we all feel for play. Seeing women in Teheran "playing" is bound to make one think about the effect of religion and politics even on such a basic human desire as the need for play.This is not a political film,though it may shine a light on some politics. Basically, it's just a film about people - about humanity, even. Whether the young film makers knew it at the time or not, they've made a very profound film. I most highly recommend PELADA.

This is a remarkable film full of some of the most astonishing scenes - games INSIDE the San Pedro prison in La Paz Bolivia? Burkha-clad Iranian women kicking a ball around? Rooftop football in Tokyo? This is a very real look at how football is such a beautiful, universal language around the world - an expression of joy, an unabashed celebration.Luke and Wendy come across as very simple and honest people whose love for the game took them around the world on a memorable journey, one which we can joyfully share in.Top Notch