I Choose to Believe (2023)
Story overview
This documentary chronicles Argentina's triumphant journey to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Through intimate first-person testimonies from key players and figures like Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni, and Ángel Di María, it offers an inside look at the team's emotional and strategic path to victory, capturing moments of tension, camaraderie, and national pride.
Parent Guide
A family-friendly documentary about Argentina's World Cup victory, with no concerning content. Suitable for all ages, though younger children might find some game moments intense. Focuses on positive themes like teamwork and achievement.
Content breakdown
No violence or peril depicted; it's a sports documentary with game footage and interviews.
No scary or disturbing content; includes standard sports excitement and emotional reactions.
No offensive language expected; based on the overview, it features testimonies in Spanish (with possible subtitles) without noted profanity.
No sexual content or nudity; focused solely on sports and interviews.
No substance use depicted; celebrations may show champagne but not in a concerning way.
Mild emotional intensity from game tension, victories, and national pride; suitable for most viewers without being overwhelming.
Parent tips
This film is a sports documentary focused on Argentina's World Cup win, suitable for most children. It contains no violence, scary content, or inappropriate material. However, it may include intense emotional moments from the games and celebrations. Consider watching together to discuss themes like teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. No content warnings needed beyond mild emotional intensity.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- What was your favorite part of the soccer game?
- Can you name any players you saw?
- How do you think the team felt when they won?
- Why do you think teamwork was important for Argentina?
- What challenges did the players face during the World Cup?
- How did the players show perseverance?
- What strategies did Argentina use to win the World Cup?
- How do you think the players handled the pressure of big games?
- What does this victory mean for Argentina as a country?
- How does this documentary portray the emotional journey of the team?
- What broader themes about sports and society does it explore?
- How might this victory impact future generations in Argentina?
🎭 Story Kernel
The film transcends a mere sports recap, positioning the 2022 World Cup win as a spiritual redemption for Argentina. It explores the psychological weight of expectation and the transition of Lionel Messi from a pressurized icon to a fulfilled leader. The narrative arc focuses on the 'Scaloneta' philosophy—resilience in the face of the Saudi Arabia defeat and the emotional fortitude required to endure the dramatic finals against France. It’s a study of collective belief serving as a social glue, illustrating how a sporting achievement can provide a profound sense of identity and catharsis for a country facing economic and social hardships. The film emphasizes that the victory wasn't just about the trophy, but about the validation of a decade-long struggle and the ultimate union between the team and its people.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
The documentary utilizes a blend of high-definition broadcast footage and exclusive, intimate behind-the-scenes angles that strip away the stadium's scale to focus on human micro-expressions. The cinematography often contrasts the sterile, futuristic architecture of Qatari stadiums with the raw, chaotic passion of the Argentine streets. Symbolism is found in the recurring motifs of the 'three stars' and the national colors, which are treated with a religious reverence. The editing pace mirrors the tension of the matches, particularly the final, using slow-motion to emphasize the gravity of specific moments, like Montiel’s decisive penalty. The visual narrative relies heavily on the juxtaposition of the players' private vulnerability in the locker rooms against their public heroism on the pitch, creating a powerful sense of intimacy within a global spectacle.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
Elijo Creer was released in December 2023, marking the first anniversary of Argentina's third World Cup title. It is the official documentary of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and premiered in over 300 theaters nationwide. The production team was granted unprecedented access to the team's inner sanctum in Qatar, filming moments that were strictly off-limits to standard media. The title itself was inspired by the viral social media slogan that fueled the fans' hope throughout the tournament. The film features exclusive interviews with stars like Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and coach Lionel Scaloni.
Where to watch
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- HBO Max
- HBO Max Amazon Channel
