Three masterpieces of the Yokohama Football Film Festival that sports fans before the resumption of the league should definitely watch! by Yokohama Football Film Festival Fukushima Adult

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（４）The Two Escobars 

©2010 ESPN Currently airing on DAZN

-What kind of work is it?

Fukushima:This work is themed around the Colombian national team that participated in the 1994 World Cup in the United States, one year after ``Doha 1993+'', which we introduced last time.

The Colombian national team at that time was packed with talent. They had won against Argentina and Brazil in the South American qualifiers, and many people had high hopes for the team, but they were unexpectedly eliminated in the qualifying rounds. After the tournament, the team's captain, Andres Escobar, was assassinated, causing sadness for football fans around the world.

There was another Escobar in Colombia who was deeply connected to the world of soccer: Pablo Escobar, the owner of Nacional Medellin (Atlético Nacional), the club that Andrés Escobar played for. The coincidence of these two people is what gives this film its portrayal of the Colombian soccer world at the time.    

 --What kind of person was Pablo Escobar? 

Fukushima:Pablo Escobar, also known as "the other Escobar," actually had a secret identity as a drug lord. At the time, much of the cocaine and other drugs sold in the United States came from Colombia.

There were many drug cartels in Colombia, and they were taking advantage of the government's dysfunction to sell drugs and make a huge profit.

However, while Pablo Escobar was selling drugs behind the scenes, he was also active in charitable activities such as building schools in slums. His achievements earned him the support of many people and led him to become a politician. He eventually invested in the soccer business, partly to launder the profits he made from drugs.

After becoming the de facto owner of Nacional Medellin, he invested large amounts of money to improve the grounds and actively recruited new players. The club grew to the point where it became the first Colombian team to win the Copa Libertadores (South American Club Championship) in 1989. It also participated in the Toyota Cup (now the Club World Cup) held at Japan's National Stadium, where it faced AC Milan.


©2010 ESPN Image courtesy of DAZN

 --While he has a "dark side," he has also made a significant contribution to the development of Colombian football, hasn't he? 

Fukushima:Due to the influence of Pablo Escobar, other drug cartels in Colombia began to invest their profits in soccer. As a result, the level of the domestic league improved, and the Colombian national team, with unique players such as Valderrama and Higuita, grew into one of the strongest countries in South America, attracting many fans.

 Pablo Escobar ended his life in December 1993, by shooting, just like Andres Escobar. This film revolves around the strange relationship between the two men and explores the darkness behind Colombia's soccer glory.

 It was also screened at the Yokohama Football Film Festival in 2012, and can now be viewed on DAZN.

（DAZN → Soccer → Documentary ）

I'm sure there are some people who have remained subscribed to DAZN throughout the season suspension, so I hope you will continue to watch.

(5) "Vatrenj - The Flame of Croatia" 

© 2018 GEISER MEDIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED

Starring: Blažević, Bilic, Sztimac, Jarni, Prosinecki

-What kind of work is it? 

Fukushima:This film depicts the Croatian national team, who were in the same Group H as Japan in the group stage of the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, held one year after "Johor Bahru 1997," and won the Grand Prix at this year's Yokohama Football Film Festival.


© 2018 GEISER MEDIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED

--Please tell us what the highlights of this work are. 

Fukushima:The Croatian national team, which boasted many talented players such as Boban, Prosinecki, and the tournament's top scorer, Suker, finished third in the France World Cup, Croatia's first appearance as a country since independence from the former Yugoslavia.

As the civil war in their home countries dragged on, the players played in places like Italy and Spain, where their lives were safe. The film features players looking back on the intense days they spent playing while harboring complex thoughts such as, "Is it okay to continue playing football while leaving my family and friends back home?" and "Is there no other option but to continue playing football?"The content depicts the merits and demerits of soccer.


© 2018 GEISER MEDIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED

Fukushima:With the World Cup to be held in their home country four years later, this film gives a glimpse into the feelings of the Croatian players, who approached the tournament with a different resolve than the Japanese players, who were participating in their first World Cup.Why not try enjoying it at home before the season resumes?


Country of production: Germany (2011)
Directed by: Sebastian Grobler
Screenplay: Philip Roth, Johanna Stuttmann
Starring: Daniel Brühl, Burkhard Klaussner, Justus von Dohnanyi

Now on sale"Dr. Koch and Our Revolution" Price: ¥1,143 (excluding tax)
Released and sold by: Gaga©2011 DEUTSCHFILM / CUCKOO CLOCK ENTERTAINMENT / SENATOR FILM PRODUCTION

-What kind of work is it? 

Fukushima:The film is based on the true story of Konrad Koch, known as the "father of German soccer," and was screened at the 2013 Yokohama Football Film Festival, where it won the Best Director Award.


ギャガ ©2011 DEUTSCHFILM / CUCKOO CLOCK ENTERTAINMENT / SENATOR FILM PRODUKTION 
 
--Please tell us what the highlights of the work are.

 Fukushima:In 1874, soccer, which originated in England, was spreading throughout the country, but in Germany, which was in a rivalry with England, soccer was still not a common sport.

At that time in Germany, physical exercises such as gymnastics and wall bars were the norm, and soccer, which included elements of play, was not well received.

In this situation, English teacher Koch returns to Germany from studying in the UK to teach soccer to students living in a cramped environment.


ギャガ ©2011 DEUTSCHFILM / CUCKOO CLOCK ENTERTAINMENT / SENATOR FILM PRODUKTION 

Fukushima:The story is based on a true story of how children who were initially reluctant to play soccer discovered the joy of soccer and gradually became popular among Germans. I was surprised to learn that Germany, now one of the world's leading soccer powerhouses, once had a time when people didn't want to play soccer.

"Dr. Koch and Our Revolution" is scheduled to be broadcast on J SPORTS 2. I think it's a show you can enjoy with peace of mind, so why not give it a watch? 

 Broadcast schedule (J SPORTS 2）
• July 20, 2020, 5:30 PM ~
J SPORTSIt will be available on demand until Friday, July 31st. 




Fukushima:Although European soccer and other sports resumed earlier, there are still no spectators and restrictions on entry, so many people are worried that they will not be able to enjoy themselves as they did before.

However, even in times of war, depression, or major accidents at stadiums, over time people have found new ways to have fun and have fun.

Let's once again use technology like the internet and a passionate heart to enjoy sports even more!

Yokohama Football Film Festival related articles:

・Yokohama Football Film Festival's Shigeto Fukushima recommends football films and videos that "STAY HOME" fans should watch

・The highlights of "Michael Jordan: Last Dance" & "Doha 1993+" are explained! by Yokohama Football Festival Fukushima Adult