Pelé (2016) | Rotten Tomatoes

Pelé

PG

Released May 13, 2016

1h 47m

Biography

History

Drama

List

32%

Tomatometer

31 Reviews

69%

Audience Score

1,000+ Ratings

Under guidance from manager Vicente Feola (Vincent D'Onofrio), young PelÃ© (Kevin de Paula) utilizes his street soccer skills to lead Brazil to the World Cup in 1958.

Read More

Read Less

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

Fandango at Home

Prime Video

Rent Pelé on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video.

Udita Jhunjhunwala

Scroll.in

Pelé's ambition and struggles seem superficial and the resolutions too simple.

Jun 21, 2016

Full Review

J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

This cable-ready biopic of the Brazilian soccer star covers the eight years leading up to his triumphant performance at the World Cup...with Vincent D'Onofrio, Colm Meaney, and-in a standout performance-musician Seu Jorge as the hero's proud father.

Jun 2, 2016

Full Review

Soren Andersen

Seattle Times

"Pelé" is hagiography. But appealing hagiography.

Rated: 2.5/4

May 26, 2016

Full Review

Maria Garcia

Biography.com

The film's predictability is counterbalanced by a terrific score comprised of several styles of Latin music, colorful production design, lots of special effects, and some memorable plays by the child actors who portray Pelé.

Aug 21, 2018

Full Review

Indra Arriaga

Anchorage Press

The film is beautiful and entertaining even though it has some limitations, particularly in the oversimplification of the economic and racial dynamics surrounding places and events.

May 25, 2018

Full Review

Reagan Gavin Rasquinha

The Times of India

The good points outweigh the bad, and if you're a football fan, you'll realize why football's 'the beautiful game' description came to be associated with Pele.

Rated: 3.5/5

Nov 7, 2017

Full Review

Read all reviews

ÐÐ»ÐµÐºÑÐµÐ¹ Ð

The movie that I like and I can watch it many times is called Pele the birth of a legend. The biographical drama will tell about the backstage of sports, in particular about the life of the greatest player in the history of football — Pele. The audience will witness the difficult life of the Brazilian sports legend. How many obstacles did Tom manage to overcome on his way to achieve worldwide popularity? He is now demonstrating incredible professional achievements and, on top of that, does not forget about noble deeds, but before everything was different. From an early age, Pele longed for recognition, tirelessly pursued his dream, overcoming obstacles, thereby tempering his character. The picture covers the childhood of a football player, up to the victory at the first stage of the World Cup in Sweden, when Pele was seventeen years old. Fate has not always been kind to the athlete, but behind every successful personality there is a lot of work, iron will and firm self-confidence.I like this movie because I love football and my idol is Pele. This film teaches you to achieve what you sincerely want.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/04/24

Full Review

Black B

Una película entretenida a secas sobre una gran leyenda del futbol que creo le queda corta porque solo nos narran uno de sus tres grandes triunfos.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

10/04/23

Full Review

Jerod S

It's a rags to riches kind of sports story - but even more so, it's a cultural ownership and familial triumph kind of movie. Inspirational even if you don't know a thing about soccer.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/07/23

Full Review

Max W

Really good movie about the best player of all time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/31/23

Full Review

Luke W

"Pele: birth of a legend" is an inspiring and captivating biographical sports drama film, showcasing the life story of the Brazilian football legend- Edson Arantes do Nascimento known as Pele (portrayed by Kevin de Paula). The movie directed by Jeff and Michael Zimbalist expertly portrays the rise to fame of young Pele from humble beginnings to becoming known as one of the greatest football players of all time. The film hits all the right notes, from the storyline, the outstanding cinematography, and the music score, which captures the spirit of Brazil's rich culture. The acting performances from the actors portraying young Pele (Leonardo Lima Carvalho) and his father (Seu Jorge) are also quite remarkable, adding to the film's authenticity. Vincent D'onofrio's portrayal Vincente Feola, the head coach of Brazil's National team is remarkable and a true mark of this actors experience as a character actor. As we journey with Pele, we see life in the streets of Brazil and the struggles that he faced, especially with his father's resistance to his love for football. The film depicts his rise from a small town to playing for his country in the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden at the age of only 17 years old, while also touching on racial discrimination in Brazil. Overall, if you're a sports fan, a follower of football, a fan of biopics or searching for an inspirational story, "Pele: birth of a legend" is a must-watch. It offers a reminder that success is achievable with determination, resilience, and talent. It is a fascinating celebration of the legendary footballer whose tireless achievements continue to put Brazil on the map.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/29/23

Full Review

Vic C

Fun, inspiring and perfectly paced movie. I watch almost every weekend with my boys.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/01/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Jeff Zimbalist

Director

Michael Zimbalist

Director

Kevin de Paula

Pelé

Vincent D'Onofrio

Feola

Seu Jorge

Dondinho

Leonardo Lima Carvalho

Younger Pelé

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

73%

80%

Woodlawn

TRAILER

for Woodlawn

67%

69%

Tommy's Honour

TRAILER

for Tommy's Honour

64%

70%

Goodbye Christopher Robin

TRAILER

for Goodbye Christopher Robin

29%

66%

The Letters

TRAILER

for The Letters

17%

40%

Walt Before Mickey

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Money Monster Is A Tense Real-Time Thriller

View more photos

Synopsis

Under guidance from manager Vicente Feola (Vincent D'Onofrio), young PelÃ© (Kevin de Paula) utilizes his street soccer skills to lead Brazil to the World Cup in 1958.

Director: Jeff Zimbalist, Michael Zimbalist
Producer: Brian Grazer, Ivan Orlic, Colin Wilson, Kim Roth, Isabelle Tanugi
Screenwriter: Jeff Zimbalist, Michael Zimbalist
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: Imagine Entertainment, E1 Entertainment, Seine Pictures
Rating: PG (Thematic Elements|Some Smoking|Language)
Genre: Biography, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 13, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 14, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $42.9K
Runtime: 1h 47m

Most Popular at Home Now