89

The movie 89 from 2017, starring Lee Dixon, Paul Merson, and Ian Wright, is an enthralling documentary that takes its audience on an incredible journey of one of the most compelling stories in the history of English football. Directed by Dave Stewart, the film delves deep into the world of football, capturing its essence, and is an absolute must-watch for fans of the sport, irrespective of their club allegiance.

The centerpiece of the documentary is the historic last-minute league title win in 1989 by Arsenal Football Club against their fierce rivals, Liverpool. This incredible sporting victory is widely celebrated as one of the most remarkable moments in the English football history. Through the course of the film, audiences will witness this one-of-a-kind football story, brought to life through a synergy of archive footage and keen observations by key players.

The film 89 features first-hand accounts from the players themselves, including Lee Dixon, Paul Merson, and Ian Wright. These legendary figures provide insightful commentary and share their personal experiences, which crafts a deeply immersive narrative. Dixon, a right-back defender for Arsenal at the time, Merson, a forward/midfield, and Wright, an iconic forward, offer insider perspectives on the camaraderie, grit and determination that paved the way for the team's success.

Moreover, the film develops an understanding of the socio-political climate of the time, which subtly played a role in shaping the outcome of the league. 89 takes viewers back to an era before the significant influx of money and foreign players into English football, when homegrown talent meant the world and football as a sport was intrinsically linked with the culture and spirit of the society it belonged to.

The documentary provides a nostalgic, intense look back at the football landscape of the time, filled with fan passion and rivalries that were as much a part of the game as the players themselves. 89 offers fans a chance to revel in the raw emotions, the highs and lows, and the ultimate climax that defined this incredible season.

Director Stewart does a masterful job of weaving the narrative, deftly balancing scenes of pivotal matches with unfolding commentary. He uses the documentary as a lens to examine not just the sport, but the individuals that were integral to these historic moments. The result is the creation of a powerful narrative that is uplifting, thrilling, and thoroughly engrossing.

What makes 89 truly successful as a sports documentary, however, is its ability to appeal to a far wider audience than just hardcore Arsenal fans. While the climactic match between Arsenal and Liverpool serves as the centerpiece, Stewart ensures the events leading up to it and the aftermath are just as compelling. The underdog story, the personal journeys of the players, and the wider context of football in the late 1980s captivates viewers, making the film not just a recounting of one football season, but a tale of resilience, ambition and triumph.

Despite being a documentary, 89 manages to have a filmic quality, capturing the ethos of a period piece. This is assisted by a skillful handling of the film's visual elements, meshing archived footage with contemporary interviews, and balanced by a gripping soundtrack reflective of the era.

In a nutshell, '89' magnificently portrays a landmark event in British football history, serving up a riveting spectacle for not just sports enthusiasts but audiences with varied interests. It shares an inspiring story of a seemingly impossible dream becoming a reality, and does so with a raw energy that only makes the experience more rewarding. The film is a stunning illustration of how football, at its heart, is more than just a game, it's a culmination of hope, passion, and unwavering spirit, worth every bit of the 90-minute journey.