Celtic Soul

Celtic Soul is a 2016 documentary that beautifully combines sports, travel, and personal discovery. Starring Jay Baruchel, Gerry McLaughlin, and Eoin O'Callaghan, this enjoyable film mixes cultural appreciation and friendship with a heartfelt tribute to fandom and the beautiful game, football.

The film showcases the passion of a renowned Hollywood actor, Jay Baruchel (famous for This is the End, How to Train Your Dragon), who steps away from his usual comedic and animated roles to embark on an incredible journey of self-discovery and fan fervor. A proud Canadian of Irish descent, Baruchel is most well-known for his often humor-filled, contemporary characters, but he is also an avid sports enthusiast and a massive fan of football, specifically Celtic FC, based in Glasgow, Scotland.

In Celtic Soul, Baruchel teams up with Irish sports journalist Eoin O'Callaghan to travel the path that leads them from Montreal, Canada to the Emerald Isle and finally to the heart of Celtic FC - Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland. As they navigate their way through Baruchel's ancestral history and Celtic's illustrious history, viewers are presented with an intimate portrait of their dedication to their roots and their beloved football team.

At its core, Celtic Soul is not just about the sport itself, but it delves into the historical and cultural significance that courses through the veins of the clubs, the players, and the fervent fans. It's a journey that unearths the ethnic and immigrant roots of Baruchel, exploring his Irish heritage, and offering a poignant parallel with the deep-rooted connections between Celtic FC and Irish and Scots-Irish immigrants.

A strong supporting role is offered by Gerry McLaughlin as he accompanies Jay and Eoin on their trip, bringing a light-hearted feel to the film with his jokes and humorous anecdotes. McLaughlin adds a layer of hilarity that unites the narrative, balancing the more thoughtful moments with contagious laughter.

As they explore Ireland and Scotland, the camera beautifully captures the stunning landscapes, bustling cities and towns, iconic stadiums, and traditional pubs; emphasizing the sense of community and shared passion found within these football-loving locales.

Director Michael McNamara does an excellent job interspersing moments of comedy, emotion, and camaraderie among the friends while they uncover tales from the past and secrets of their shared heritage and mutual obsession. The filmmaker explores themes of cultural identity, passion, and a sense of belonging in a way that is thoughtful and compelling.

Aside from its engaging story, equally intriguing is the film’s exploration of the rich and diverse cultures of Ireland and Scotland. Celtic Soul expertly harnesses the universal language of football, using it as a catalyst to explore deeper socio-cultural topics. Background stories and historical facts are seamlessly blended with scenes of modern life, making for a film that effortlessly educates and entertains.

Celtic Soul profoundly portrays Baruchel's deep-rooted love for Celtic FC and offers a new perspective on football as something that goes beyond entertainment; it's a social binder, a marker of identity and history, a source of enduring friendships, and in some cases, a path to self-discovery.

This film is a delightful watch for football fanatics and even those with a casual interest in the sport. It is a joyful tribute to the universal power of sports, showing how it can bring people together and serve as a metaphorical bridge between cultures and nations. Celtic Soul is more than just a documentary for fans of the beautiful game. It’s a celebration of cultural heritage, personal exploration, discovery, and, above all, unwavering friendship.

In a world where sports often serve as a unifying force amidst cultural differences, Celtic Soul is ultimately a testament to the enduring love and universal language of sports, the shared sense of community it can cultivate, and the extraordinary lengths people will go to honor their heritage and their passions.