In the Hands of the Gods

In the Hands of the Gods is a captivating 2007 documentary film that centers on the mesmerizing world of freestyle football. Directed by brothers Benjamin and Gabe Turner, the film delves into the journey of five young Englishmen as they venture across the Americas in pursuit of meeting their idol, the legendary Argentinian footballer, Diego Maradona. Principal characters, Mikey Fisher, Sami Hall Bassam, and Jeremy Lynch, are street footballers who utilize their talents to get by in their pursuit of their dreams.

Losely structured like a real-life road movie, the documentary begins in London, where the five protagonists are determined to meet their football idol. However, they've got an audacious plan - fly to New York, then continue their journey across the continents without any money. The only things they rely on for their survival are the clothes on their back, the football skills they've honed, and the kindness of strangers.

From captivated onlookers on the streets of New York to the intrigued pedestrians in bustling South American cities, the film’s protagonists showcase their freestyle football tricks, hoping their skills will grant them a bed for the night, a free meal, or the money to continue their journey. They busk on the streets in exchange for cash, food, and shelter. They display their flair and talent, juggling a soccer ball as if it's attached to their feet, a captivating spectacle for passersby in each city they visit. The romantic notion of travelling vagabonds relying on their talents to get by serves as an underlying motif throughout their journey.

The film’s real strength lies in its ability to balance the charm and thrill of freestyle football with the deeper, more personal stories of each character. All hailing from different personal backgrounds, the jock Mikey Fisher, the anguished Sami Hall Bassam, and the passionate Jeremy Lynch, each bring their unique personality into the narrative. As the journey unfolds, we see more than mere tricks, tags, or stunts; the film tenders an intimate portrait of the relationships formed by the group, the highs of camaraderie, the lows of disagreements, dreams, and disappointments.

Their goal to meet Maradona acts as their North Star, guiding them through diverse landscapes and numerous cultural interactions, enriching the narrative by offering various glimpses into the way people around the world connect with the universal language of football. From experiencing the affluence and sophistication of New York to the simplicity of Central American provinces and the fervor of South American capitals, the protagonists find that the ball at their feet works as an extraordinary passport into the hearts of people of diverse geographic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

While the group’s motivation is rooted in their adulation for Maradona, the real journey is an exploration of themselves. The experiences they encounter along the way and the people they meet play a pivotal role in their character development.

In the Hands of the Gods, as the title suggests, looks at the idea of dreams, the price for pursuing them, and the impact one life can have on another. It brilliantly demonstrates the language of football, perhaps a nod to Maradona, the "hand of God", who is himself a symbol of the power of football to unite, inspire, and transform lives.

The film serves as a heart-warming testament to the spirit of following your dreams, visiting fascinating places, and meeting a wide array of people — all through the sheer love of ‘the beautiful game.' This is a story that beautifully portrays those transcendent moments when a simple sport turns into a passionate pursuit, a means of communication, and a catalyst for change. The love of football, the determination to meet their hero, and each individual’s personal trials define their experience, making the movie profoundly engaging to football and non-football fans alike.

In the Hands of the Gods is distinctively layered with fervor, frisk, and fraternity, amalgamating the love for the ball, a spiritual journey, and a road trip adventure. This is a movie that journeys seamlessly through drama and comedy, the highs and lows of friendship, and the sheer spectacle and universal language of football. It's not just a story about the sport, it's about the lives that orbit around it, giving it an emotional depth that makes it a touching ode to the game of football, and a compelling watch.