Matthews

Matthews is an emotionally stirring 2017 documentary film directed by Ryan Scott Warren that sheds light on an often overlooked but exceptionally influential figure from the golden age of British football - Sir Stanley Matthews.

Stanley Matthews was not just an ordinary footballer. His unrivaled skill, class and integrity made him a cherished icon and a distinguished ambassador for the sport on a global scale. He was a player who glided across the pitch with an uncanny elegance, leaving spectators and opponents in awe of his spellbinding talent.

The documentary paints an intimate portrait of Matthews' life, tracing his raw childhood beginnings in Stoke to his awe-inspiring career, which witnessed playing for Stoke City, Blackpool and England. Through a plethora of rare photos, videos, and interviews, the documentary transports you back to a time when football was a world away from the multi-billion-pound industry it is today.

Three primary narrators give life to Matthews' journey - football veterans Jimmy Armfield, Patrick Barclay, and Tristan Bailey. Armfield, who graced the football field with the likes of Pele and George Best, brings a personal perspective with anecdotes from his encounters with Matthews. As a renowned sports journalist, Barclay provides contextual richness, immersing the viewers in the socio-political climate of the time. Bailey, a football historian, imparts valuable insights to illuminate Matthews' impact on the sport.

What sets "Matthews" apart is its balanced narrative. Although it celebrates the highs of Matthews' career, it does not shy away from the trials and tribulations of his personal life. The film offers a poignant exploration of the man behind the revered sportsman; it provides a close look at Matthews' estrangement from his children, the effect of World War II on his career, and the invisibility he faced towards the end of his life, despite his incomparable legacy.

The film investigates one particular aspect of Matthews' life that transcends the domain of football - his passion for racial equality. Matthews was instrumental in uplifting Black players in South Africa during the apartheid era. His dedication in challenging the inhuman realities of racial segregation reveals a side of him that was not just a footballer but a humanitarian.

Aside from the deep dive into Matthews' life, the documentary also rests on the backdrop of the evolution of football in Britain and its social implications. The film chronicles the transformation of football from a working-class pastime to a globalized enterprise. While it cherishes the nostalgia of simpler times, it invites us to appreciate the unique position football holds in uniting people across generations and continents.

The film also incorporates insights from Natasha Allery, Matthews' personal assistant during the final years of his life, and Brian Azzopardi, a football historian. Their contributions infuse an intimate understanding of Matthews, allowing a more rounded perspective of his life and legacy. This peculiar and honest approach by Warren allows the audience to draw parallels to their own lives and inspires them to delve deeper into the integrity, class, and respect that defined Matthews' career.

Through the lens of an arresting documentary, "Matthews" offers a profoundly insightful investigation into the life of a quiet hero of British football. It serves as a crucial reminder that in the blitz of the present-day football industry, we must remember the incredible pioneers who helped shape the beautiful game – and Stanley Matthews is one such figure, deserving of every bit of recognition he can get.

In essence, "Matthews" is more than just a sports documentary; it is a thoughtful and engaging monument to an incredible athlete and human. The film brings to the forefront the life and times of Sir Stanley Matthews, adding a gentle reminder of the profound impact one man can have on the world. Whether you are a football enthusiast or not, the film's potent depiction of a man's journey through highs and lows will surely captivate you.