La Seleccion

La Seleccion is a captivating sports drama series that airs on UniMas. The show, primarily in Spanish but available with English subtitles, provides a unique blend of factual historical events and fictional narrative. This compelling drama takes the audience on an invigorating journey that explores the diverse aspects of football, not only from the pitch but also from the personal lives of the athletes.

In La Seleccion, the spotlight is cast on the lives of four influential players of the Colombian National Football Team in the late 1980s and early 1990s: Carlos 'El Pibe' Valderrama, Freddy Rincon, Rene Higuita, and Faustino 'El Tino' Asprilla. These figures are recognized for their immense individual talents that helped put Colombia on the global football map. However, along with their remarkable sports careers, the show examines the personal hardships, trials, and tribulations these players faced, both on and off the field.

The series charts the journey of these characters, where they rise from humble beginnings to become revered national icons. Their world is filled with intense pressure, life-changing decisions, extreme sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of their dreams. Throughout the series, we see them battling social issues, poverty, personal struggles, and crime that coexisted with their love for football. This real-life drama goes beyond their renowned skills or infamous hairstyles to portray their struggle and resilience amid adversity.

La Seleccion also discusses the socio-political atmosphere of Colombia during that era—how the menacing shadows of drug cartels dominated every aspect of the country’s life, including small towns and national football. The series does an excellent job providing a nuanced depiction of Colombia's tumultuous years marked by drug violence, political unrest, social upheaval, and corruption. It demonstrates how these players were unwittingly nestled in a dichotomy—balancing their passion for football with the grim realities of their nation.

In the world of La Seleccion, football is presented in its raw and unfiltered form: as a beacon of hope for the many dreaming of a way out of poverty, as a source of national pride amidst crippling social issues, and as a sport that brings people together regardless of class, ethnicity, or political views. Despite its focus on the turbulent lives of four footballers, the series never loses sight of the broader narrative about how football affects and is influenced by society.

The storyline of La Seleccion is surprisingly complex and layered, not shying away from addressing the gritty realities the characters have to navigate. Substance abuse, family dynamics, personal relationships—each character is given a substantial backstory and personality which makes them more than just footballing icons. We see them not as untouchable figures but as human beings with flaws, complications, quirks, and personal baggage.

The leading actors in the series deliver impressive, heartfelt performances, providing depth to their characters while capturing their physicality and sportive prowess. The overall talent in the cast allows each episode to be seen as a piece of art, incredibly human and strikingly relatable.

Despite the usual tropes associated with sports dramas, La Seleccion isn't a sugar-coated tale of easy victories and happy endings. It's raw, real, and hard-hitting, often leveraging the power of sports as a mirror to society. The nuances of the characters are meticulously presented, offering the audience a chance to observe the life behind the glamour and fame of football stardom.

From high-stakes matches, helped along by stunning cinematography and tightly choreographed action sequences, to the quieter, heartfelt moments of personal drama—La Seleccion has clean delivery and knows when to pull emotional punches.

Overall, La Seleccion is an immersive series that is equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking. It offers viewers an intimate look at the world of football while providing a social commentary on the complexities of human struggles and perseverance, all set against the backdrop of historical Colombian society. Whether you're a football fan or a drama enthusiast, La Seleccion stands out for its gripping storytelling, superb acting, and the intricate socio-political context that weaves itself into the narrative.