Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is getting ready for the global release of Ronaldo. In November, the powerful documentary will be available to fans not only in theatres but also on DVD and digital HD.
The documentary is about Real Madrid’s star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, and his life on and off the soccer field. It tells the story of how Cristiano fought to get his son and his family out of poverty, while showing the world his record-breaking abilities as a soccer player.
British director Anthony Wonke shot Ronaldo over a span of 14 months. Wonke is no stranger to the documentary scene, as he has directed countless documentaries including Syria: Children on the Frontline, Gymnast and The Battle of Marjah. Wonke has also won several awards including two BAFTAs and was nominated for an Emmy in 2012.
While Cristiano is known for his model good looks and seemingly glowing appearance in every Instagram he ever posts, the documentary promises to show a more down-to-earth side of the soccer superstar. Ronaldo includes footage from Cristiano’s childhood, his struggle trying to fend for his family and his current life living in Spain and playing for Real Madrid.
The films description reads, “for the first time ever, the world gets vividly candid and un-paralleled, behind-closed-doors access to the footballer, father, family-man and friend in this moving and fascinating documentary. Through in-depth conversations, state of the art football footage and never before seen archival footage, the film gives an astonishing insight into the sporting and personal life of triply Ballon D’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo at the peak of his career.”
With the tag line reading, “You know the name, you know the legend, but you don’t know the man,” the trailer gives fans a glimpse of Ronaldo’s backstory and how he became the sports icon he is today.
The trailer begins with scenes of Ronaldo on the soccer field. Showing him at a young age playing with his peers while an observer notes, “he was so much better than everybody,” it is initially hard to believe that the film will be anything more than a stroke to Ronaldo’s ego; This is further emphasized by Ronaldo jokingly (or perhaps not) saying, “Tell me who the best player in the world is…me!”
However, the mood of the trailer changes about a quarter of the way in as Ronaldo’s mother is heard explaining, “I sent my son to Lisbon when he was twelve years old.” Going on to say, “I felt like I abandoned him.” Cristiano then begins elaborating on his departure from his family at such a young age, explaining, “I remember my siblings crying…. but they knew [soccer] was an opportunity I wanted in life.”
In the next part of the trailer, Cristiano explains that he had “no real relationship” with his father. Scenes of Cristiano and his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., dramatically contrast this revelation. It is clear that the soccer player places high importance on his relationship with his young child, as he is seen playing with him and explaining how the most important thing in his life is his friends and family.
The trailer then establishes Cristiano’s undeniable drive and determination to win. One of his advisors notes, “He does not know what it means to lose.” The soccer star goes on to explain, “I am what I am because of what I have sacrificed.”
He boldly states, “some people hate me, some people love me, I was made to be the best.”
Showing some of the humor in the film, the trailer concludes with a scene between Cristiano and his son. His son tells him, “I’m going to be a goalkeeper. That okay, Dad?” In which the athlete quips back, “A goalkeeper? Are you joking?”
You can catch Ronaldo in theatres on November 9th and you will also be able to pick it up on DVD or Digital HD, which will include deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes interviews with the production team, on November 10th.