Footy Legends

I had never heard of this one, despite being a big Anh Do fan. Decided to give it a go when it popped up on Netflix, and was pleasantly surprised! The story line is very much your typical underdog story. Reminiscent of movies like Cool Runnings or Mighty Ducks. Group of people from the rough side of town, struggling, who band together.

But mixed in with it is some very Australian humour! Found ourselves laughing throughout.

Also has an excellent soundtrack, with many good Aussie classics featuring.

You don't need to be a rugby fan to enjoy this one! Would highly recommend giving it a watch!

I just want to say that i really enjoyed Footy Legends and it was real step up from The Finished People which looked and had the feel of a doco. When i first heard of it i didn't want to see it as i am not a fan of football but i changed my mind when i saw a preview which looked funny so i changed my mind. the casting is terrific from the fantastic, talented Claudia Karvan to comedians Anh Do, Angus Sampson, Paul Nakad to rising star Emma Lung to newcomer Lisa Saggers. The story and script was done really well, not the totally heartbreaking sad story i was expecting but heart warmer with Australian humor to match The Castle. Well done.

I went to the premier of the movie last night in Canberra. It was hosted by the Australia Day council and there was a host of different people with different backgrounds. Khoa Do (The 2005 Young Australian of the year) was also present at the launch which made the experience more special.

I'm not a fan of Australian movies to be honest, but I have to admit I actually enjoyed this movie a lot. Nothing special about the plot, we have all seen it seen movies about the UNDERDOGS. What makes this movie enjoyable is the fact that there are a host of actors that will deliver that "Feel Good" and "comical" experience through out the whole movie. The older actors are an absolute classic! The young Vietnamese girl plays an awesome role. We all know Anh Do is funny, but you do get to see his serious side which is enjoyable as well. Even the referees and the sausages (you will have to watch the movie to understand) will make you feel good!

I saw the movie with 6 females, and we all laughed and enjoyed the movie immensely! Some of them don't follow Rugby League so you don't need to be a fan to understand it. Honestly, this movie caters for all ages, so don't be turned off by the (PG) rating, there is plenty of funny and enjoyable moments throughout the movie.

It's not a Hollywood movie, but if this movie had the budget it would be up there! Well done for a great feel good movie that Australia has been missing for a long time!

Michael

Footy Legends is a curious film in that it is the first movie about rugby league to make a genuine impact. It is funny, it is moving and it features plenty of rugby league action, plus a wealth of league legends, including Matty Johns, Mario Fenech, Brett Kenny, Cliff Lyons, Gary Larson, Rod Wishart, Brad Clyde and others.

The star of the movie is Anh Do, who is also involved in the writing and production. His performance is exceptional, demonstrating an impressive array of emotions through facial expressions and body language. Here is a young man who can make a big impact on the Australian movie scene, particularly if he can continue to contribute to quality scripts.

The other impressive qualities of the movie are tight editing and a wonderful music score. Many Aussie movies lose impact by overplaying scenes and thus losing momentum. Footy Legends avoids this trap by keeping each scene to a length that says what needs to be said, then moves on. This is good editing and a feature of Khoa Do's directorial debut in a fictional feature film.

The music score ideally supports the settings and suits the pace and intentions of the movie.

Quality Australian actors Claudia Karvan and Peter Phelps add depth to the movie, but it is Anh Do's performance which stands out. Hopefully this will be the start of a long career for this talented performer.

Whether the movie has enough diversity to appeal to overseas markets remains to be seen, but it has the right blend of comedy, pathos and "feel-good" to suggest that it will capture the attention and interest of Australian audiences. I hope so, because it deserves a wide audience.

Footy Legends (2006), directed by Khoa Do, is a feel-good Australian film that blends the love of rugby league with themes of family, friendship, and community. While the film doesn't boast high-octane action or elaborate drama, it offers an earnest, uplifting story about finding redemption through sport.

**Plot and Structure** The film centers around Luc Vu (Anh Do), a down-on-his-luck Vietnamese-Australian who lives in Western Sydney. Struggling to find steady work and facing the possibility of losing custody of his younger sister, Luc decides to rally his old rugby mates for a local footy competition. The film is structured like a classic underdog sports story, where the team, made up of misfits and out-of-shape former players, aims to prove themselves both on the field and in their personal lives.

The simplicity of the plot is familiar, but its strength lies in its strong community focus. The film taps into the importance of sport in Australian culture, particularly rugby league, while also portraying the struggles faced by immigrant families and working-class communities.

**Performances and Chemistry** Anh Do, both the lead actor and co-writer, brings a lot of heart to his role as Luc. His performance is grounded and sincere, making Luc's struggles feel genuine. The supporting cast, including well-known Australian actors such as Angus Sampson and Claudia Karvan, adds depth to the ensemble, creating a believable camaraderie among the group of ragtag teammates.

The film excels in showing the bonds of friendship, as Luc and his friends reconnect through rugby league and rediscover a sense of purpose and joy. There's a palpable sense of warmth between the characters, and their personal journeys are just as important as the games they play.

**Themes and Emotional** Core At its heart, Footy Legends is a story about second chances. Luc's journey to regain custody of his sister serves as the emotional core of the film, adding a layer of personal stakes that elevate the story beyond a simple sports narrative. The film also touches on themes of belonging, cultural identity, and the power of community, all of which are woven naturally into the narrative.

While it's a sports film, Footy Legends is more about what rugby league represents-a way for people to come together, overcome adversity, and find their own personal victories. The film's uplifting message is clear: sometimes, the game is less about winning and more about the journey, the relationships you build, and the resilience you discover.

**Tone and Humor** There's a gentle humor throughout the film, much of it stemming from the characters' interactions and the absurdity of a group of out-of-practice players attempting to compete again. The film avoids slapstick or over-the-top antics, opting instead for a more grounded and sincere approach. The humor is light but effective, providing levity in what could have been a more melodramatic story.

**Conclusion** Footy Legends is a heartfelt, community-driven film that celebrates the power of sport to uplift and unite. It may not break new ground in terms of its plot or structure, but its sincerity and focus on family, friendship, and second chances make it a touching and enjoyable watch. The film highlights the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and never giving up on the things that matter most.

Rating: 6.5/10 Though it's a small, straightforward film, Footy Legends shines in its heartwarming portrayal of community and resilience. It's an underdog story that resonates, especially for fans of rugby league and those who appreciate a feel-good, uplifting film.