Johan Cruijff - En un momento dado

So-so documentary about the arrival of Johan Cruijff (or Cruyff, as he is probably better known internationally), then the world's best football player, to Barcelona Football Club in 1974, and how it changed the fortunes of the Catalan team, who won several championships in the following years, and beat eternal rival Real Madrid 5-0 in Madrid in a memorable game. There are interviews with fans, and with Cruyff himself, but there is not much more. Only for die hard football fans. Even with such limited appeal, it could have been more interesting. The title - en un momento dado - means in a given moment - and it was an expression apparently popularized by Cruyff in Spain.

This movie shows the impact of Johan Cruijff on the society of Catalunya, as El Salvador de Catalunya. First as footballplayer, later as trainer. Johan Cruijff brought back the pride so important to the people of Catalunya. A true document to be remembered. The movie contains some footage of important football matches, for instance against Madrid on February 15, 1974, one of the most important matches in the career of Cruijff in Barcelona. This match made Cruijff almost a legend. The way the people speak about Cruijff is amazing. The title of the movie is derived from an expression that Cruijff made in a press conference, but not true spanish.

This film should not be treated as a mere football (or soccer in US terms)related documentary. There is much more than just a football star. The film is designed around Barcelona'a Catalan identity, and how Cruffy has uplifted the entire Catalan community's morale and self esteem during his years as a player and a coach. The film starts with Catalan related motives, and continues with Cruffy's football and personal qualities. I especially liked the fans' imitation of Cruffy's well-known figures and moves. I guess this is one of the best documentaries for a sports person. When I was young, I didn't like Cruyff, but after watching the film, my opinions has changed drastically. I truly recommend it to all documentary and Cruffy fans.

This strong movie features Catalan people talking about how Johan Cruijff changed their lives. The movie shows in a humorous way the importance of Johan Cruijff for the Catalonian identity, after being supressed by the Franco regime. The people interviewed tell about their personal Johan Cruijff moment and this gives us some hilarious moments. One to remember is the journalist that tells us how Johan influenced the spanish language by translating sayings from his native language (Dutch) directly into Spanish. Off course there is some beautiful footage of Cruijff as a player and as a coach at FC Barcelona, but the Catalan people play the central role in this movie. This makes it perfectly suited for non-soccer fans.

This is quite possibly the most amazing "documentary" I've ever seen. It has made such an impact on my life, seeing how much Johan meant to so many people. Walking through Camp Nou, with the words of the men in the film in your head, is next level. Every time I see the men try to replicate Johans tricks I get tears in my eyes. This film shows perfectly how one person can truly change someone's life. It is very inspirational, sentimental and a must see for every one.