Movie review: ‘Little Azkals’ is a true underdog story

As a narrative hook, the notion of children from a non-football-centric country flying halfway across the world with hopes of raising their nation’s athletic standing has an almost irresistible appeal. Let’s face it, from “Rocky” and “Coach Carter” to “The Karate Kid,” it’s incredibly difficult to dislike a good underdog story.

In the case of “Little Azkals,” however, the story just happens to be real.

“Little Azkals” is a fly-on-the-wall documentary telling the story of how the grassroots initiative of the same name teamed up with sponsors to send 22 boys to England to undergo intensive training at Loughborough University, a facility widely recognized as one of the world’s top sports education institutes.  Chosen from teams and clubs across the Philippines, the chosen 22 are a motley bunch of wide-eyed youths whose only common factor is their love for the Beautiful Game.

Before the boys even set foot in England, the trials and tribulations inherent to managing 22 children is – put lightly – a logistical challenge best not taken on by the by the faint of heart. Even as coaches, chaperones, and team doctor do their best to manage their young charges, we are given glimpses of the minutiae that goes into any long-haul group travel. At the same time, all throughout, we are presented with snippets of on-camera interviews with the players’ parents, who share everything from well wishes to anecdotes.

Much like the youths whose journey it depicts, “Little Azkals” was shot (and is presented) rough and raw, but what the film lacks in technical aspects is more than made up for by the heart that director Baby Ruth Villarama has managed to capture. From the children’s’ difficulty in pronouncing their destination’s name to the heartbreak of losing their first match against a foreign team, Villarama’s crew was on hand to capture it. At times, however, key gameplay moments are missed (especially obvious during the big game that closes the film), but the film makes up for it in its capturing of the players and their personalities. These are, after all, children, full of the hopes, dreams, and wild-eyed enthusiasm one would associate with their ages.  

Indeed, some of the best moments are the ones that humanize the children. Starting out all gung-ho and excited to experience their first plane ride and playing abroad, the effects of three weeks away from home become very real to them – and to the audience – in the most heartwarming (and heartbreaking) of ways. As such, one can forgive the occasionally inaudible dialogue and spotty subtitles for the insider’s look at what was, quite literally, the opportunity of a lifetime.

Of particular note to anyone with an interest in the state of our national athletics, the contrasting our facilities with those the boys found in England are enough to break the heart. Sadly, whether the sport is football, ice skating, or taekwondo, the notion that monetary rewards for athletic accomplishments are better put towards proper training and equipment remains one that escapes the Philippine national powers that be.

Frequently reiterated throughout the film, is the program’s ultimate goal of creating and fostering a passion for football that could one day set the Philippines on the road to the World Cup. While that of course remains to be seen, the film bearing the “Little Azkals” name will stand as a loving tribute to those who have made it their dream. — BM, GMA News

“Little Azkals” is currently screening exclusively in select SM Cinemas.