How can a few crucial minutes in a football match change the life of an entire family? How do the "men in black" feel when they are attacked by supporters?
The Referee unveils the lives of several professional football referees at the EURO 2008 championship; amongst them, the English referee Howard Webb, who provoked incredible controversy when he gave a penalty to Austria just before the end of the match with Poland, and the Italian Roberto Rosetti, who refereed the final.
Eschewing any voice-over commentary or interviews, The Referees draws out the humanity and fallibility of its subjects.
A lot more interesting than it sounds. The refs are wired for sound and the insults slung in their direction more than earn that 15 rating. One for football fans and fans of bald men with flags.
Fascinating.
Sparks of interest but never catches fire.
It is interesting to compare the match officials' style with the grandees of the game.
As an exploration of the auditory aspects of contemporary football, Hinant’s film is quite as revelatory as Douglas Gordon’s Zidane (2006).
A compelling insight.
They have what most of the childlike millionaires they discipline lack – character.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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