Too much of everything

Fresh and Exciting

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

This documentary is a compelling insight into the life of a professional football referee at a major international football competition. There are moments in the match when the forensic view of the decisions on a football field almost feels like the scene of a crime where the officials are the accused in a diabolical arena. The main areas of focus are the decisions and their implications for the referees chances of career progression, but in more sinister terms for the adverse effects on their private lives. Never credited when they do well, but the focus of attention if they make a mistake - sometimes when it is not their fault. It's interesting to see the personal lives of the referees to humanise these hitherto voiceless lawkeepers, butperhaps too much was given over to this in the final third.

I have seen many documentaries on refereeing, but none have immersed me so much in the action as this documentary did. In the documentary, three referee teams are followed during the Euro 2008. Several cameras follow the referees, showing their every action during high stakes matches. We also hear the communication between the officials and the stress and pressure they feel after their every decision. As a referee myself I found the referee's actions to be quite a learning experience.I felt that sometimes the documentary was a little disjointed. One moment Howard Webb would be having a coffee, one frame later he would be whistling the start of a match. I didn't mind this too much, but it might annoy other viewers.After watching this documentary, I feel like watching more football matches that just follow the referee.Very enjoyable documentary. I would watch it again and would definitely recommend it.

A fly on the wall documentary, that essentially captures the lives of Referees and how their families are influenced. The "real heroes" where their superpowers are that of integrity, honesty and hawk vision. Portraying a calm demeanor, while the adrenaline is pumping does require a lot of strength, which a referee time and again illustrates.Different trios entrusted with responsibilities, that can cause a flutter among the political elites as well. All in all, a very insightful documentary and a must watch for anyone who enjoys the game of football and wants to understand the mentality of all the personnel involved which ensure the smooth running of the beautiful game.

The documentary shows an insight into the work of multiple referees during the European Cup 2008. If you like to see how referees act and what they experience during and after a match, this film is highly recommendable. This documentary provides an insight into how frequent the referee interacts with his linemen, what they say against football players, how they react after the match, and how their families are involved into refereeing. After seeing this documentary, I have gained much more respect for the job they do. It clearly shows under how much pressure these referees have to operate. It also shows the personalities (egos) of the referees.