Bobby

The stars of the football world came out for this documentary charting the life and career of Bobby Moore, from his zenith as England's only World Cup-winning captain to struggles later in life and untimely death aged just 51. There is also much footage of West Ham's glory days in winning various Cups. Fascinating and vibrant footage of the 1966 World Cup Final hammers home just what Moore and his team-mates achieved, while a host of football figures from the past share stories that are funny, inspiring, and heartbreaking.

While undoubtedly affectionate about its subject, the film also explores the misfortune and anxiety that followed England's finest defender. There's a sense of wasted opportunities, particularly towards the end of Moore's life, as well as a subtle critique of how football mistreated one of its greatest proponents. What could very easily have been a mawkish tribute becomes a portrait of a sporting legend that treads the thin line between reverence and realism. A fitting tribute to an English sporting icon.

The story is entertaining, detailed, enthralling at times and reveals what he was like as a young man through to his sad departure. I enjoyed some of the many personal and touching moments that evoked sadness at times along with a feeling that I knew him. Some of the detailed excerpts showing his affection through to his commitment as a man and a footballer come across as deep and meaningful. I really liked this docu-biopic.