SAIPAN

Based loosely on true events, this drama highlights the fallout between the Republic of Ireland’s football captain Roy Keane (Éanna Hardwicke) and team manager Mick McCarthy (Steve Coogan) just days before the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Set mostly on the island of Saipan in the Western Pacific, the story focuses on the team’s substandard training base and Keane’s abrupt, unrelenting demands for professional excellence. Tensions eventually simmer over and a heated meeting results in McCarthy controversially sending his star player home. In Keane’s absence, Ireland made the top 16 in the tournament before losing to Spain in a penalty shootout. At least 30% of this film consists of actual file footage, featuring fans at games and the real life protagonists being interviewed on camera. In a fun nod to my home city, one of the banners in th crowd reads “@jboreillys Perth WA”. When the credits rolled I wondered if a documentary version had perhaps fallen through, leaving this as a Plan B option. While the performances are top-notch and the subject matter is moderately interesting, I had three questions: why was this made, why was it made after all these years, and who exactly is the audience? There have been far greater controversies in football over the past 23 years with significantly more meat to their stories than a clash of opinions and a battle of egos. Why not let sleeping dogs lie on this one? The title also fails to reflect the content of the film in any meaningful way, other than being the location of the blowup. A more suitable name would be easier for the target demographic (whoever they may be!) to find it. Fun fact – the character of Roy Kent from the beloved series ‘Ted Lasso’ is based on Keane, mirroring his reputation as a harsh, intense, and talented midfielder.