You are here:

Champions

Champions

Representation Score

7.3/10

Good

2022

Director

Manuel Calvo

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Champions stands out by shifting the focus away from traditional sports dramas. Instead of highlighting elite athletic performance, the film uses neurodivergent characters as the main catalysts for the protagonist's moral development. The narrative effectively disrupts the power dynamics between 'abled' and 'disabled' characters. These characters are not passive; they actively shape the coach's perspective through empathy and humor. While the film excels in representing disabilities, it stays within conventional gender and LGBTQ+ frameworks. It primarily focuses on male-dominated social and professional spaces.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Champions have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film adheres to a traditional framework without explicitly featuring LGBTQ+ characters. It avoids derogatory stereotypes but does not prominently feature non-cisgender identities.

How does Champions portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on male-dominated sports environments. It challenges the hyper-masculine 'alpha' stereotype by showing how the protagonist's aggression becomes a liability.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Champions?

Fair

The film showcases a typical contemporary European cast. The narrative emphasizes neurodiversity rather than specific racial or ethnic plotlines.

How does Champions represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques the high-pressure culture of professional sports. It highlights communal values and emotional connections over individual success.

Does Champions include disability representation?

Excellent

The film's standout feature is its focus on characters with intellectual disabilities as key drivers of the plot. Casting actors with actual disabilities enhances their authentic roles.

Present on Screen

  • Strong disability representation that centers neurodivergent characters
  • Authentic casting of actors with actual disabilities
  • Effective challenge of the hyper-masculine 'alpha' stereotype
  • Meaningful exploration of social reintegration and empathy

Limited or Absent

  • Lack of explicit LGBTQ+ representation or non-cisgender narratives
  • Heavy reliance on male-dominated social and professional spaces
  • Limited focus on racial or ethnic diversity within the cast

Official Synopsis

Khaled is the assistant coach of a top Saudi Arabian football team. One day, after a stressful match, his frustration and bad attitude lands him in disciplinary court. He loses his job and is sentenced to the worst possible punishment for his ego: coaching a group of players with intellectual disabilities. Through their innocence, tenderness and plenty of good humor, they will teach Khaled the things that really matter in life.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.