by: Herb Scribner of HerbsSoccerOffice blog
I watched The Two Escobars for the first time today, and I am so thankful I did so.
As a soccer fan, The Two Escobars hit home where other documentaries wouldn’t. Not only did it show a slew of clips of the world’s sport, but it also displayed something the power that soccer has on a nation.
The film presented a unique form of story-telling that many documentaries don’t show in the current age. At one point it would focus on Andres Escobar and then shift over to Pablo, and show that the two, as opposite as they may appear, have many similarities especially in the way they were brought up and some of the ideals they hold onto. While Pablo’s ideals lead him to murder in order for a greater cause, Andres keeps his ideals on the pitch.
The documentary benefited from showing clips of ongoing games as well. The montage of games that the Colombian team won from 1991-1994 showed just how dominant and impressive the team was. It gave the viewer a clear indication of the skill the team had and showed just how popular and dynamic the Colombians were during that era.
This leads to the ultimate tragedy of the film. Interestingly, when US (and it should be assumed that most who watch the film would route for the US soccer team) defeats Colombia, you feel for the latter and actually see the former as a villain.
I watched the US/Colombia match over the summer when ESPN Classics showed it. I cheered when the US won, for it was such a monumental win in the US’ first hosted World Cup. However, the film showed the opposite side of the pitch, and it was heartbreaking to know how much of an effect that the own-goal had on the history of Colombia.
Seeing Colombia’s rise and fall in soccer in less than two hours shows a unique comparison to soccer in general.
Soccer can take a hold of an entire nation and control its fate. Pablo Escobar loved soccer and often times it drove his political motives, as shown in the film. His death, coupled with the team he favored and the national team he supported, led to the death of Andres and, ultimately, the death of Colombian soccer.
Soccer is the world’s sport, and it often times controls the world. The documentary showed just how much of an effect that sport can have; just how twisted people can become because of how they feel about a team. Politics and soccer intermix on such a constant basis, just like in the film with Pablo and Colombia, that it can lead to revolution, riot, or ultimate pleasure.
I really enjoyed the film. Not only did I learn of a great tragedy and gain some perspective on the other side of the pitch, but I also got to look into the eyes of a man who is often explained to me an evil figure. The Two Escobars teaches viewers to look at the other side of the spectrum; that sometimes things are out of control.
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