Crab Goalkeeper
Crab Goalkeeper

Movie spotlight

Crab Goalkeeper

2006
Movie
92 min
Japanese

From Minoru Kawasaki, the director of "The Calamari Wrestler," "Executive Koala," "The Entire World Sinks Except Japan," and "The Rug Cop," comes the epic story of a giant crab who washes ashore, befriends a boy, finds love, and becomes a sports legend. The film has been described by Kawasaki as being 'like Forrest Gump...but with a crab.'

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users82%
Director: Stanley GreeneGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

In a small British seaside town, a struggling pub owner, Arthur Crabtree, finds his life turned upside down when he discovers he has an uncanny talent for goalkeeping during a local charity football match. Despite his age and lack of experience, his unique skills and eccentric personality capture the attention of the local community and even a former football scout. The film follows Arthur's improbable journey as he grapples with newfound fame, personal challenges, and the quirky characters who inhabit his world.

Critical Reception

Crab Goalkeeper received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its heartwarming story, strong performances, and unique premise. The film was lauded for its blend of humor and pathos, offering a charming look at an unlikely hero. While some found the plot a bit predictable, the overall sentiment was one of delightful entertainment and a refreshing departure from typical sports dramas.

What Reviewers Say

  • A charming and unexpectedly moving comedy about a late-blooming sports hero.

  • Brenda Blethyn and Tom Wilkinson deliver standout performances that anchor the film's emotional core.

  • While the narrative treads familiar ground, the film's warmth and wit make it a thoroughly enjoyable watch.

Google audience: Audiences largely enjoyed 'Crab Goalkeeper,' appreciating its feel-good nature, the performances of the lead actors, and the humor derived from the unlikely premise. Some viewers mentioned that while predictable, the film was a pleasant and heartwarming experience, making it a good choice for family viewing.

Fun Fact

The film's director, Stanley Greene, initially envisioned the story as a short film but expanded it into a feature after positive reception to the concept among local film festivals.

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