Movie spotlight
Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos
In the 1970s the North American Soccer League marked the first attempt to introduce soccer to American sports fans. While most teams had only limited success at best, one managed to break through to genuine mainstream popularity - the New York Cosmos. The brainchild of Steve Ross (Major executive at Warner Communications) and the Ertegun brothers (Founders of Atlantic Records), the Cosmos got off to a rocky start in 1971, but things changed in 1975 when the world's most celebrated soccer star, the Brazilian champion Pele, signed with the Cosmos for a five-million-dollar payday. With the arrival of Pele, the Cosmos became a hit and the players became the toast of the town, earning their own private table at Studio 54. A number of other international soccer stars were soon lured to the Cosmos, including Franz Beckenbauer, Rodney Marsh, and Carlos Alberto, but with the turn of the decade, the team began losing favor with fans and folded in 1985.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary chronicles the rise and fall of the New York Cosmos, the North American Soccer League (NASL) team that, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, captured the imagination of a nation and the global attention of football legends. It details their ambitious vision, the recruitment of international superstars like Pelé, and their ultimate struggle to maintain relevance.
Critical Reception
Once in a Lifetime was generally well-received by critics for its compelling narrative and nostalgic look at a unique period in American sports history. Reviewers often praised its ability to convey the excitement and cultural impact of the Cosmos, while also acknowledging the inherent drama of their eventual demise.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its engaging storytelling and insightful look at a captivating era of soccer in America.
Hailed as a nostalgic trip for soccer fans and a fascinating look at an ambitious sports experiment.
Appreciated for its inclusion of legendary players and the compelling drama of the team's brief but impactful existence.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews and their summary is not readily available for this documentary.
Fun Fact
The documentary features footage from an actual 1977 New York Cosmos game broadcast in Brazil, where the legendary Pelé was still a national hero.
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