Kill Octopus Paul
The film was originally named as “Ran Qing Shi Jie Bei” (The Legend of World Cup), but director Xiao Jiang changed the name when the famous octopus in Germany named Paul became a global sensation when he correctly predicted the outcome of all Germany games in the recent football World Cup as well as the result of the World Cup final. “We planned several topics to shoot about, like black horses, prediction results, gambling, misjudges, terrorism and football hooligans. And we chose to shoot the prediction results when the amazing prophet Paul appeared,” said Xiao Jiang. Xiao Jiang said they have sent invitations to the aquarium in Germany inviting Paul to attend the film premiere in China. The octopus appearing in this film is an ‘actor’ who looks similar to Paul.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary chronicles the unique phenomenon of Paul the Octopus, a cephalopod who gained international fame for his uncanny ability to predict the outcomes of football matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The film explores his rise to stardom, the scientific curiosity surrounding his predictions, and the global fascination with his every move.
Critical Reception
The documentary was met with generally positive reviews, with critics praising its novelty and the engaging story of Paul's unexpected celebrity. While not a major box office hit, it found an audience interested in the feel-good nature of the story and the unusual intersection of animal behavior and popular sporting events.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its charming and unique subject matter.
- Appreciated for its lighthearted take on a viral sports phenomenon.
- Some found it to be a bit thin in terms of narrative depth.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the endearing nature of Paul and the fun, quirky aspect of his predictions. Many viewers enjoyed the lighthearted entertainment and the novelty of the story.
Fun Fact
Paul the Octopus's "predictions" were reportedly based on him choosing between two boxes, each containing a food treat, marked with the flag of the competing nations. His success rate led to him becoming a cultural icon during the World Cup.
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