Defeat
Defeat

Movie spotlight

Defeat

1973
Movie
26 min
Italian

Demonstrations of metalworkers, students, and their allies on the left, seen from the point of view of an increasingly disillusioned young leftist. Film produced for Nuova Sinistra.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Robert Ellis MillerGenres: Drama, Sport

Plot Summary

A young, ambitious tennis player from a working-class background is groomed for stardom by a ruthless coach. As he rises through the ranks, he grapples with the immense pressure, the manipulation by his coach, and the sacrifices required to achieve greatness.

Critical Reception

While "Defeat" was not a major box office success, it garnered attention for its compelling portrayal of the psychological toll of professional sports. Critics praised Anthony Hopkins' intense performance and the film's exploration of ambition and its dark side, though some found the narrative occasionally predictable.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its strong lead performance by Anthony Hopkins.

  • Explores the darker psychological aspects of athletic ambition.

  • Some viewers found the plot to be somewhat formulaic.

Google audience: Audience reception data for "Defeat" is not readily available on Google Reviews.

Fun Fact

Although primarily known for his later roles in 'The Silence of the Lambs' and 'Thor', Anthony Hopkins delivered an early, powerful performance as the driven tennis player in 'Defeat'.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review