For the Matches
For the Matches

Movie spotlight

For the Matches

1980
Movie
100 min
Finnish

In Eastern Finland, in Liperi to be exact, Anna-Liisa Ihalainen asks her husband Antti to get some matches from the Ihalainen household. Unfortunately that trip takes a little longer than expected...

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes55%
Metacritic58/100
Google Users70%
Director: Robert MulliganGenres: Drama, Sports

Plot Summary

A former tennis star, now a struggling coach, is given a chance to redeem himself by guiding a talented but undisciplined young player. As they work towards a major tournament, their relationship becomes complicated by personal issues and the pressures of professional sports. The coach must confront his own past failures to help his protégé succeed.

Critical Reception

For the Matches received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics praised the performances of the lead actors, particularly Roy Scheider, and the film's realistic portrayal of the world of professional tennis. However, some found the plot to be formulaic and predictable, and the pacing occasionally sluggish. Audience reception was generally lukewarm.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its strong lead performances and authentic depiction of the sport.

  • Criticized for a predictable narrative and uneven pacing.

  • Ultimately a serviceable sports drama that doesn't break new ground.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the compelling performances and the engaging sports elements, finding it a solid drama. Some viewers felt the storyline could have been more original, but overall, it was considered an enjoyable watch.

Fun Fact

The film utilized real professional tennis players as doubles for the actors in some of the more demanding match scenes.

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