Sons of Ben is a heartwarming documentary film that chronicles the journey of a group of soccer fans who, out of sheer passion for the sport, start a movement that eventually leads to the creation of the Philadelphia Union, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team. The film is set in the early 2000s, at a time when soccer in the United States was still struggling to gain a foothold in the mainstream sports industry dominated by football, basketball, and baseball. It follows the story of a group of soccer enthusiasts, known as the Sons of Ben, who come together to support a team far away from home - the MLS team, the Columbus Crew.
However, despite their unwavering support for the Crew, the Sons of Ben realized that they wanted a team of their own, one that would represent their city, their identity, and their passion for the sport. With that goal in mind, they set out on a mission to bring a professional soccer team to Philadelphia.
The film captures the spirit of camaraderie among the Sons of Ben, who are brought together by their collective love for soccer. As they begin to organize themselves to lobby for a team, they face numerous challenges, including skepticism from the MLS management, and lack of funding.
What's remarkable about this story is the tenacity of this group of fans, who persist despite the obstacles, both financial and administrative. They launch innovative campaigns, such as the 'Join or Die' billboard, which becomes a symbol of their determination to make their dream of a Philadelphia soccer team a reality.
As the movement gains momentum, it begins to garner support from unexpected quarters. The film features interviews with key figures, including MLS commissioner Don Garber, who recognizes the potential of the Sons of Ben, and provides crucial support to their efforts.
As the Philadelphia Union begins to take shape, the film documents the excitement and anticipation among the Sons of Ben, as they see their hard work pay off.
Perhaps the most engaging aspect of Sons of Ben is the human element. The film intersperses interviews with members of the Sons of Ben, who provide insight into their personal stories and motivations. We see how soccer has become a unifying force for these individuals, who come from different backgrounds and walks of life.
The film also captures the spirit of community among the Sons of Ben, who extend their reach beyond soccer. They organize charitable events, and even establish a scholarship fund for underprivileged children. It's clear that for these fans, soccer is not just a sport, but a means to make a positive impact in their community.
Overall, Sons of Ben is a compelling narrative of a group of passionate fans who defy the odds to bring a professional soccer team to their city. It's a story of perseverance, ambition, and the power of collective action.
The film is skillfully directed by Jeffrey C. Bell, who artfully weaves together footage from soccer games, interviews with key figures, and personal stories of the Sons of Ben. The result is a documentary that is both entertaining and inspiring, and one that will resonate with anyone who has ever been part of a fandom or grassroots movement.
In short, Sons of Ben is a must-watch for soccer fans, sports enthusiasts, and anyone who has ever dared to dream big. It's a story of how a shared passion can bring people together, and how that collective energy can create positive change in the world.
Sons of Ben is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.
