KING OTTO
US/Greece, 2021, 82 minutes, Colour.
Otto Rehhegel.
Directed by Christopher Andre Marks.
Yes, this is a bit of history. But, no, it does not take us back into the European past when kings were called Otto. Rather, this is the story of Star German football player and coach, Otto Rehehgel.
For football fans, this is an obvious must. For Otto Rehhegel fans, they will not be disappointed. For those who don’t follow football or the World Cup in great detail, an enjoyable sports film. And, for those who do not follow soccer/football at all, but are devoted to their own codes, the Rugby and Australian Rules, they probably will not be sorry if they happen to see King Otto.
But, for Greek audiences, whether in Greece or in the Greek communities around the world – probably more than a must!
The film introduces an interview with Otto Rehhegel, filmed in the year that he turned 80. (Those in who enjoy historical flashbacks, there is extensive footage of Otto’s life during World War II, the bombing of his native city Essen and, his skills as a child with sport, his spectacular career as a German player.) He is certainly good advertisement for a healthy sports life. The interview material is interspersed throughout the film along with the interviews with his assistant, Greek origins, growing up in Germany, serving as a football agent, able to bridge the language gap between Otto and the Greek players. He is a pleasantly, genial personality. And, there are quite a number of interviews with the Greek players reflecting on their experience with Otto, from hesitation, wariness, to admiration. And there is a lot of television footage of the period.
And, of course, there is a great deal of play included in the film, much of it exhilarating for the fans.
However, the drama of the film is the story of the Greek national team, certainly considered underdogs (or even a lower level). While there were talented players, they were haphazard in their behaviour and training, often more interested in social life, the local population not particularly interested in then.
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When the Greek football management hired Otto Rehhegel, it was something of an achievement – however, not working well initially. Otto had no Greek. And he had the Germanic attitude. Which included not immediate empathy for Greek culture and the more relaxed Greek way of life. He made the wise choice in hiring his assistant who is able to translate (not literally) Otto’s commands. Gradually, there was a building up of confidence, teamwork, especially for the entry into the 2004 World Cup.
And, here is the full drama of the film, the first match against Portugal, the host country, and a win. And then further matches, France (with Zadine and Ronaldo), Czech Republic. All fans would know the result, and nonfans are anticipating the impossible. And, this is what happens in the final match, once again against Portugal. Rejoicing, national pride – and the realisation of how significant in European countries, at least, is this kind of achievement in sport.
This is what King Otto offers as a film – and what it achieves.
