I Am Zlatan Review: Utterly Brilliant

A tale about the upbringing and rise to stardom of football icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic we bring you our I Am Zlatan review.

I Am Zlatan is the incredible true story of one’s man’s meteoric rise as a football legend. Facing adversity in an urban jungle, a young Zlatan finds salvation in football and soon discovers his remarkable talent.

Rather than just taking the normal documentary route I Am Zlatan is a full feature film about the upbringing and rise to stardom of one Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The film stems from the immensely popular autobiography and is directed by Sweden’s Jens Sjogren.

This coming of age tale goes right back to the beginning as we focus on Zlatan’s more troubled past. His family life, his living situation and of course his rebellious attitude that was hellbent on taking centre stage over his incredible talent.

What would a Zlatan movie be without insane arrogance (confidence) and confrontation between teammates which stemmed from an early age. Exploring his childhood as the son of Slavic immigrants in Malmo’s working-class suburbs all the way up to getting his first footballing contract and his eventual move to Juventus which kickstarted his rise as one of the best footballers of all time.

Dominic Bajraktari Andersson plays him as a child and we explore his teenage years but the film doesn’t come into its own until we see Zlatan playing for his city’s youth team. In this section of the movie until the finale, Zlatan is played by Granit Rushiti who absolutely nails his role with ease.

Rather than training sessions, specific matches and the more footballing side of things, I Am Zlatan takes a more well-rounded approach as we feel we are being told the full story with football almost complimenting things rather than taking centre stage.

Zlatan seemed to be a very misunderstood child and teen, petty theft and altercations having coaches around him forever questioning his attitude and ability to get his head in the game. From selfishly never passing to parents of his teammates wanting him off the team he never came without controversy and this followed him throughout his career.

Working twice as hard to prove his commitment we see Zlatan’s rise through the ranks as well as how his father and mother kept him more grounded.

The story is executed beautifully and whilst a little slow in places it holds your attention long enough to see it out.

From wonderful football cinematography to stellar performances from all the cast I Am Zlatan is a feature to be proud of.

A feature fit for a lion.

Utterly brilliant.

I Am Zlatan review by Sean Evans