ComedyFamilyDrama

Champions

- When winning isn't everything

A disgraced basketball coach is given the chance to coach Los Amigos, a team of players who are intellectually disabled, and soon realizes they just might have what it takes to make it to the national championships.

Release Date : 2018-04-06

Language :Spanish

Adult : false

Status : Released

Production Company : Películas PendeltonMorena FilmsMovistar+Realizaciones Sol S.A.TVEUniversal PicturesLatido Films

Production Country : Spain

Alternative Titles :

Cast

Character Name : Marco

Original Name : Javier Gutiérrez

Gender : Male

Character Name : Sonia

Original Name : Athenea Mata

Gender : Male

Character Name : Julio

Original Name : Juan Margallo

Gender : Male

Character Name : Juanma

Original Name : José de Luna

Gender : Male

Character Name : Sergio

Original Name : Sergio Olmo

Gender : Male

Character Name : Marin

Original Name : Jesús Vidal

Gender : Male

Character Name : Collantes

Original Name : Gloria Ramos

Gender : Male

Character Name : Benito

Original Name : Alberto Nieto Fernández

Gender : Male

Character Name : Fabián

Original Name : Julio Fernández

Gender : Male

Character Name : Jesús

Original Name : Jesús Lago

Gender : Male

Character Name : Paquito

Original Name : Fran Fuentes

Gender : Male

Character Name : Román

Original Name : Roberto Chinchilla

Gender : Male

Character Name : Manuel

Original Name : Stefan López

Gender : Male

Character Name : Amparo

Original Name : Luisa Gavasa

Gender : Female

Character Name : Compañero de Sonia

Original Name : Luis Bermejo

Gender : Male

Character Name : Carrascosa

Original Name : Daniel Freire

Gender : Male

Character Name : Iván

Original Name : Mariano Llorente

Gender : Male

Character Name : Jueza

Original Name : Laura Barba

Gender : Female

Character Name : Jefe de Benito

Original Name : Vicente Gil

Gender : Male

Character Name : Madre de Jesús

Original Name : Itziar Castro

Gender : Female

Character Name : Abogado de Marco

Original Name : Yiyo Alonso

Gender : Male

Character Name : Conductor autobús Cuenca

Original Name : Chani Martín

Gender : Male

Character Name : Walter

Original Name : Waldemar Vidalón

Gender : Male

Character Name : Presidente CB Estudiantes

Original Name : Pedro Civera

Gender : Male

Reviews

badelf

@badelf

2024-12-30

"Campeones": A Heart-Warming Spanish Gem That Scores Big You know those films that come out of nowhere and just knock your socks off? "Campeones" (Champions) is exactly that kind of delightful surprise. This 2018 Spanish comedy had me grinning from ear to ear throughout its entire runtime. The story follows Marco, played brilliantly by Javier Gutiérrez, a second-tier basketball coach with a chip on his shoulder and some clearly unresolved issues. After a meltdown where he shoves the head coach during a game, our hot-headed protagonist finds himself in hot water with the law. The judge's creative sentence? Three months coaching a basketball team of players with intellectual disabilities. What could have been a recipe for cheap laughs or condescending storytelling turns into something truly special, thanks to screenwriter David Marqués and director Javier Fesser's thoughtful approach. Their masterstroke was casting actual people with intellectual disabilities as the team members – none of whom had acted before. And wow, does it pay off! The authenticity they bring to their roles is impossible to fake, creating an ensemble that feels genuinely real and incredibly endearing. There's also a romantic subplot weaving through the main story, giving the film that rom-com feel without overwhelming the central narrative. But the real romance here is watching Marco's transformation from a self-centered hothead into someone who genuinely cares about his team and their development – both on and off the court. Gutiérrez deserves special mention for his performance. His character arc from jerk to mensch is beautifully nuanced, never feeling forced or sudden. He manages to make Marco's growth feel earned and authentic, which is no small feat. While there have been remakes of this film, do yourself a favor and watch the original. The magic created by this unique cast simply can't be replicated. It's the real deal – a warm, funny, and genuinely touching film that earns every laugh and tear honestly. Sometimes the best comedies are the ones that make you feel something while you're laughing. "Campeones" hits that sweet spot perfectly.