The Referees Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Movie Overview: The Referees
| Movie | The Referees |
| Release Year | 2009 |
| Director | Eric Cardot |
| Genre | Documentary |
| Runtime | 77 minutes (1h 17m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Referees (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Documentary.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Referees are led by Howard Webb . The supporting cast, including Manuel Mejuto González and Roberto Rosetti , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Referees stands out as a strong entry in the Documentary genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Documentary narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Referees has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Documentary fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Referees
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2009, The Referees is a Documentary film directed by Eric Cardot. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Howard Webb as Self.
Ending Explained: The Referees
The Referees Ending Explained: How can a few crucial minutes in a football match change the life of an entire family. Directed by Eric Cardot, this 2009 documentary film stars Howard Webb (Self), alongside Manuel Mejuto González as Self, Roberto Rosetti as Self, Michel Platini as Self. Rated 7.1/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of The Referees?
How can a few crucial minutes in a football match change the life of an entire family? How do the "men in black" feel when they are attacked by supporters? Kill the Referee unveils the lives of several professional football referees at the EURO 2008 championship; amongst them, the English referee Howard Webb, who provoked incredible controversy when he gave a penalty to Austria just before the end of the match with Poland, and the Italian Roberto Rosetti, who refereed the final.
Eric Cardot's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Howard Webb (Self)'s journey. How do the "men in black" feel when they are attacked by supporters.
How Does Howard Webb (Self)'s Story End?
- Howard Webb: Howard Webb's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Eric Cardot delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 17m runtime.
- Manuel Mejuto González (Self): Manuel Mejuto González's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Roberto Rosetti (Self): Roberto Rosetti's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Referees Mean?
The ending of The Referees ties together the narrative threads involving Howard Webb. Eric Cardot chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.
The Referees Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Referees Based on a True Story?
No, The Referees is a work of fiction. While the documentary film directed by Eric Cardot and starring Howard Webb may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Referees?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Documentaries films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Howard Webb or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 77 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Referees Parents Guide & Age Rating
2009 AdvisoryWondering about The Referees age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Referees (2009) is 77 minutes (1h 17m). Directed by Eric Cardot, the film runs for 77 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, The Referees is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Referees worth watching?
The Referees is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Referees parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Referees identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Referees (2009)?
The runtime of The Referees (2009) is 77 minutes (approximately 1h 17m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.