Is November 16 Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of November 16 (2015), audiences are invited back into the world of TV Movie, Documentary. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "After 32 years of heartache, bitterness and despair, it took just seconds for Guus Hiddink to exude a rare sense of calmness in the Socceroos dressing room. Four years prior to the now famous night on November 16, 2005, a fragile Australian team had been bullied off the park by Uruguay in its quest to finally break its World Cup drought. Intimidated from the moment they touched down in Montevideo in 2001, spat on by locals and then roared off the park by 60,000 manic fans in the Estadio Centenario, they had barely stood a chance. Now older, more mature and — with Hiddink in charge — more professional, things would be different four years on. That change in mentality flows through November 16, a gripping documentary from Richard Bayliss and Ben Coonan that depicts the Socceroos’ journey from West Germany in 1974 to the moment John Aloisi’s crisp spot kick struck the back of Fabian Carini’s net."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. John Aloisi shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good TV Movie. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is November 16 worth your time? If you appreciate TV Movie, Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2015, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, November 16 is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 59 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.