Seve The Movie DVD and Blu-ray Review

4 stars for this fascinating docu-drama about the great Severiano Ballesteros.

This latest biography is written by Tom Hodgson and directed by John-Paul Davidson (Stephen Fry In America, Brazil With Michael Palin).

The way in which it is presented is quite unusual, but very interesting and works really well. It takes the form of stock footage of many of Seve’s finest performances (and some of his worst) in chronological order, as one might expect, but this is all interspersed with the story of his childhood, performed by actors, in the form of a film.

They have kept the colour balance as it was for the stock footage, which is really good, as it shows the contrast and gives a better feel of the era.

The young Seve is played by José Luis Gutiérrez, a young golfer who, at only 15 years old, is a rising star in Spanish golf. He is perfectly cast for the role and for a first timer he is a natural in front of the camera.

Through him, we see the difficulties faced by Seve in his attempts to learn how to play his favourite game and to be accepted for what he is, an extremely talented and focused individual.

Seve The Movie is set in his home region of Pedreña in Cantabria and shows us his home life. Growing up as the son of a farmer, Seve was first introduced to golf by his brothers, who worked as caddies at the local golf club.

After his brothers find the head of a three iron at the club, they give it to Seve, who then uses it to build his own club so that he can spend hours and hours every day at the beach practicing. Even later in his illustrious career he would revert to his three iron, because he knew there was no shot he couldn’t play with it.

Although his school work suffers as a result of his obsession with his sport, his family support him as much as they can and his talent is spotted by the members of the gold club, most notably Dr. Santiago, who ultimately assists him in turning professional.

What shines through more than anything else in this heartwarming and sometimes emotional look at the life of Seve is the sheer charisma and force of personality that he brought to the game that he loved so much and which made him the legend that he is today. Three years after his death, he is still sorely missed and yet golf has been greatly changed for the better through his being a part of it.

There is lots of commentary from fellow golfers, including Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Jose-Maria Olazabel, his Ryder Cup Partner, as well as a fascinating “Making Of” special feature and throughout it all, the familiar and comforting voice of Peter Alliss.

A must own for all golf fans and may bring a new perspective for those who are yet to discover it.

“I want to be a golfer, not a weightlifter!”