‘Heysel 85’ Review: A Real Soccer Riot Becomes a Tense Political Metaphor

Key Highlights

• Using a combination of staged footage and archival tape, Mihai conjures the era with deft aesthetic control, all while creating a work of commentary that feels distinctly of the now.
• Even though it comes awfully close to tipping its hand, it remains an anxiety-inducing work of cinéma vérité.
• Related Stories Nick Cheung, Chung Suet-ying, Reza Rahadian Lead Hong Kong HAF's Work-in-Progress Lineup Brian Tse, Alireza Ghasemi, Tayfun Pirselimoglu Projects Among Hong Kong HAF's Final Slate Beginning with a montage of news footage from the day — the notorious May 1985 European Cup final between Italian club Juventus and English rivals Liverpool — the film’s open text informs viewers, or rather warns them, that disturbing historical images may follow.
• The official record seamlessly gives way to Mihai’s documentary-style 16mm footage, as a Belgium-based Italian reporter, Luca (Matteo Simoni), interviews an enthusiastic young Juventus fan for the radio, a boy who turns out to be Luca’s younger brother.
• The chaotic sounds of fans streaming into Heysel Stadium cross-pollinates between the real and unreal footage, creating an enveloping atmosphere.