Schalke documentary “Back to Ware” – review

Schalke documentary “Back to Ware” – review

During the second division season, Schalke was accompanied by a filming team. The documentary “Zurück zum Wir” provides deep insights and revives emotion. But the really interesting aspects are neglected.

If I searched on social networks to read some fan reactions to Schalke’s documentary “Zurück zum Wir” released about two weeks ago, I’ve seen a mostly satisfied audience.

The six-part documentary, which begins with the day of the descent and the terrible experiences around the rink and ends with the promotional celebration in front of the stadium, received very positive reactions from the blue and white fans.

Indeed, an act has been created that will give each Schalke team the opportunity to relive the highly successful and emotional pre-season. With some defeats, such as painful defeats and the necessary expulsion of Demetrius Grammozis from the coach. With some highs, like the winning streak under Mike Buskins and of course the climb itself.

Basically, everything a fan could wish for. While a neutral viewer can certainly get their money’s worth, for example if they want to understand why this club means so much to people and what power it can unleash, the documentary is of course made primarily for those who at least have a sympathy for the color blue. Royal.

The downside: Just a few exclusive insights, but a lot of scratching on the surface

But the review also includes the necessary criticism: although almost all the important scenes are illuminated, they are often somewhat superficial. Games, which are presented in some sort of memorable synopsis accompanied by dramatic music here and there, make up the majority. They’re the framework – and that’s always the case in other football documentaries.

But it should also serve as a framework and not the main focus. Insights into the cabin are rare. A handful of speeches are shown, but the mood before and after important games is rarely shown. The meetings between the coach and the team met almost no approval.

What fans never see from the outside only happens sporadically. For example, the tensions on the day of the transfer window deadline, or the farce about a malfunctioning scanner causing the commitment to fail. Instead, journalists and many “fans of the cult” get their performance. This completes the framework here and there, but nobody turns it on.

It’s the intimate moments that appear sporadically but are never the focus. The big celebration after the promotion is over, for example after the home win over FC St. Pauli, is hardly a problem.

Synopsis: ‘Back to Us’ as a proper hallmark for S04 fans and sympathizers

One might spoil these days with lavishly designed productions like the ‘All or Nothing’ series, where lengthy speeches, booth problems and one-on-one discussions between important actors can be watched over and over again. If you compare the S04 documentary to this series, it can hardly keep up with the exclusive insights.

But: this is not what “Zurück zum Wir” is. The six episodes relive the season’s successful trajectory. Backed up by internal history or the other and stories about individual players, such as Simon Terodde or Mehmet Aydin. In the end, the documentary is a very great opportunity for Schalker to relive their feelings. However, exciting visions cannot be expected.

All about S04 in 90 minutes:

This article was originally published on 90min.com/de with the name Schalke documentary “Back to Ware” – review chest.

Goal