Saipan
Sunrise Films | Release Date: March 13, 2026 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
68
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews
Positive:
6
Mixed:
4
Negative:
0

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
80
Time OutPhil de SemlyenJan 22, 2026
Finally, someone has returned to The Damned United’s cunning formula for a good football movie: don’t show any football. Read full review
80
Radio TimesJeremy AspinallJan 21, 2026
Of course, if you are not steeped in football lore or are no particular fan of the game, you might consider Saipan a film for sports enthusiasts only. However, thanks to fabulous performances and a witty, perceptive script that’s more concerned with the game of life than the game itself, it has something for everybody. Read full review
80
ColliderEmma KielyOct 20, 2025
Instead of glorifying men at the top of their game (well, at least Keane), it’s a fascinating, funny, and smart breakdown of how one argument served as a microcosm for centuries of conflict, cultural values, and men’s egos. Read full review
80
Screen DailyAllan HunterSep 13, 2025
Even those with little interest in the beautiful game should be entertained by Saipan, a breezily engaging narrative. Read full review
80
The GuardianBenjamin LeeSep 13, 2025
At a game-length 91 minutes, Saipan smartly comes and goes with speed (for all of its anger, it’s also a breezy, funny time) but it’s the rare football movie that’s worth a replay. Read full review
75
TheWrapMatthew CreithSep 13, 2025
Hardwicke and Coogan are tremendously talented actors who give Roy and Mick, respectively, a story worth exploring. Read full review
60
The TelegraphRobbie CollinJan 23, 2026
It’s a watchable national identity crisis in microcosm. Read full review
60
The GuardianPeter BradshawJan 21, 2026
An amusing vignette. Read full review
60
The Irish TimesDonald ClarkeSep 13, 2025
For all the good work, however, the film fails to fully capture the madness of the response at home. Read full review
50
The PlaylistGregory EllwoodSep 17, 2025
Both actors are superb, but the problem is that history isn’t really on their side. The incidents depicted in “Saipan” were dramatic in 2002, especially in the sports arena, and to a fixated Irish public who took sides. But two decades later, it all lands with a thud. Read full review
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