The upcoming release of the Saipan movie has certainly piqued the interest of Irish sports fans.

One of the most infamous incidents in Irish sporting history has been put to film, with Steve Coogan and Éanna Hardwicke playing Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane, respectively.

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The ins and outs of the 2002 World Cup fallout have been documented ad nauseam in the 23 years since, but they have never been depicted in such a dramatic fashion.

Some fans have expressed doubts as to whether the movie will live up to the hype. However, after the film’s premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, it seems like expectations may now be raised.

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The first reviews of Saipan are very encouraging

The first reviews of Saipan from the Toronto Film Festival are very encouraging for Irish football fans.

Thursday evening saw the film receive its first public airing at the famous Canadian festival, but Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane were not in attendance. Speaking after the world premiere, co-director Glenn Leyburn told the gathered audience that Mick and Roy both ‘respectfully declined’ to watch the film.

Judging by the reviews, they may be going against the grain. Several Irish publications had critics in attendance, with the first reviews quite encouraging.

RTÉ’s Evelyn O’Rourke gave the film 4/5, saying, “Watching Saipan is like going to your nearest airport and stepping on a plane that brings you straight back into the summer of 2002.

O’Rourke paints a vivid picture of what fans can expect, and describes both of the two leading performances as “extraordinary” and “never cartoonish.”

From the opening sequence, the two actors reel you into their worlds, and it is a joy of a journey.

The Irish Independent’s header describes the film as an “unexpected treat,” with Chris Wasser also rating the film 4/5.

Wasser mentions the film’s intimate depiction of pre-recession Ireland, something that will surely resonate deeply with viewers who lived through the Saipan era.

Describing Saipan as “funny and entertaining,” Wasser says that the film’s stars perfectly toe the line between caricature and character study.

All very encouraging so far, and film website Screen Daily, too, were big fans.

“Even those with little interest in the beautiful game should be entertained by Saipan,” reads Screen Daily’s review, which teases an exciting soundtrack on top of the previously mentioned acting nods.

Both the Irish Times and Examiner were slightly cooler on the film, but both still delivered 3/5 ratings and highlight the “good work” being done by the actors on duty and the soundtrack department.

We will have to wait a while before Saipan hits Irish screens (it has its UK premiere next month), but it seems like fans of Irish film and sport will have plenty to look forward to.

And, perhaps, the 23-year-old “Keane or McCarthy?” question might grow legs in the coming months.

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