Is The Referee Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Referee is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 29 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Referee Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2010, The Referee emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Swedish soccer referee Martin Hansson had a successful journey towards his big dream in life, the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Unlike standard genre fare, The Referee attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Referee features a noteworthy lineup led by Martin Hansson . Supported by the likes of Mattias Löw and Pelé , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Referee (2010) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Referee Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Referee is a Documentary, TV Movie film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Referee Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Referee concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to documentary resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the documentary themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Referee reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Referee?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Documentary films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
The Referee Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $25.0K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Referee Budget
The estimated production budget for The Referee is $25.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Referee
- Martin Hansson – Himself
- Mattias Löw – Narrator (voice)
- Pelé – Self
- Thierry Henry – Self
- Arsène Wenger – Self
Top Highlights
Martin HanssonHimself
Mattias LöwNarrator (voice)
PeléSelf
Thierry HenrySelf
Arsène WengerSelf
Anders FriskSelf
Stefan WittbergSelf
Bo KarlssonSelf
Sepp BlatterSelf
Erik NivaSelf
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Referee has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.9/10, and global collection metrics, The Referee stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2010 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Referee movie hit or flop?
The Referee has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Referee worth watching?
The Referee is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Documentary, TV Movie movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Referee online?
The Referee may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.