Film Feature: Coach (Тренер)

Published on: March 19, 2018 By Drew

Coach (Russian: Тренер, Trener) is a 2018 Russian sports drama film directed by and starring Danila Kozlovsky. The film follows Yuri Stoleshnikov, a star footballer for the Russian national team, who misses a crucial penalty kick during an important match. Facing intense public criticism, he decides to retire from professional football. Seeking redemption, Stoleshnikov becomes the head coach of a small, struggling football club named "Meteor" in a provincial town. Through his journey, he not only revitalizes the team but also undergoes personal growth, confronting his past mistakes and rediscovering his passion for the sport.

The film explores themes of failure, redemption, and the transformative power of mentorship. It was released in Russia on April 19, 2018, and received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Kozlovsky's performance and direction, while others found the storyline predictable. Despite the mixed critical reception, Coach performed well at the box office, grossing over 900 million rubles against a budget of 390 million rubles.