Any other director would have probably made a typical “white savior” story out of the American Samoa football team’s incredible win against Tonga during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers back in 2011, but thanks to both his Indigenous roots and his directorial skill, Taika Waititi has managed to avoid that in Next Goal Wins. However, only someone like Waititi, who has a penchant for telling strange but very powerful “humane” stories, would choose a topic like this. The “white savior” here is football coach Thomas Rongen, who made it happen for the American Samoans. Michael Fassbender plays the part with the utmost earnestness, but Waititi makes sure that the film remains about the Samoan people, the culture, and their achievements. Next Goal Wins does have all the usual sports film clichés, but Taika has infused it with his signature style of humour. The result is not exactly promising like his earlier films,...