15 Best Documentaries Of 2020
4. Finding Jack Charlton
Of all those we’ve lost in 2020, few deaths will have hit English and Irish football fans than that of Jack Charlton. The towering centre back won trophies with England and Leeds as a player, and went on to win Irish hearts as the manager of the national side for a remarkable decade. Beyond that, Charlton was a character and a gentleman, with little tolerance for nonsense but strong, unshakable principles.
The links between association football and dementia have been in focus this year with many other greats (including Jack’s brother Bobby) afflicted, and this documentary shines a harsh light on the predicament of sufferers. The initial intention was to make a documentary about Charlton’s time with Ireland, but focus was shifted when the severity of his condition became clear.
Instead we have a moving, heartbreaking, ultimately triumphant documentary about a legend of the game. To see the contrast between Jack the giant, a great raconteur and physical force, and the elderly Jack suffering from this horrific disease is shocking, but his impact will be felt forever.