Death of a Gentleman

Death of a Gentleman is a powerful documentary film that delves into the world of cricket and the issues that beleaguer this beloved sport. Released in 2015, the film features Jonathan Agnew, David Becker, and Giles Clarke, sharing deep insights, anecdotes, and expert perspectives to outline the state of cricket. The best part about the documentary is that it isn’t limited to die-hard cricket lovers alone but appeals to a global audience who appreciates an engaging narrative of power, corruption, and the battle to save an institution.

The documentary is crafted by two passionate cricket journalists, Sam Collins and Jarrod Kimber who embarked on a journey to understand the reasons behind the declining interest in Test cricket games. Their investigation preferentially started with the mission to explore the gradual fall of test matches as T20 games surged in popularity, especially the Indian Premier league (IPL). During this sojourn, they come across a web of political drama, business deals and corporate greed that threatens the integrity of the sport itself.

Jonathan Agnew, an English cricket broadcaster and a former professional cricketer, adds his learned perspective to the situation. Similarly, David Becker, who was formerly the head of legal department of International Cricket Council (ICC), reveals startling information about the power dynamics within these administrative bodies. Giles Clarke, the former chairman of England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), also adds to the complexity of the narrative with his insights.

The film makes a compelling case for the remodelling of cricket’s governing bodies, the ICC and the big three boards: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Cricket Australia (CA). Each of these boards has consistently wielded their power to prioritize profits over the spirit and future of the game.

The direction is crisp and resolute, focusing more on the narrative and its implications rather than merely stating facts. It skillfully integrates a plethora of interviews, game clips, and personal experiences to tell a compelling story of a sport's high-stake battles.

In its essence, the Death of a Gentleman is not just an exploration of the current cricket scenario but rather an investigation on how the democracy of a sport can be threatened by the very bodies responsible for nurturing it. It gives passionate fans a peek behind the curtains - depicting the harsh realities marred by politics and corruption. The documentarians engage in a riveting storytelling style, often supplementing their narratives with firsthand experiences, visuals, and interviews.

The film also kickstarted the #ChangeCricket movement online, promoting transparency and fair play in cricket management worldwide. It's more than a sports documentary - it’s a social commentary about how institutions can be manipulated by those in power, compromising the very principles they stand for.

In just under 100 minutes, Death of a Gentleman manages to take viewers through an emotional roller coaster. The twists and turns challenge the views of cricket lovers worldwide and inform them about the challenges faced by this popular sport. From the blues of power politics to the determination and fight to save the game, the storytelling keeps the viewers hooked and prompts them to take a stance.

The name itself, Death of a Gentleman, is a poignant emphasis on the sport of cricket which has always been referred to as the 'Gentlemen's Game'. It metaphorically draws attention to the film’s central theme: is cricket losing its integrity, and if so, what needs to be done to save it?

The film is a must-watch for not just cricket enthusiasts, but anyone who appreciates hard-hitting reality checks about the corrupt practices seeping into the heart of major institutions worldwide. It beautifully narrates a tragic tale of power and greed, serving as a call to action for fans to reclaim the sport they love so much. It’s a testament to the game of cricket - a gentleman’s game that needs to be protected from the perils of power and politics. Death of a Gentleman stands as a call for the game's democratic restructuring for the love of the sport, fair play, and, importantly, its future.