Believe

Believe

Year: 2014

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: David Scheinmann

Drama

In 1980s Manchester, football manager Sir Matt Busby hopes to find redemption by mentoring Georgie, an exceptionally talented but troubled 11-year-old player. As Matt guides Georgie and his team, he confronts his past and finds healing through the sport that has been central to his life since the tragic Munich air disaster. It’s a story about second chances and the inspiring ability of football to bring people together.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Believe (2014)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Believe (2014). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1984

The events unfold in the mid-1980s, a time when football and education intersected as routes to opportunity. The era’s education system and local football culture anchor the story in a specific period of English life. The atmosphere reflects a community where talent and ambition meet social and family pressures.

Location

Salford, England

Set in 1984 in Salford near Manchester, the film situates its action in a working-class urban landscape. The local pursuit of football and the pressure of school exams frame the drama. The setting blends street-level grit with the hope of climbing social ladders through sport.

⚽️ Football culture 🏙️ Urban setting 🧱 Industrial city

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:58

Main Characters – Believe (2014)

Meet the key characters of Believe (2014), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Georgie Gallagher

A remarkably talented young footballer whose passion for the game drives his every decision. He pursues a regional cup to prove himself and to secure a scholarship, navigating the pressures of school and his mother's sacrifices. When he steals to raise the entry fee, his faith in adults is shaken and he faces consequences that test his loyalty. Ultimately, his skill and determination lead him to score the winning goal in a moment of personal resolve.

⚽️ Football talent 🧭 Ambition 🕊️ Loyalty 🔒 Trust issues

Erica Gallagher (Natascha McElhone)

Georgie’s widowed mother, trying to keep a roof over their heads while safeguarding his future. She pushes for the prestigious grammar school and finances his education, embodying a fierce blend of love and practicality. Her trust in the process is tested by Georgie’s actions and the hidden mentor behind the scenes. She ultimately supports him through the final, hoping for a hopeful outcome for her son.

🎯 Protective mother 💸 Financial pressure 🛡️ Family-first

Dr Farquar

The strict head of the Lancashire Grammar School for Boys, he represents disciplinary rigor and scholastic expectations. He administers consequences for missteps and orchestrates events like the final moment with the brass band, balancing care with control. His authority frames Georgie’s path, serving as a counterbalance to the more secretive mentorship surrounding the boy.

🎯 Strict authority 🧭 Mentor 🥁 Brass-band patron

Sir Matt Busby (Brian Cox)

The legendary Manchester United manager appears as an elderly, secret mentor who coaches Georgie’s team while keeping his identity under wraps. His behind-the-scenes guidance provides a fatherly influence for Georgie, even as the truth about his fame is kept from the boy. His presence adds a hopeful, aspirational glow to the team’s efforts and to Georgie’s growth.

🏆 Legendary coach 🕵️‍♂️ Secret mentor 🤝 Compassionate figure

Bob (Philip Jackson)

A friend of Busby who helps track down Georgie, amplifying the sense that the boy’s talent has wider recognition. Bob supports the plan to coach the team in secret and stands by Busby’s discreet mentorship. He represents the practical network that surrounds Georgie as he pursues his dream.

🤝 Helpful ally 🗺️ Guide 🧭 Navigator

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:58

Major Themes – Believe (2014)

Explore the central themes of Believe (2014), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Trust & Betrayal

Georgie's relationships are built on trust, but the story reveals secrets that strain those bonds. He discovers that his coach, though well-meaning, carries a public persona that obscures the truth, which shatters the trust between him and his mentors. The revelation of true identity and intentions creates conflict within the team and with Georgie's mother. Resolution comes through honesty and a pivotal moment on the field that redefines loyalty.

🎯 Ambition & Talent

Georgie's raw football talent drives the plot and raises the stakes for everyone involved. The pursuit of the regional cup becomes a test of character, not just skill, pushing him to confront choices between loyalty and personal success. The support from Busby—albeit hidden—amplifies the tension between mentorship and fame. The final victory hinges on a combination of skill, timing, and determined will.

👪 Family & Mentorship

Erica's love and practical concerns anchor the story, showing how a mother's hopes shape her son's path. She fights to fund his education while also urging him to seize opportunities on the football pitch. The mentorship of Sir Matt Busby—though kept secret—offers a surrogate father figure that contrasts with Dr Farquar's disciplined authority. The team’s journey culminates in a moment that honors family and the bonds that guide Georgie.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:58

Unlock the Full Story of Believe

Don't stop at just watching — explore Believe in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Believe is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Believe Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Believe, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Believe Summary

Believe Timeline

Track the full timeline of Believe with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Believe Timeline

Believe Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Believe that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Believe Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Believe

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Believe: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Believe

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