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In the Hands of the Gods (2007) movie poster

Timeline

In the Hands of the Gods (2007) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2007 · 106 mins · English
Directed by
Gabe Turner, Ben Turner
Starring
Paul Wood, Mikey Fisher, Jeremy Lynch, Sami Hall Bassam, Danny Robinson

Five young British freestyle‑football friends embark on a cross‑continental road trip across the Americas, aiming to reach Argentina and meet their idol, Diego Maradona. Along the way they confront challenges, forge deeper bonds, and discover what it truly means to chase a lifelong dream in this coming‑of‑age adventure.

On this page (5)
  1. 1 Events in order (15)
  2. 2 Timeline questions answered
  3. 3 Movie threads
  4. 4 Movies like In the Hands of the Gods
  5. 5 Every angle

15 events in order · contains spoilers

In the Hands of the Gods Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of In the Hands of the Gods (2007) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Freestylers fly to the United States to fund their trip

    Five British freestylers travel to the United States with the aim of raising money for their North American journey. They plan street performances in New York, showcasing tricks in areas like Times Square and Central Park to draw crowds and sponsors.

    Where
    New York, United States
  2. First New York street performances

    The group performs on the streets of New York, attracting crowds and media attention as their skills go on display. The performances set the tone for their ambitious cross-continental trip and help generate publicity.

    Where
    New York City, United States
  3. Memphis and Dallas: halftime entertainment

    Across Memphis and Dallas, they are used as halftime entertainment at FC Dallas matches. The gigs provide crucial earnings and exposure, but the demanding schedule tests their stamina and teamwork.

    Where
    Memphis and Dallas, United States
  4. Money crunch forces a coach to Mexico City

    With funds running low, the group realizes they only have money for two plane tickets. They decide to take a coach toward Mexico City to continue their quest for opportunities in Latin America.

    Where
    United States to Mexico City
  5. Lottery selects Hall and Robinson; Wood steps up

    A lucky-dip announced by strangers determines who continues the journey: Hall and Robinson are chosen. Robinson offers up his spot to Wood, believing Wood is the stronger freestyler, and the two press on toward the next stage.

    Where
    United States/Mexico region
  6. Wood and Hall reach Guatemala

    Wood and Hall head south toward Central America and arrive in Guatemala, where they become part of the evolving odyssey. They stay with a Guatemalan family as they plot the next leg of their travel.

    Where
    Guatemala City, Guatemala
  7. Fisher stays in the US to raise funds

    Back in the United States, Fisher pursues independent gigs and a bar performance to earn money. His persistence pays off as he accumulates enough to buy a plane ticket to Buenos Aires, joining the broader quest from a different route.

    Where
    United States
  8. Guatemala overnight and travel to Rio

    Hall and Wood stay overnight with a Guatemalan family before travelling across the country in a pickup toward La Aurora International Airport for a flight to Rio de Janeiro. Their overland journey continues to push toward Argentina.

    Where
    Guatemala City, Guatemala
  9. Fisher seeks Maradona at La Bombonera

    Fisher travels to La Bombonera, Boca Juniors' stadium in Buenos Aires, hoping to perform for and meet Maradona. He speaks with Maradona's chauffeur and meets Camilla, who assists with translation and logistics.

    Where
    Buenos Aires, Argentina
  10. Buenos Aires leg: media attention and a TV appearance

    Hall and Wood join Fisher in Buenos Aires, drawing a steady crowd and a newspaper article by journalist Daniel Arccuci. They appear on the Fox para todos TV show, which Maradona is known to watch and sometimes call into.

    Where
    Buenos Aires, Argentina
  11. Maradona sleeping delays the meeting

    On the show, Wood delivers an impassioned speech in Spanish directed at Maradona. After the broadcast, Germán Paoloski reveals that Maradona was sleeping and preparing to fly to Peru, leaving the freestylers anxious about potential contact.

    Where
    Buenos Aires, Argentina
  12. A lead to Maradona: Camilla and the airport dash

    The freestylers rush toward the airport in the hope of meeting Maradona, aided by Camilla who speaks to the chauffeur. The driver hints that Maradona would like to meet them at his house, renewing their determination.

    Where
    Ezeiza International Airport area, Buenos Aires
  13. Maradona meets the freestylers at his house

    In a climactic moment, Maradona embraces the freestylers, signs their shirts, and poses for photos before being driven away. The encounter represents a long-awaited dream realized by the group.

    Where
    Maradona's house, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  14. Robinson and Lynch secure two tickets and await their turn

    Having earned enough money for two plane tickets to Buenos Aires, Robinson and Lynch arrive at the airport. They see a broadcast about the others meeting Maradona, and the final image is Robinson smiling at the prospect of what lies ahead.

  15. Ending: a dream realized and future ahead

    The film closes with the freestylers' dream partially fulfilled: some reach Maradona; others still pursue opportunities as the camera lingers on Robinson’s hopeful smile, signaling a future filled with possibilities.

    Where
    Buenos Aires, Argentina

Last updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:37

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Timeline questions answered

In the Hands of the Gods Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of In the Hands of the Gods (2007): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why did Robinson give up his spot to Wood?

Robinson voluntarily gave up his chance to continue the journey because he believed Wood was the stronger freestyler and more deserving of reaching Maradona. When the lucky-dip selected Hall and Robinson to proceed, Robinson stepped back and offered his spot to Wood, who had not been selected.

  • Robinson
  • Wood
  • lucky-dip
  • freestyler
  • sacrifice
Q2

Why did Fisher leave the group?

Fisher became frustrated with Robinson and Lynch, feeling they were not taking the opportunity seriously enough. He decided to strike out on his own, performing at a bar to earn enough money for a plane ticket to Buenos Aires, eventually reaching Argentina via a different route.

  • Fisher
  • left group
  • frustrated
  • solo journey
  • bar performance
Q3

How did they finally meet Maradona?

After appearing on Fox para todos, where Wood delivered an impassioned speech in Spanish directed at Maradona, the freestylers learned Maradona was sleeping and heading to Peru. They rushed toward Ezeiza International Airport, but their translator Camilla informed them Maradona wanted to meet at his house instead. He embraced them, signed their shirts, and posed for photographs.

  • Maradona
  • meeting
  • Fox para todos
  • house
  • final encounter
Q4

How did the lucky-dip selection work?

When the group realized they only had enough money for two plane tickets, two strangers announced a lucky-dip to decide who would continue. Hall and Robinson's names were drawn. Robinson then offered his spot to Wood, believing Wood was the stronger freestyler.

  • lucky-dip
  • lottery
  • tickets
  • selection
  • two tickets
Q5

Why did only some of them meet Maradona?

Fisher, Wood, and Hall reached Buenos Aires first and, through their TV appearance on Fox para todos and Camilla's help, arranged the meeting. Robinson and Lynch eventually earned enough for tickets too but arrived after the meeting had already happened, learning about it through a news report at the airport.

  • Robinson
  • Lynch
  • met Maradona
  • missed meeting
  • timing
Q6

What does the title refer to in relation to Maradona?

The title references Maradona's famous 'Hand of God' goal from the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England. The freestylers performed at Azteca Stadium in Mexico, where this iconic moment occurred, adding a legendary backdrop to their journey.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the journey, they perform at Azteca Stadium, the site of Maradona's famous Hand of God goal.

  • Hand of God
  • title
  • Maradona
  • Azteca Stadium
  • 1986 World Cup
Q7

How did they afford to travel across the Americas?

They funded their journey through street performances in major US cities including New York, Memphis, and Dallas, as well as halftime entertainment at FC Dallas matches. Fisher also worked at a bar to earn extra money for his individual plane ticket to Buenos Aires.

  • money
  • funding
  • performances
  • street performing
  • travel costs
Q8

Why was Maradona their idol?

Maradona is widely considered one of football's greatest players. The five freestylers grew up admiring him and dreamed of meeting the football legend who inspired their passion for the sport.

  • Maradona
  • idol
  • football legend
  • childhood dream
  • inspiration
Q9

Who was Camilla and what was her role?

Camilla acted as their translator and helper throughout their time in Argentina. She assisted Fisher at La Bombonera stadium and later helped facilitate the meeting with Maradona by communicating with his chauffeur.

  • Camilla
  • translator
  • Argentina
  • helper
  • La Bombonera
Q10

Why was their TV appearance important?

Fox para todos was a show Maradona was known to watch and sometimes call into. Their appearance gave them national visibility and directly led to Maradona learning about their quest, ultimately making the meeting possible.

  • Fox para todos
  • TV show
  • Maradona
  • television appearance
Q11

Why did the group split up during the journey?

Financial constraints forced them apart. When they could only afford two plane tickets, the lucky-dip determined who continued. Later, Fisher left due to frustration with the others' commitment, while Hall and Wood traveled together toward Guatemala before reuniting with Fisher in Buenos Aires.

  • group split
  • travel
  • separation
  • Guatemala
  • different routes
Q12

What was the significance of Wood's speech on TV?

Wood delivered an impassioned speech in Spanish directly to Maradona during the Fox para todos broadcast. This moment showcased the group's deep respect and passion for their idol, and it was this appearance that eventually reached Maradona and led to the meeting.

  • Wood
  • speech
  • Spanish
  • Fox para todos
  • passionate plea
Q13

What does the ending scene signify?

Robinson and Lynch finally earn enough for plane tickets and arrive at the airport, where they watch a news report about their friends meeting Maradona. Robinson smiles, showing acceptance and hope for his own future opportunities, leaving the film on an uplifting note.

  • Robinson
  • ending
  • smile
  • airport
  • hopeful future

Movie threads

More Movies Like In the Hands of the Gods, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes In the Hands of the Gods tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Documentaries about chasing a dream like In the Hands of the Gods

Heartfelt documentaries and dramas about young people chasing an ambitious, personal dream. If you enjoyed the hopeful and determined spirit of In the Hands of the Gods, explore these movies about youthful dreamers on ambitious quests. This section features other inspiring documentaries and dramas where friendship and perseverance fuel a journey to achieve a personal goal, capturing that same uplifting and adventurous energy.

  • inspiring
  • youthful
  • determined
  • journey
  • hopeful
  • ambition
  • Tone: hopeful, inspiring
  • Pacing: steady, journey-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Narratives in this thread follow a linear journey structure propelled by a clear, deeply personal goal. The central conflict isn't life-or-death but revolves around overcoming logistical, financial, or personal hurdles, with the focus on character growth, bonding, and the transformative power of the journey itself.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped together because they share a core DNA of hopeful aspiration, a steady travelogue pace, and a focus on the joys and challenges of chasing a dream. They evoke a sense of inspiration and youthful energy, making the viewer feel part of an uplifting adventure.

Movies with friendship and travel like In the Hands of the Gods

Stories where the journey brings people closer, creating lasting bonds through shared adventure. For viewers who loved the cross-continental adventure and strong friendships in In the Hands of the Gods, this list features other films where a road trip strengthens the bonds between characters. Discover more stories with a steady pace, light emotional weight, and a focus on camaraderie and self-discovery on the open road.

  • adventurous
  • camaraderie
  • journey
  • friendship
  • travel
  • youthful
  • Tone: hopeful, adventurous
  • Pacing: steady, linear
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives use the linear progression of a trip—moving from point A to point B—as their primary structure. The external goal provides direction, but the internal arc is about the evolving dynamics within the traveling group. Scenes are often built around shared experiences in new environments, leading to both conflict and deeper understanding.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread are united by their use of travel as a narrative engine for character development. They share a steady, forward-moving pace, a hopeful or lighthearted tone, and a central theme that the journey itself, and the people you share it with, is the real reward.

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Every angle

In the Hands of the Gods (2007) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about In the Hands of the Gods in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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