Death of a Gentleman review: cricket’s uncomfortable future affectingly investigated ★★★★★

Impassioned documentary by two friends delves into the murky underwater of modern-day cricket, and finds a sport at war with itself.

It is test cricket – the oldest form of the ‘Gentleman’s Game’ – that filmmakers Sam Collins and Jarrod Kimber fear is on its knees, and they set out to find out why, initially focusing on the rapid rise of Twenty20 cricket in India – a shortened form of cricket where each team has a single innings. 

The paradoxical world of cricket

As their net widens and the pair travel the globe speaking to some of the most influential policy-makers and observers in the sport, they begin to realise the problem’s roots are deep and dangerous. And it's no surprise that money lies at the core of the crisis. Fans are exploited and the ‘lesser’ Test nations are intimidated in the name of self-preservation; untapped markets remain untapped. Good governance is frighteningly absent, greed is all too prominent.

Death of a Gentleman film review ★★★★★ 

Despite the sad truth at the film's core, the two journalists’ enduring love for the long form of the game – and the unique scope it offers – remains supported by many of those whom they interview. The enjoyable (and beautifully shot) sideshow of one batsman’s ascent to the top of his profession also brings hope amidst the bleakness: welcome respite for any cricket fan who watches this powerful documentary. A truthful and passionate exploration of a sport many fear is falling into the abyss.