Sometimes you’ve got to follow your heart. It’s a simple message and filmmaker Khoa Do makes no apologies for the upbeat tone of his sophomore film. Couched in two great Australian staples – football and family – he tackles a number of themes with a gentle touch. Foremost is the notion of doing what’s right, which for Luc Vu (Do) is no easy task. Lost somewhere in the welfare system and in danger of loosing his younger sister to authorities, he sees an opportunity to cut through by winning a football competition. If he does, it means steady work and a chance to hold his fragile family together. First stop, get a team. Where to look? Your mates.

Much more than another Full Monty, Footy Legends captures the hopeful beat of Sydney’s western suburbs by painting a grim neighbourhood in eternal sunshine. The heart of the story is heart, and while some moments are overplayed, the kernel of sibling love is the glue that sticks. Here is a more conventional film than Do’s The Finished People and it shows the filmmaker ripening well. Both dramatic structure and performances are well anchored, and while he doesn’t exactly break new ground, Do adds some bite to a familiar tale about underdogs. He’s ably supported by his brother Anh who carries the film with an infectious charm. Foremost, this is a feel-good film and it is certainly Anh’s strongest suit. Sampson, Claudia Karvan and relative newcomer Jason McGoldrick round out the team of misfits who take an Aussie dream and bring it home in rousing style.

// COLIN FRASER