The Referee (2013)
A sharp Italian comedy about an overly ambitious soccer referee navigating the fierce rivalries of small-town Sardinian football.
The Referee - Movie Information
- Original Title: L'arbitro
- Release Year: 2013
- Directed by: Paolo Zucca
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Original Language: SC
- Spoken Languages: Italian, Sardinian
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 12, 2013 (Italy)
- Alternative Titles: Ο Διαιτητής (GR)
- Production Companies: Classic, BD Cine, RAI
- Production Countries: Italy, Argentina
The Referee - Plot
An ambitious soccer referee ends up handling a crucial match between two small Sardinian teams.
The Referee - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits in this Sardinian comedy:
Where to Watch The Referee
Looking for where to watch The Referee?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Referee - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paolo Zucca
Main Cast
- Stefano Accorsi
- Geppi Cucciari
- Jacopo Cullin
- Francesco Pannofino
- Benito Urgu
- Marco Messeri
- Alessio Di Clemente
- Grégoire Oestermann
- Franco Fais
- Luigina Vacca
Writers
- Paolo Zucca
- Barbara Alberti
The Referee - FAQs
Where can you stream or watch The Referee?
The Referee is available to stream for free with ads on Tubi TV. It can also be rented or purchased digitally on Amazon Video. Availability may vary by region, so checking JustWatch is recommended for the most current streaming options near you.
Who are the main actors in The Referee?
The Referee stars Stefano Accorsi as Cruciani, the ambitious referee at the story's center, alongside Geppi Cucciari as Miranda and Jacopo Cullin as Matzutzi. The supporting cast includes Francesco Pannofino, Benito Urgu, Marco Messeri, and Grégoire Oestermann.
What is The Referee about?
The Referee follows an overly ambitious soccer referee who is assigned to officiate a high-stakes match between two small, fiercely competitive teams in Sardinia. The film blends sharp comedy with a satirical look at Italian football culture, local rivalries, and the absurdity of sporting officialdom.
Is The Referee based on a true story?
No, The Referee is not based on a true story. It is an original fictional comedy written by director Paolo Zucca and co-writer Barbara Alberti. The film draws inspiration from the broader culture of Italian grassroots football and the distinctive character of Sardinian communities rather than any specific real events.
Who directed The Referee?
The Referee was directed by Paolo Zucca, a Sardinian filmmaker making his feature debut with this film. Zucca also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Barbara Alberti. The movie was released in Italy in September 2013 and is a co-production between Italy and Argentina.
What language is The Referee filmed in?
The Referee is primarily filmed in Italian and Sardinian. The use of the Sardinian language adds an authentic regional flavor to the story, reflecting the distinctive cultural identity of the island communities at the heart of the film's narrative and its comedic clashes.
How long is The Referee?
The Referee has a runtime of 96 minutes, making it a brisk and well-paced comedy. The film was released in Italy on September 12, 2013, and is a co-production between Italian companies Classic and RAI and the Argentine studio BD Cine.
What are some movies similar to The Referee?
If you enjoyed The Referee, you might also like The Damned United (2009), a sharp British sports comedy-drama, or The Man Who Bought the Moon (2018), another Italian comedy with a sardonic regional sensibility. Ever Been to the Moon? (2015) and Happily Mixed Up (2014) are further comparable recommendations.
More About The Referee
Explore further details about The Referee on these authoritative resources: