8legs: Saipan, northern mariana islands

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Saipan review – Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy’s epic spat becomes amusing state-of-the-nation psychodrama

The film centers on Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy’s Saipan fallout during the 2002 World Cup preparations.
Éanna Hardwicke stars as Keane and Steve Coogan as McCarthy, delivering a tense, theatrical clash.
The story explores the English–Irish divide, highlighting Keane’s contempt for McCarthy’s credentials.
The film juxtaposes Keane’s high standards with McCarthy’s management style and press briefing tactics.
The director-led approach frames a national psychodrama around a single, defining incident.
The Guardian review frames the incident as a 'true-life psychodrama' with national implications.
The film highlights the role of England in Irish football narratives and leadership disputes.
The cast includes Éanna Hardwicke and Steve Coogan delivering performances described as strong and precise.
The film situates the Keane–McCarthy clash within a broader debate about facilities and national expectations.
The review notes the film’s performative, dialogue-driven approach to character conflict.

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