amazing film!

Rating: 8/10 (23 August 2005)

I just saw the film and thought it was great! i had assumed that i wouldn't enjoy it much because of it being about football, but the sport actually just provides the basis for an extremely enjoyable film about a complex and interesting subject that I, even living in the UK, had no idea was so serious. Unfortunately the question and answer that followed the premiere hinted that some may find it too controversial, with questions about it "glamorising" violence. I personally feel that this is a very similar situation to Trainspotting - the film makers simply provide an honest view of a way of life, portraying the characters as real people, not just criminals. Though this led to audiences identifying with characters, both films showed bad outcomes as well as why the characters chose to live these ways. The actor Charlie Hunnam answered the questions extremely well, pointing out that it was necessary for the film to show why, not just how, a minority of people take such joy in violence. I would urge people who do not particularly like football to not be put off by the fact that it features in the film, the few scenes of football matches are shot and edited in a way which makes them very interesting to watch, as were the fight scenes. See the film when it comes out on general release!