'Im forever blowing bubbles, pretty bubbles in the air, the fly so high up to the sky and like my dreams they fade and die'

Rating: 10/10 (1 March 2006)

First of green street as it is called in the Uk or the less adeptly named 'Hooligans' is one of those films that is just simply fantastic. It had been the talk of my form and amongst friends at school yet I simply never found the window of opportunity to see this film. Now I'm glad that I did.
The actor who portrays the protagonist of green street Elijah Wood pulls of a damn near flawless performance as Ameican Matt Buckner, and pulls every bit away from his spellbinding role in The Lord of the rings, but to a finely attuned one which soon grows on you. He is without doubt the star of the show with acting that truly, truly shows his skill and talent. As with all films however one actor cant make a truly fantastic film. Wood is complimented with another truly fantastic performance from Charlie Hunnam. Hunnam again is an example of how fantastic these actors are in that they pulled away from their own characters and presented the audience with 100% believable characters with strength,depth and heart. The character Hunnam plays (Pete Dunham)is one of the characters who becomes such a vital and integral part of the film that he really does leave the trademark of a great performance, in that he becomes truly infallible in his role. The way the story shows Pete Dunham's guidance and care for Matt Buckner in a gradual progression is a true asset to the actors and adds to just how fantastic this film is. To finish on a positive note about the actors, the majority of which are all relatively unknown, however with only 1 relatively red carpet name the actors create an ensemble worthy of at least an Oscar or two which i feel isn't represented fairly by the academy. However this is irrelevant to my personal love for the film.
I don't want to give to much away about this film but the music that is included is nothing short of a sublime compliment to the films assets. Terrance jay's music truly does do the most seldom of things and fit the film in every respect with lyrics, backing and rhythm. The film gives of an emotional feel that again is complimented by this music and helps to portray the wider message this film contains. I myself live in the U.K and can say that a lot of the scenes in this are indeed true. The film helps to show the true passion of some fans which is inexplicable yet so evident and a prominent part of our culture.
Although the exterior of the film portrays a bunch of hooligans who support their club with their minds, passion, fists and hearts the interior goes much deeper than this. The film truly shows that even the most different people can learn to grow with each other and give their lives for something that would seem ridiculous yet means everything to them. The film gives the moral that you should always stand your ground and fight for what your heart truly believes in and a ironically a gang of football hooligans was the best way to portray this.
To conclude Greent street is no simple film about hooligans, it is a rare film with a fantastic story, message and ending which are all so seldomly seen in todays industry. I truly hope Lexi Alexander and all involved will pick up some recognition for this fine work and that it will not slip into the endless line of films which are made, seen and forgotten. For me Brokeack mountain, crash, the constant gardener and such others as Capote come 2nd place in 2005's best film. For me if people can truly see the message this film gives then hopefully they can recognise its unique and sublime existence. Green street is for me the best film of 2005 and probably one of the most underrated films in todays industry. And all i can do is hope that it can stand its ground on IMDb and everywhere else.