What a remarkable piece of filmwork this 2004 reflection on the largely bygone age of post 'boot boy' Chelsea Headhunters, in the run-up to a 'meet' with their Millwall equivalents. I saw the film a few years ago and passed it off as interesting but merely another round of bog standard lock stock type 'ard nut sensationalism. Watched it again last night - but this time properly - and was well impressed, especially at the almost Shakespearian devices used to tell a tale of veritable lower order urban pathos. Dialogue and particularly accents are superbly realistic. For the purposes of scope for a thread on the film itself, as well as the now historical topic in general (and possibly laziness!), I'll resist the temptation to review the film now. I'd much rather await with baited breath, any comments from those of you who may be similarly interested. Anyone who sees this movie as simply the build up to a ruck between 'Scum' and scum (as I had done) should consider themselves little more than head lard and therefore no better than me! For those who either haven't seen 'The Football Factory' or who have but fancy a reminder, here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8Gne3n0sDs Advice: wait till you get the space for an hour and a half of 'you time'... it's hardly family entertainment this one, nah't ah fwuckin' meen yoo kant?!
Thoughts? I only took me about 1.5 secs to think about it. Crap story, crap acting and scenes taken from other films like Goodfellows (sad i had to mention Goodfellows with that crap). Danny Dyre is a Pwappa GEEEEZZER though? Sorry but if anyone thinks its a good film needs to go and see 'The Godfather' now that is a good film.
Read the book (it was given to me) years ago and can't remember much about it except it was depressing. Not sure if that was deliberate on behalf of the author, but it was enough to make me not really want to see the film. Shame about Godfather III Ellers, first two obviously classics.
I thought it was a reasonable 90mins entertainment and one of the better films of its (Hooligan) ilk. Of course these films were made as pure entertainment for people who would never be involved in football violence to somehow feel like they could be involved, and of course nothing like the real thing (so I'm told ). If you want a much more true to life 'Hooligan' film, probably the original version of 'The Firm', starring Gary Oldman is nearer the mark.
It's quite underrated because of it's thug quota. I actually draw a bit of an analogy to Fight Club in that it is basically about the immasculation of men in the modern era and their rediscovering it through the most primal methods. The brilliant old guys in it give the moral conscience on such stupidity. The fact that the characters are sympathised with and are quite engaging despite being louts makes it worth seeing.
Well, the book was about football hooligans, but as I haven't seen the film can't say if it shares anything other than the name.
"Cass", now that's a good hooligan film. Based on a true story an' all. Plus, the Rangers get a mention in it.
Staying on the subject of films (without starting a new thread, sorry Brix). Has anyone seen the Italian film 'Life Is Beautiful' ? If so what do you think ? I finally got to see it yesterday from my sick bed, after having it on my DVD shelf for 5 years or so and found it very emotional and moving (The second half anyway). I then looked at the reviews and found it was a real 'Marmite' film with people either loving it or hating it with equal gusto. Any opinions ??
The Rise & Fall Of A White Collar Hooligan out earlier this year is a good watch. Got a bit of everything in. Anyone seen The Firm? Others mentioned are a bit tame.
Re: the OP I read the book origionally, then saw and have the film. i watched it not long ago actually. The book was written by a well known fottball thug john King(I think) who origionally started off following Oxford then pro/regressed to the Scum. He also did England Away,Headhunters, Skinheads (im currently reading) - might be mixing him up with Doug & Eddie Brimstow?. He often appears on TV during footy tournaments and I remember seeing him before the Euro's The actors are great (if not type cast) because they pull off the characters so well, and how can anyone not like ray Winstone? The story itself is a bit stupid but it was probably one of the better "hooligan" films made at that era. All of his books are based around Northolt / Greenford, Ealing areas and he obviously knows them well as I can picture every place he mentions. Green Street was absolute garbage The firm with Gary Oldman, i still have on video from the first time they showed it on C4. -Great film apart from the shooting There was a film years ago but i cant remeber the name. it was about 4 coppers that went undercover with into a footy gang called the "Shadwell Dogs", based around a pub and had quite a good story line. Much more realistic than most of them. They ended up fighting in a market and getting in a bit too deep. Got a great ending to it This really will bug me now- something like IQ ?...I.D...that was it!!..A great film..about 1994 time..well worth a watch..enjoy! Whilst i dont necc agree with the hooligan element, every club has them and its intresting to read some of the stories they get up too. Think a lot of what he wrote (John King) was actually quite factuall, although I'm sure he'd never admit it. Might watch that when i get home...!
I'm more of a disaster film fan, but thought WCH was better than the films mentioned above. They should do a hooligan film in Ukraine or Russia.
