ben-496
To be frank, everyone who I have shown this film to has loved it - it doesn't matter if you aren't into football, this is just a quality film as far as i am concerned. See how many faces you can spot in this. Maybe not big time names now but then that isn't the point - the atmosphere the film generates is superb. This isn't a Hollywood film but nor is it your typical Brit flick - no quirks here (apart from the character of Gumbo) but it does give a great account of what being at a football match is like but in a way that slightly romances football violence. In fact the violence takes a back seat to character progression and formation as the film progresses. I strongly believe the value of a ilm like this is so high because of the number of times I can watch it - surely the mark of a great film? There are only a few films that everyone has that they don't mind watching when they are considering watching one of their DVD's, and this is one that I have certainly got my money's worth from! I only wish I had watched this when it came out as I would have been even more impressed but I was put off by the cover and that the story concerned football.
scottfisher1984
Really enjoyed this film, as it was not just about mindless football violence, but about the social structure of white working class men in Thatcher's Britain. As I Football supporter of many years myself, I know the thrill of the terraces and how violence can be to some people like a drug. I liked all the characters, the geek Trev, Linda, Bob, Nick, Martin and especially John as he losses control and his behaviour spirals out of control and he ends up in the BNP, as Winton Manbolla said would happen to the boot boys. The way John destroys his relationship with Marie who clearly loves and adores him at the beginning of the film is well thought out. Would have been nice to end the film with John getting a beating from Bob, Nick and Martin if they come across him at Shadwell Town Football Club, what more can I say except for excellent.
gibbage89
Where do i start? Wooden acting , abysmal dialogue ,completley unrealistic. Not only are we supposed to believe that a gang of undercover police infiltrate a football firm (this would take years ) also they become that addicted to violence, it spilled over into their everday lives!!!! The football violence was very dated (circa 1970,s ) not like it is now. Obviously no resaerch was done into how they dressed and spoke, the dilogue resembled an episode of "The Sweeney" ( a British cop show where they said "shat it " a lot). You may have found this film entertaining, but as an accurate observation of a football hooligan lifestyle NEVER I should know ,, I was one. This film should have been called " Carry On Hooligan" !!!!!
baz_dennistoun
I.D. tells the story of four policemen on an undercover assignment in East London. They are supposed to infiltrate the notorious hooligan firm of (non-existing) Shadwell Town Football Club. At first they are not particularly interested in football or Shadwell but they gradually learn to appreciate the particular atmosphere that is only known to football fans. John is the most fanatic of the lot. He is slowly turning into a proper hooligan. And it seems that choosing between the job and Shadwell becomes more and more difficult.I.D. is one of my favourite films and it is definitely my favourite football-related film. It shows us what is going on in and around an unfashionable London football ground on Saturday afternoons. The character development that the main characters experience is wonderfully portrayed by the cast.I saw this film on Dutch television for the first time. I had a very hard time finding this film on video in Holland. In fact, I never succeeded but I was delighted when I noticed that every High Street video retailer in England had a copy in stock. A must-see
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