richarda-rourke
If you love football a must see. Sean Bean plays his role perfectly i loved this film from beginning to end. The story may be a little predictable however it captures the feel and grit of the City of Sheffield. The film follows "Jimmy" from being an arrogant hard drinking brewery worker through the trials that are set to shape his future one way or another. I think it is an honest portrayal of a working class "Hero".I would recommend it to everyone you don't have to be a Sheffield United fan to love this film (it may help though). Emily Lloyd plays her character to perfection as well.Pete Postlethwaite brings his gravitas to the film. Also look out for the Sheffield United Legend Tony Currie who makes a cameo along with some other local footballing heroes most notably Mel Sterland ex- Sheffield Wednesday player.
didds3
Most of the other comments pretty much sum it up - a clichéd plot line, saddled with the problem of finding actors that look as if they are sportsmen. The action was a huge improvement on "Escape to Victory" for sure, but it was still stilted and pedestrian... This film does nothing new - its Billy Elliot with football boots - or should that be Billy Elliot is WSC with ballet shoes on... whatever... but BE was a far, far better film than this could ever hope to be - better sub plots, better acting, better dancing cf football. Sean Bean isn't a great actor - but he's better than this hackneyed excuse of a part.That all said the cameos almost save this film. The character of Jimmy's dad works - it hurts to watch this sad, bitter, twisted man. Jimmy, brother, Russell, although the dialogue and screenplay is somewhat underwhelming steals the show however for the one really "real" moment in this film that is delivered to perfection - the disappointment, the incredulity, the hero-trashed-before-my-eyes-don't-want-to-believe-it-how-can-you-do-it moment when Jimmy succumbs to peer pressure and downs a large whiskey before ordering another round on the night before his second trial. THAT moment alone takes this film into a fairly abject 5/10.didds
47464
What more can I say?Sean Bean, Sheffield United, beautiful downtown Bramall Lane, the legendary Tony Currie, the usual shot of Sheffield seen from our very own "twin-towers" (all that is left of a power station next door to the Meadowhall Shopping Centre), Blades, Blades, Blades! Yes it's corny, yes it's cliched (they would play an F.A. Cup semi-final at a neutral ground,trivia fans!), but this apart is an enjoyable piece of nonsense.Also they had to film several scenes over and over again in the "match" sequence as the crowd, made up of specially invited Sheffield United fans) kept booing Mel "Porky" Sterland (who played for the "other" Sheffield team!!!) everytime he got the ball. Priceless.
dom_da_bomb5
The film was pretty good, and it portrayed Sheffield life fairly well. Sean Bean's a great actor and looks good in the "Sharpe" series of films. Being a Sheffield United supporter and having seen many sports-based films before, it's almost always the same plot."An unknown nobody rises from the gutters of society to become an idolised hero(ine) of whichever sport they play."Also, when writers make films following a sports career, the team/player will win almost all their games/matches/fights, but struggle in the final match/game/bout. The team will fail, fail again and so on, until some psychological breakthrough/substitution allows them to trounce the opposition by maybe one or two points/goals. Afterwards they become league/series/championship winners until the sequel/rematch, right? Yeah, I enjoyed the ups and downs of Jimmy's new life, but I've seen it all before really. "The Full Monty" is a similar, better film I recommend. Cheers, Dom (14)
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