Directed by:
David EvansScreenplay:
Nick HornbyCinematography:
Chris SeagerCast:
Colin Firth, Richard Claxton, Ken Stott, Holly Aird, Mark Strong, Stephen Rea, Nick Hornby, Silas Carson, Charles Cork, Neil Pearson, Ruth Gemmell (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
When Paul (Firth) a middle-aged British teacher who nurses an obsession for the North London football team Arsenal meets Sarah a seemingly uptight young woman who is a single-minded professional he is forced to drastically re-evaluate his life. Sarah loathes the sport while Pauls entire life is based on it--it is the only place in his life that allows him to feel true joy or pain as well as a sense of national identity. Soon Sarah is pregnant and although shes growing to enjoy her husbands pastime she worries that Paul cares more for the sport than for the relationship and the impending arrival of fatherhood. Paul observes how the relationship is indeed mirroring the teams streak of wins and losses. But with Arsenal in contention for the 1989 First Division Championship after an 18 year barren spell Paul and Sarah have one fleeting chance to restore their touchy union. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (1)
Although I'm not a football fan, unlike Sarah I have an understanding for people who can really get excited about something. I even understand when enthusiasm turns into an obsession, so I found the character of Paul Ashworth likeable all along. On the other hand, I also empathized with the opposition, so I could watch the film as an impartial viewer. I also enjoyed the performance of the inconspicuous but excellent Mark Strong.
()