Smells Like It’s Less About The Game and More About The Fight

Director: Nick Love
Main Cast: Calum McNab, Paul Anderson, Daniel Mays

A reworking of cult 1989 classic, The Firm, starring Gary Oldman, Nick Love’s fifth film is yet another Brit-grit-flick, set against the dreary backdrop of 1980s south London. Illuminated by an array of sharp tracksuits and bold wedge-cut hair-dos, his astute and witty script creates a more accessible football hooligan film for audiences. The debate as to whether it’s more of a re-make than a re-working of the original however is pretty much an open debate.

DVD Release Date: 1st February 2010

Dom is your average south London teenager whose daily routine consists of bunking off work with his dad, proceeding to ask his dad for an advance on his wages, and mocking his pot smoking ginger friend. Bored of the same routine, Dom falls into trouble with local hard man Bex, and after a heartfelt apology he is taken under Bex’s wing, to become a fully fledged member of ‘The Firm’ (footie fans who care more about beating up the opposition’s supporters than the result of the match itself). As The Firm’s youngest member, Dom - King of the nightclubs and Prince of the playground fight - suddenly realises that the beautiful game, maybe isn’t so beautiful anymore…

Almost immediately in the film’s opening credits we sense a nostalgia for the 1980s, in pink and blue lights the neon names surface – supported by a staple 80s soundtrack of ‘Tainted Love’. Throughout the film our senses are teased with an illuminated riot of Fila tracksuits, Pringle jumpers and Adidas trainers – contrasted against the vast grey buildings of south London. Love successfully manages to build up tension in the scenes leading up to the fights, fashioned by an army of “chavtastic” colours, yet often he provides an excitement which is more interesting than watching the fight itself.

Not wasted within his role, McNab is loveable as the misguided youth Dom, and is perfectly complemented by his ginger sidekick Terry (Billy Seymour). Their constant dissing banter is sharper than most of The Firm’s wedge-cuts, and highly amusing to the viewer: When one says to the other, "I should stick a Tampax in you." "Why?" "Cos you're a cunt." it is this type of language that places the film at its grass roots. Disappointingly – upcoming star Daniel Mays – in his role as the opposition Firm leader – is not invited to embrace this dialogue, in a much smaller part than someone of his talent deserves.

Love’s version of The Firm loses much of its political message about 1980s England under Thatcher: Bex’s character – although seen briefly outside of his patch as a young upwardly mobile entrepreneur – isn’t explored in great detail, as a means of showing the political status of 1980s England. There is however, a sense of relevance to the film with regards to the gang culture of today, an issue which is strewn across the tabloids on a daily basis.

Almost certainly one of the better football hooligan films to have been made in recent years (think Green Street), The Firm would appeal to a wider audience than just teenage boys, with likeable characters, a funny script and at a mere ninety minute watch, it is certainly not a waste of time. The Firm might not teach its audience any moral lessons, or give us a detailed insight into British politics, the plot may be formulaic and somewhat predictable, but for a well scripted, well acted ninety minute Brit-flick, The Firm is certainly a goal-scorer.

Country of Origin: UK
Running Time: 90 mins
Certificate: 18