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One of the most important things in my life is soccer. Soccer to me is like hamburgers to a fat guy, heroin to an addict or running away to a French soldier. It is a part of me. I need it, I live it, I breathe it. It is a massive part of my life. Another big part of my life is fighting - a good old scrap if you will. Not with guns, knives or a baseball bat. I don't pussy fight. I'm talking about a fist fight. Now put these two massive things together and you get one of the best exports from the Isle of Brit, Football Hooliganism.

Here, sit down.

From the moment I first saw this film advertised I knew I had to see it. I didn't care that the lead actor is a fucking hobbit, or that the actor cast as the leading hard man had previously appeared in the most graphic gay series on British TV. I just loved the trailer. I loved the hype, and most of all, I love the subject.

Cast
Elijah Wood .... Matt Buckner
Charlie Hunnam .... Pete Dunham
Claire Forlani .... Shannon Dunham
Marc Warren .... Steve Dunham

Originally titled just Hooligans, the movie begins as a Harvard journalism student named Matt (Wood) is wrongfully expelled. To escape from his father’s judgment, he jumps aboard a plane headed to London to visit his sister (Claire Forlani) and her husband Steve (Marc Warren). Almost immediately — maybe out of rebellion, maybe out of curiosity — he ditches sis and her hubby to hit the local pubs and soccer with Steve’s irresponsible brother, Pete (Charlie Hunnam), and his band of hard-edged, hooligan friends.

Everything escalates from here. After the first soccer match he witnesses has finished, Matt is struck upon by a rival gang. As they are about to slice him up, Pete's crew, the GSH, (yep you guessed it), save him and introduce him to the world known as Football Hooliganism.

Within the firm Matt finds real friendship and a sense of belonging to a cause. At first he fights to defend himself and his mates, using resentment over his expulsion as motivation.  Soon he comes to enjoy the “high”, from the battles and attains celebrity status for his heroics in defending the firm.

Wood gives a solid performance as the unlikely Yank who helps lead the West Ham Firm to greatness, easily shrugging off any Hobbiton entrapments from “Lord of the Rings”.

Hunnam’s portrayal of Pete is extraordinary. At first his bravado is intimidating, but his kind nature reveals itself as he coaches a young boys’ soccer team. He becomes Matt’s friend and protector—not just from opposing teams, but also from a resentful member of their own club. As leader, Pete is the heart and soul of the firm, Hunnam brings a refreshing mix of power and vulnerability to a complex character.

Having seen various movies on this subject, I have to say GSH is by far the best. It portrays the good sides and the very bad sides of Football Hooliganism.

Whether you are white, black, yellow or green, if you are all supporting the same team, you all roll together.

Overall Rating 8.5/10

- Rosler

Nine out of ten black people love Rosler.