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Arrivederci Millwall (1989)

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From Time Out Film Guide

Originally shown on TV in a cut form. Scripted by Nick Perry, it's not a 'football film', but rather an examination of the lives of a group of 'hardcore' Millwall supporters as they prepare for England's World Cup match in Bilbao in 1982. With the build-up and subsequent 'victory' in the Falklands as a backdrop, the gang's bigoted, nationalistic views and love of violence are exacerbated after the death, in the conflict, of their leader's brother. Sun readers to a man, they take an overdose of jingoism on board the ferry for Spain, where they indulge in loutish behaviour and are subsequently imprisoned. But on release, Billy's desire to avenge his brother's death ('All dagoes are the same') backfires when he steals a pistol and accidentally kills a friend. The violence is neither condoned nor glamorised, serving merely to reinforce the futility of war and aggression in all its guises. A depressing film, none the less.

Author: GBa

Time Out Film Guide

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User reviews of this film

Marc Riley said...

Posted on Oct 31 2007 19:03 Awesome peice of writing and film making. Set in the bleak streets of Bermondsey a long time before it became cool and the bespectacled media types moved in. Perfectly set (and cast) to the backdrop of the falklands conflict, you can almost smell the chip fat mixed with Kouros aftershave. Nick Perry's understanding of the culture at the time, for better or for worse, is excellent. It really is like watching a little slice of social history with sly nods to local landmarks – Kenton Arms, Catford Dog Track, Fisher boxing club. This is however far more than a hoolie film or a trendy glamorisation the eighties football firms. This short piece of film shows the working class male at his best and worst, a bunch of loyal mates who would do anything for each other but outwardly behave like a pack of vile, nationalistic pitbull terriers. There is actually a scene when the british consulate in Spain calls them a bunch of 'fucking savages'. Dust off your best bit of Burberry and prepare for an uneasy 50 minutes viewing.

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