I suppose that it can be said that the Americans have Fight Club and the English have The Football Factory. Both films addressing male issues of aggression, frustration, and source of release for both: violence. I don't know about other countries having similar films, heck there may be an Argentinean one for all I know, but The Football Factory deals with the same stuff, just differently.

The portrait of the male lower middle class is stark – unable to deal with responsibility, ridiculiously unsatisfied with their home lives, and bored by their careers, the featured pack beat up other groups of men, get drunk, and occasionally give women the time of day. As a female myself, I can't say I can even remotely understand the alpha male pack style shown here.

However, while the film does concentrate on these odd male relationships, the fast paced, doco style is worth a heavy handed mention. The acting (especially the main leads) is strong, which it would have to be considering the extremeness of the script and neurotic, over masculine characters. That said, because of the above, there are a number of snort-worthy comedic moments brought on by this ultimate boy's club that get one through the violence that seems nearly slapstick (and sometimes is).

If this sort of stuff appeals to you, then you won't bother to look at my rating because you'll see it anyways, otherwise – give it a miss.—Kim Lesch

» Nick Love | UK | 2004