I stumbled upon this film at a mystery preview, unsure of what to expect. Mystery screenings can be hit or miss, but thankfully, this one turned out to be a definite hit. Without giving away too much, the Green Street Movie follows Elijah Wood’s character as he faces expulsion from Harvard for a drug offense he didn’t commit. Seeking refuge, he heads to London to visit his sister and quickly finds himself drawn into the world of the Green Street Elite, a small but intense group of West Ham United football hooligans.
While the film might, at times, appear to glorify the violence associated with hooliganism, it ultimately delivers a strong moral message. The engaging storyline, combined with impressive cinematography and solid performances from the cast, makes this green street movie a thoroughly enjoyable watch. Elijah Wood delivers a compelling performance as the outsider drawn into this subculture, and Charlie Hunnam, despite some accent criticisms, adds a charismatic presence to the group.
However, there are a couple of minor issues worth noting. Firstly, Hunnam’s attempt at a Cockney accent occasionally strays into caricature, sounding more like a parody than authentic East End London. Secondly, in a rather heavy-handed attempt to establish the London setting, an incredibly awkward public announcement at Heathrow Airport declares “this is a security announcement at London Heathrow airport.” This felt unnecessary and somewhat insulting to the audience’s intelligence.
For American viewers concerned about attending British football matches after watching this green street movie, it’s important to remember that this is a fictionalized portrayal, not a documentary. Hooligans represent a very small fraction of football fans, and their confrontations are almost exclusively with rival groups, rarely involving ordinary members of the public – a point the film actually portrays accurately.
In conclusion, this green street movie is an excellent film and definitely worth seeing. It provides a thrilling, if sometimes exaggerated, glimpse into the world of football hooliganism, anchored by strong performances and a compelling narrative.
