The film itself is much better than most football hooligan films, it gives an honest account of football related violence at it's peak in the 80's throughout the UK; without trying to glamorize the criminal activity associated with it. All the parts are well acted and believable, and the overall production is done well. However, if you are watching this film under the pretense that it is based on a true story please take it with a pinch of salt. I read the book 'Running With the Firm' which is the true account of what actually happened to James Bannon (John) during his undercover operation, and while the characters and overall plot are the same, there are some significant story changes to make the film more entertaining, some slight in their changes, to others completely made up. The ending is also drastically different to what actually happened in real life.
Overall the film is quite good and worth a watch for any football fan who is sick of seeing badly acted over dramatic films such as Green Street, but as is usually the case, the book is much better.
Overall the film is quite good and worth a watch for any football fan who is sick of seeing badly acted over dramatic films such as Green Street, but as is usually the case, the book is much better.