Awaydays is directed by Pat Holden and stars Stephen Graham. Based on a novel of the same name published in 1998 written by Kevin Sampson.
The story of a young adolescent who joins a local football firm and becomes a Casual. Running with the pack, he is seduced by the allure of football hooliganism with it’s fashion, brotherhood and violence.
I am a sucker for CASUAL culture. Even in my late thirties I still gravitate towards my former everyday attire of polo/fred perry shirts and working class ethics, even while living out here in the wastelands of Tucson. Themes often unheard of out here in the sands.
The feeling of brotherhood and belonging to a crew, the thrill of violence as you come across a rival firm and the adrenaline rush that hits you like a fifteen pound medicine ball in your stomach as the fighting kicks off and you live the day like it’s your last. Like a savage. Like a friggin Spartan warrior; a well dressed Spartan warrior.
Awaydays plays out like what if Green Street Hooligans was directed by David Fincher. It’s cinematography matching the ashy skybox that is London. Never allowing color to glamorize the drama taking place within the screen.
Stephen Graham as always gives a good performance as the crazed ring leader of The Pack, pushing his boys to their limit; rewarding them in victory and punishing them for their humanity.
There isn’t much else to say about this film. The acting is good and serves to push the film forward. The soundtrack is filled with jams like Ultravox, The Rascals, Cabaret Voltaire and more.
Based on the same story that the film THE FIRM (1993) and THE FIRM (2009) remake.
It’s a sour patch of little history and subculture.
Stay fit, Stay Fresh and keep y0ur fingers on that REWIND button.
