Now, for those of you who don't know - Eric Cantona is quite possibly the most gifted and inspirational footballer to ever pull on the sacred red Manchester United shirt. (and yes, it WAS him to karate kicked the fan at Selhurst Park in 1995).The story of Eric at Old Trafford takes on a secondary role in this moving and heartwarming movie directed by Ken Loach. A separated local postman, Eric Bishop spiritually calls his out to his footballing hero (Cantona) in hard times as the lives of him and his family threaten to descend into chaos and misery.
Cantona appears and gives various down to earth insights into his inspirations and achievements throughout his career which spur postman Eric on to sorting his life out.
The movie is dark and moody and typically down to earth in true British Fashion. The acting is brilliant throughout and the result is a convincing win for everyone who checks this out
n.b. It's worth watching just to relive Erics favourite footballing moment in a United shirt ... It is not, a goal ... it is not a shot ... it is not a trophy ... It's bloody magic that's what it is !!
PB - 2010
PB - 2010
pic - www.wikipedia.com
Sounds good! Looking forward seeing it!
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting! I'll see it!
ReplyDeleteI watched this last night on the back of PB's review and not being a United supporter.
ReplyDeleteDirector Ken Loach is known for his gritty urban dramas, and once again he teams up with writer Paul Laverty, so be prepared for plenty of depressing stuff(mental breakdown,family strife, gang crime) before the uplifting bit at the end. Having said that there are some laugh out funny lines and set ups amongst the grimness.
For the uniniated (non football fans) Cantona will be an enigma (as he is in real life) and is largely incomprehensible when speaking either French or English, often rambling in philosophical riddles, which is shared by the main character for the most part once beyond the idol worship stage. But there is some substance in what Cantona has to say (he was executive producer)and I'm sure that it draws on his own personal viewpoint and experiences.
The underlying message is that friendships, nutured over many years, can help you get your life back on track when all seems hopeless. A worthwhile point to make and heed.
A decent film, if not great,for me but don't tune out until after the credits have rolled at the end or you will miss Cantona's 15 second press conference (seagulls/trawlers/sardines). Along with John Prescott's punching the egg thrower it ranks as one of British tv's great moments.
Other Loach films to consider
Kes - Classic adaptation of Barry Hines novel set in a sixties northern mining town
Ae Fond Kiss - Inter racial relationship (Pakistani/Caucasian) and the problems faced, set in Glasgow
The Wind That Shakes The Barley - Black n Tans uprising in troubled Ireland at the start of the 20th century
Not watched this one but it's been on my "would like to watch" list for a while. Eric Cantona as a footballer was an enigma and I look forward to seeing how he does as an actor.
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