CONTAINS SPOILERS

Credited with inspiring the likes of Football Factory and Green Street, Arrivederci Millwall is the original football hooligan film.  Although the film’s narrative follows protagonist Billy (Kevin O’Donohue) and his mates as they travel to Spain for the 1982 World Cup, football itself plays little part.  The true story here is the fallout of a war often neglected in the cinematic medium.

Billy and his gang show us the effect of the Falklands War on those left behind at home.  A particularly moving montage sequence showing their daily lives and their patriotism, is cleverly put together with newsreel footage, and overlaid by Thatcher’s speeches.  The role of the war gives the film, and the characters, a much needed depth; moving it away from a superficial tale of football thuggary.  

The crux of the film comes with the death of Billy’s brother, Bobby (Brian Lawrence), sending him into a downward spiral.  Where his actions had once been roguish misdemeanours (albeit illegal and violent roguish misdemeanours), Bobby’s death adds a sense of malice to Billy’s character.  This is excellently juxtaposed against his gang’s, still jovial, trouble-making when they arrive in Spain, highlighting their leader’s sinister thinking.  Kevin O’Donohue’s brilliant portrayal comes to its head with his wordless guilt over shooting best friend Cass (Sidney Cole), culminating the whole film.

Throughout, both the characters and storyline are gripping, emotionally charged and moving.  Some of the supporting acting is a little weak at times, but the performances that count are on par.  The sentiment of the film is also helped by excellent sound editing, and lack of an over-zealous soundtrack places the emphasis on the everyday sounds of actions that comprise the characters.  The dropping of a beer can.  The shuffling of cards.  A punch in the face.