Awaydays, based on the bestselling novel by Kevin Sampson, is a movie about teenage angst, football hooliganism, drugs, rock n’ roll, and fashion. Set in Birkenhead, England in 1979, the film follows 19-year-old Paul Carty, who somehow finds his way to become a member of the Pack, one of the more well known football gangs Paul has been fascinated with ever since he started going to matches. The Pack is popular for their effeminate style, wedge haircuts, Lacoste tennis shirts, Adidas trainers, and Lois Jeans, and they are the rivals of other gangs such as the Bootboys and the Boneheads.
Movies about football hooliganism has been hard to adapt. While films like “Green Street Hooligans” and “Football Factory” were sub-par for the most part, some may not have high hopes for Awaydays. What makes this film different and more interesting however, is the period, set in 1979 during the early days of Margaret Thatcher’s premiership. While 1979 maybe a more interesting period for this subject, other factors such as the fashion aspect, and actor Stephen Graham’s (This is England) involvement can make this a worthwhile movie.
Awaydays opens in May.
Trailer after the jump.
The recent adaptation of Kevin Sampson’s later crime novel “Outlaws” as “The Crew” was spot on. A real insight into the Liverpool underworld, which bodes well for Awaydays. The Crew is on DVD and well worth a watch. I hear “Powder” is next up?