Described as violent and racist by critics 'Machine' is instead a tightly edited ninety minute comedy. Director and screenwriter Nick Love scrubbed the naughtier parts from John King's novel to provide a PG version of football hooligan life.
The rightish (-ish rather than -ist since nothing is overt, merely implied) Chelsea Headhunters fight everyone but especially the multi-ethnic Millwall Bushwackers. The Bushies are even led by a Turk giving a nice parallel to the England vs. Turkey love fests.
The fights are convincing due to quick camera cuts and a cast of extras consisting mostly of certified current and former firm members. The soundtrack is appropriate and includes Primal Scream ('Swastika Eyes'), The Streets and The Jam.
Stone Island fashion wear, with the removable compass logo sleeve patch, may give the impression some characters are wearing a political statement. Not so, merely expensive and durable Italian designer clothing.
Some scenes borrow heavily from other sources; the 'You think I'm funny? Funny how?' from 'Goodfellas', and the final murder scene from 'American History X' (but with a half-caste murderer). Otherwise the movie feels original and sharp.
At the end nothing changes and no one learns anything. Which is to say a happy ending. You may enjoy it. The DVD available from Netflix has an English subtitle function. Indispensable because of the real London accents and colloquialisms.
The rightish (-ish rather than -ist since nothing is overt, merely implied) Chelsea Headhunters fight everyone but especially the multi-ethnic Millwall Bushwackers. The Bushies are even led by a Turk giving a nice parallel to the England vs. Turkey love fests.
The fights are convincing due to quick camera cuts and a cast of extras consisting mostly of certified current and former firm members. The soundtrack is appropriate and includes Primal Scream ('Swastika Eyes'), The Streets and The Jam.
Stone Island fashion wear, with the removable compass logo sleeve patch, may give the impression some characters are wearing a political statement. Not so, merely expensive and durable Italian designer clothing.
Some scenes borrow heavily from other sources; the 'You think I'm funny? Funny how?' from 'Goodfellas', and the final murder scene from 'American History X' (but with a half-caste murderer). Otherwise the movie feels original and sharp.
At the end nothing changes and no one learns anything. Which is to say a happy ending. You may enjoy it. The DVD available from Netflix has an English subtitle function. Indispensable because of the real London accents and colloquialisms.