Playing Away

I watched this film on TV at the time and it always left an impression on me.

Being of West Indian heritage, I could very much identify with the language, culture and racism of the period.

And the 1-star review is hopelessly misplaced in light of a recent report commissioned by the ECB which shows the game is, sadly, riddled with racism, sexism and classism from top to bottom.

Rather than being a "potent social glue", the film, perhaps rather presciently, shines a light on the reality of the game for those who are not White, male and upper-class.

Regardless, the film rather betrays its modestly-budgeted origins with some choppy editing and unresolved narrative threads, but is still rather enjoyable when it is taken in its context - a snapshot of 80's Britain for life as an ethnic minority.

Remarkably, it's available to buy on DVD and I would very much recommend it - even the cricket scenes are reasonably convincing!