Good and Bad at Games

I lament that this film has not enjoyed greater exposure. In character,it is a thoroughly English film. Indeed,a tale set against the backdrop of a public school,military presence in Ulster AND a cricket game could come only from England ! The story is terrific , but the acting is no better than average - with one exception. The exception is the performance of Anton Lesser as the bullied,vengeful Cox.Why we have not seen more of this man in big-budget, better-known films is both a mystery and a disappointment. The other actors seem to be content to play the stereotypical roles of outsider(Stanbridge),bullying snob (Jephcott) and bored neglected spouse(Davenport). Paradoxically,I STILL enjoyed ALL the performances , especially that of Stanbridge. Possibly that is due in part to the strength of the writing and direction.And the music by Cream!

Mr.Lesser, however,seemed to "live and breathe" his character. He gave one of the most memorable and convincing performances I have ever seen,by any actor.