The 2004 drama balances comedy with timely social commentary
Danny Dyer leads the cast in the noughties film(Image: Handout)
Netflix fans are completely hooked on a gritty sports drama that came out over 22 years ago.
The streaming giant’s most-watched charts are currently dominated by recent releases, including hit romcom Voicemails for Isabelle and chilling documentary Maternal Instinct.
But UK viewers are also streaming 2004 sports drama The Football Factory, which is no surprise considering all eyes are on the FIFA World Cup.
Directed by Nick Love, the film is presently sitting at Number 9 on the trending list. It focuses on a devoted Chelsea football hooligan called Tommy Johnson (played by Danny Dyer).
Tommy and his friends spend their days drinking, womanising, using drugs and “occasionally kicking the f*** out of someone”.
But the sports fan is forced to reconsider his violent lifestyle when one of his football-fuelled fights leads to serious consequences.
Adapted from John King’s 1997 novel, the story touches on important themes such as young men’s search for belonging, as well as their frustration with unfair socio-economic systems. It also offers insight into escapism through drug and alcohol abuse.
While Dyer is the face of this film, he is joined by other recognisable stars. One of his most notable co-stars is Tamer Hassan, who Love Island fans will know as recent All Stars contestant Belle Hassan’s dad.
He plays Fred, a Milwall hooligan and arch enemy of the Chelsea club.
Fans have been raving about the noughties drama for years. “One of the best football films,” said one Rotten Tomatoes user.
Someone else praised: “10/10 – Brilliant film! Easily in my top 5 favourite movies. A must see for football fans.”
While another said: “One of the best English films you will ever see for sure, got everything in it! now this is funny and gripping!”
Yet another film fanatic shared their verdict on IMDb: “It’s top drawer entertainment and better than most of the garbage that fills your DVD store. I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes realistic and gritty films, and doesn’t mind occasional stomach turning violence.”
And a final moviegoer insisted: “I can honestly say this is by far the best British film I’ve ever seen.”
The Football Factory is now on Netflix