Purely Belter [2000]

See Larger Image	Manufacturer: RCV Starring: Chris Beattie, Greg McLane, Charlie Hardwick, Roy Hudd, Tim Healy Directed By: Mark Herman Average Customer Rating:


Audience Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over Binding: DVD EAN: 8713045205768 Format: PAL Label: RCV Manufacturer: RCV Publisher: RCV Region Code: 2 Release Date: 2004-07-04 Running Time: 99 Studio: RCV
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Editorial Reviews: Purely Belter is a humorous but poignant drama from Film Four starring Chris Beattie and Greg McLane as two Newcastle teenagers who embark on a series of money-raising schemes in a desperate attempt to raise the necessary funds to buy Newcastle United season tickets. The whole story positively crunches with Northern grit and the ghost of Ken Loach clomps away in the background throughout the film, but acclaimed writer/director Mark Herman (Brassed Off, Little Voice) sets a fine balance between character and situation which is strong enough to carry the story despite its reliance on stereotypes. The humour ranges from the superbly under-stated (the fire-eating scene is a classic) to the rather nasty (the occasion which sees the two main protagonists demanding money from a woman for "looking after" her car is about as funny as a rape scene), but it all ends in a more upbeat fashion than Jonathan Tulloch's novel The Season Ticket on which the film is based. --Roger Thomas
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: Not bad at all! Comment: It's always hard summing up English films. I mean, how seriously can you take them these days? Their are few that stand out as being unique, unless you count the likes of 'The Full Monty', which few films had tried before. Purely Belter, like most other British films, set's itself in the good down to earth reality of English life. It's always refreshing to watch a film that you can, in many ways, relate to in your own life, and this is something that only an English audience can absorb and take in. The plot is thin but simple in this film; a year in the life of two Newcastle lads who plan to raise money for a pair of season tickets at St James' Park, home of Newcastle FC. It'd be wise to ponder how on earth you could watch a film for 1 and a half hours, trying decipher what these funny lads are on about. But perhaps this is the great side of it. As a Northerner myself, it's fascinating to compare our lives to that of the unnecessary 4 x 4 drivers in London and Co, and this was achieved when I went down South not long ago. I didn't even know you could pay more than 2.20 for a Pint! But while the film does try it's best to hold out the film, it's fair to say the Director and producers have got the lifestyle appreciation and filming spot on. Though our two young actors may not be Shakespearian-counterparts, they do a flippin' good job of representing the lives of kids in some areas, which is all to common for some of us. The youngest lads (Terry) Dad is played superbly and again, represents an all to familiar 'type' of dad for my friends in the past. Even the charismatic Alan Shearer (who has thankfully started to say a few words on Match of the Day instead of sitting their glummly) got his say with a one liner after a match, and to lighten things up further, the two lads steal his Jaguar to re-pay his smug laugh after asking for season tickets... if only! It's easy to be harsh on low budget English films, but it's always re-assuring knowing that you don't need great sums of money to make a great film. Bruce Willis may have fought off his middle-aged belly to impossibly dodge cruise missiles in Die Hard 4, but watching a good down to earth film, though not always bright and happy, is all the more entertaining for its truth and value. In which case, Purely Belter is definitely worth a cheap buy! (By the way - can someone confirm that the flats at the end were super-imposed behind St James' Park?...) Customer Rating: Summary: Captures the Scene Brilliantly Comment: I watched this film at University in early 2000, I had lived away in Lincoln for 6 months, first time away from the north east of england. This film captured for me the attraction of the streets of Newcastle, and the fact that it included lots of landmarks and captures quite well the spirit of the city. Now that I am back working in the city, I can understand the reason I came back when I watch this film. Set in Newcastle, the two actors brilliantly portray two down and outs who's only wish in life is to earn enough cash to buy a season ticket to watch Newcastle United play. They duck and dive, like many a local lad I'm sure, and they experience the ups and downs of life struggling in the city. Many good actors are in this film, which humourously shows off the not-so-high life common in Newcastle and many other cities. There are many important issues dealt with in the film, making this more than a comedy about two louts. Very funny and very touching in places, this is definately a film in the 'Full Monty' mould that captures the heart of the city very well. St. James's Park, Whitley Ice Rink, the Angel of the North are all used to show off the good points of the city. Well worth watching, a nice addition to any DVD collection, I'm surprised it did not fair better at the cinema! Customer Rating: Summary: a purely belter of a film...... Comment: A brilliant film! It is so cleverly made, really true to life. Set in Newcastle with two mad footy supporters, who will do anything to get to see the boys play! Two brilliant lads take the lead part. Very funny and also very sad in places, a must see!! Customer Rating: Summary: A great little British movie Comment: I rented this film and now wish I'd bought it. We both really enjoyed it. To give you some idea, when someone announces that her baby is call Shearer, they are met with the reply, 'Not another one!'. It's not all comedy though, there are times where you really feel for the characters. This film should be served chilled as an accompaniment to Chip and Scraps and Brown Ale. The all-star cast doesn't limit itself to stars of the screen! Customer Rating: Summary: My review of Purely Belter Comment: I am a member of a film club run by my local school. As part of our programme of films we are currently watching and analysing Purely Belter which was chosen by our Film Club teacher. Having watched this film I cannnot understand how this gem of a comedy has so obviously been overlooked by the mainstream film critics of our day, without whom such films sadly fall by the wayside. I hope to put this right by my review and encourage others to watch it and 'spread the word!' Starring Chris Beatie, also known for his role in the hit teen series Byker Grove and Greg McLane, it charts the progress of two football obsessed fans and their ultimate aim to get season tickets for Newcastle United. Given the initial limited subject matter, the director, Mark Herman, cleverly intertwines the football theme with the teenagers dysfunctional families to cover a wide range of problems which many of us can relate too. From burglary, drugs, shoplifting to begging, the boys try to raise money for those ever elusive 'Toon Army' tickets. Mark Herman treats each subject with a gentle sensitivity which makes you aware of the characters pain but never dwells too long on the down side of the situation, chosing rather to temper such moments with humour which is both touching and hilarious. I thoroughly recommend this film to teenagers and even adults, who will appreciate and remember their teen years with the affection with which this film is made. More Reviews