Like It Is (1998)

A tough young boxer struggles to come out in England. Having travelled to London, from his smaller town, he meets and falls for a twenty-something music producer. But love doesn't come easy.

Director:

Paul Oremland

Writer:

Robert Gray (screenplay)

Stars:

Steve Bell, Ian Rose, Roger Daltrey

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Steve Bell	...	Craig
Ian Rose	...	Matt
Roger Daltrey	...	Kelvin
Dani Behr	...	Paula
Jude Alderson	...	Gloria
Emile Charles	...	Aylon
Chris Hargreaves	...	Tony, Craig's Brother (as Christopher Hargreaves)
Paul Broughton	...	Minto
P.J. Nicholas	...	Jamie
Sean Simpson	...	Jack
Charlie Caine	...	Terry, DJ
Stephen Burke	...	Luke
Dickon Tolson	...	Dirty Dave
Chris Ross	...	Andy
Tony Van Silva	...	Fight Loser

Storyline

Craig is a rough kid in Blackpool, picking up cash as a bare-knuckle club fighter; he's also having a hard time accepting that he's gay. Outside a dance club, he meets Matt, a Londoner working for Kelvin, a shady but enterprising music producer. Matt's flatmate is a client, singer Paula Poptart, who's Matt's good friend but also insecure and needy as a performer. Craig comes down to London to join Matt, but this presents problems for Matt, who's had lots of blokes but never fallen in love. Matt's feelings, Kelvin's demands, Matt's dream to run a rock club, Paula's snits and jealousy, and Craig's lack of job skills combine to put Craig and Matt's relationship in jeopardy.

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Plot Keywords:

england | boxer | blackpool england | blood | sex | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 August 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Tal como es

Filming Locations:

Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$69,426 (USA) (11 December 1998)

Gross:

$94,943 (USA) (22 January 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Channel Four Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Kelvin: Why take the carrot when you can have the donkey, eh?

User Reviews

Good Gay Drama

This film is about a young boxer who falls in love with a club manager. That's the story: the theme to me was about coming out of the closet as a gay man. I know this situation only too well, and this film hits the nail on the head (no pun intended). Roger Daltrey is the only star in this film, playing an older gay man seeing the younger make mistakes. The two male leads are handsome, and the sex scenes are neither exploitational nor lurid. This movie tells it like it is: coming out is a very painful and distressing emotional experience. Please see this film. This is a very strong drama for those who can take it. Released in 1998 hy First Run Features.