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

Craig: He kept calling me queer!
Matt: For fuck's sake, Craig, that's what you are, a queer! Just deal with it!

User Reviews

Well acted and directed movie

I did like this movie. Directed by Paul Oremland, hopefully not his last, he brought truth and fine acting by a not so famous cast, to the fold. It was a low budget made film, but the writing, by Robert Gray, was top notch. It proves you can tell a beautiful love story without the glitz and millions of dollars. I think Mr. Oremland was in love with his story and his cast. He gave it such beautiful and heartbreaking moments. His interview on the DVD explains why he did the film and why he had such a strong connection in filming it. He also explained how he found the leading man, Steve Bell. Bell is perfectly cast as Craig, a young boxer from the skids who is not only fighting in sleezy matches but fighting his coming out as a homosexual.

He seemed so natural, they claim he actually had done some boxing in real life, you believed him from the start. Watching his opening up in his relationship with a pick-up, played by the beautiful Ian Rose. Rose also gave a truthful and lovely performance as he too found himself in his relationship with Craig. They played their scenes together quite well, including their nudity scenes.

Other cast members were Dani Behr, who played such a selfish girl-friend to Rose, I wanted to slap her. What a witch, and I use the term lightly. Then there's Craig's brother, well played by Chris Hargreaves,

who learns his brother is gay and supports him and his choice. Kind of brother every gay guy wishes he had. Roger Daltrey played another sleezy character in this film. I'm not quite sure whether I disliked his acting or his role the most. I didn't like him in this. I'm one who didn't know who he was. Not a THE WHO fan obviously. So I can't compare him to anything, but what he did in the film. Maybe Mr. Oremland felt he needed a name? I thought Daltrey overacted. But, that's a minor flaw in this wonderful movie. The story, acting and directing all make it worthwhile in renting the DVD. Go and do it like it is.