This movie is an overlooked gem - much better than the American remake.
Colin Firth's Paul really hasn't a clue as to how stunted he is emotionally, due to his obsession with his favorite football club, Arsenal. Sarah, the uptight teacher who sort of conveniently falls into his life (if she hadn't been teaching in the class next to his, he probably would have remained alone) is aghast to discover the depth of his attachment to Arsenal (the Arsenal boxers that Paul blithely sports give her the first clue).
I love the scene where Paul is trying to convince her of his newfound maturity, but only succeeds in lighting his dinner napkin on fire. Firth's portrayal is quietly brilliant and hilarious. And as a baseball fan who wears rally caps and refuses to move her spot on the couch when her team is winning a big game, I found so much to relate to. I've been there with Paul in the depths of despair and the heights of delirium. Luckily I married a baseball fan too!
I bought this movie on DVD after renting it, and love to watch it once or twice a year. Undeniably and proudly English, it entertained this American to no end.
Colin Firth's Paul really hasn't a clue as to how stunted he is emotionally, due to his obsession with his favorite football club, Arsenal. Sarah, the uptight teacher who sort of conveniently falls into his life (if she hadn't been teaching in the class next to his, he probably would have remained alone) is aghast to discover the depth of his attachment to Arsenal (the Arsenal boxers that Paul blithely sports give her the first clue).
I love the scene where Paul is trying to convince her of his newfound maturity, but only succeeds in lighting his dinner napkin on fire. Firth's portrayal is quietly brilliant and hilarious. And as a baseball fan who wears rally caps and refuses to move her spot on the couch when her team is winning a big game, I found so much to relate to. I've been there with Paul in the depths of despair and the heights of delirium. Luckily I married a baseball fan too!
I bought this movie on DVD after renting it, and love to watch it once or twice a year. Undeniably and proudly English, it entertained this American to no end.