Fair Game (1994 TV Movie) User Reviews

Fantastic nostalgia trip across the pennines in the summer of 1970

[sonicbloo · 10/10 · 1 December 2004]

I saw this film the day before the 94 world cup started (don't think its ever been repeated) and am glad I taped it as I must have seen it a dozen times since.

The story starts with Marco the son of a rich Italian family discovering that his real father is from England, and he decides to go to Lancashire to trace his roots. Once there he meets Ellie, a student who is planning to hitch-hike to Whitby with boyfriend Carl during the summer holidays.

As Carl gets more interested in Englands progress in the 70 Mexico world cup, Ellie gets more interested in the 'flash' Marco in his bright red Lamborghini Miura, to the point where both end up rivals for her affection.

If I could write a film just for me this has it all, ie nostalgia, humour, my favourite car, football references(you don't actually see any),countryside/places I can relate to(i'm from Yorkshire), and a good old romantic story.

If it is ever officially released on DVD I'll be first in the queue, but so glad I transferred it from VHS to DVD

fair game

[layercake1 · 10/10 · 19 July 2007]

like Paul Cameron i will be also be rushing out to buy this if released on DVD. I've been waxing lyrical about it for years but nobody seems to remember it. I taped it off the TV loaned it to some mate and never saw it again (familiar story !). I Can't add much to Pauls commentary except to reinforce that this film is simply a little gem and its a real shame it's not available. The overlayed stories of the world cup, the rivalry between the two men (football and the lovely lead lady), the coast to coast walk, and Marcos search for the truth about his father make for a really brilliant story. Frankly i would get it just to see the car though - voted most beautiful car of all time apparently. Fingers crossed it may surface again one day- I would love to see it again. steve westwood

A fantastic film for anyone who loves English nostalgia, sixties tunes and football

[paul-kingan · 10/10 · 23 August 2005]

I agree whole heartedly with the previous comments. I too taped this film - which hasn't been on since 1994. It makes me so mad when utter rubbish is shown on the TV and Hollywood films are shown again and again and yet this is an absolute gem.

I am worried about the tape wearing out and desperately need a DVD copy (but there doesn't seem to be one.). The acting is fantastic, the characters are all likable and the soundtrack is full of classics c.1969/1970 - Beatles etc.

We often play it to people who haven't seen it before and they instantly like it. It's a bit like a road trip movie but in a much more English way ie. hiking across the penines - blisters, tents, pubs, skinny dipping etc, contrasted with the slickness of the Italian character, Marco, and his flash sports car, fashionable clothes, smooth language - he steals the girl.

It's set against a back drop of the 1970 British election and the World Cup - with some great footage of key moments for England, Italy and Brazil.

It's in my list of top ten films ever - but it wont get in too many people's lists on account of there being no explosions or car chases - there is a moped chase at the end though! A fantastic film. Paul.

Very funny, very clever, very under-rated film

[michael-1688 · 10/10 · 29 May 2006]

Like Paul Cameron of York, I too taped this film and enjoyed it many times over the years - until I accidentally threw the tape out.

An excellent "road movie" featuring Karl and his girlfriend Ellie (Lena Headey) which takes place mainly on foot in a coast to coast walk between Preston and Whitby in the north of England. Parallel plots weaved into the theme involve Marco, a rich Italian orphan searching for his Yorkshire roots, a love affair between Ellie

and Marco and the progress of the England and Italy teams through the 1970 World Cup Finals.

Please please please can somebody re-schedule this during this World Cup or release it on DVD.

Unforgettable!

[sarahmcmillan-30314 · 10/10 · 5 January 2022]

A great film! Underrated in my opinion. I remember watching it and didn't ever forget it. Noted some of the reviewers were wishing they could obtain a copy. Well, yes you can! I spent years trying to track a copy down and eventually I did. So, if any of these members are still interested I can tell you where.

Football, romance, politics and rambling

[sirsid75 · 20 February 2010]

Like others have already said i have fond memories of this film. If I remember rightly it was on a Friday night and I taped it on a video which had a couple of fantasy football episodes on. I watched it on the Sunday night and it really put me in the mood for a festival of football, not that you need to be a football fan to enjoy it.

The World Cup is just the backdrop, as is the general election. The real story is a familiar one and while I would stop short at calling it a feel good movie, it is certainly fun and easy to watch. I can't believe it must have been almost 15 years since I last watched it. I have just gone through a load of old videos and can't find it anywhere. I wonder if anyone has it on DVD.

Lost but not forgotten

[phembery · 20 July 2017]

You can only find clips of this on YouTube, and then without the audio. I have been searching forever to get a copy, but it was never released on DVD so sadly it is seemingly lost forever. Shame as it is such a lovely film, and so worth saving. If anyone ever finds it... Please please let me know.

The shame is, it has some very good actors, who have gone on to greater things, and is a lovely period piece that really takes you back to 1970. Wonderful.