Playing Away
Playing Away

Movie spotlight

Playing Away

1987
Movie
100 min
English

To mark the conclusion of their "Third World Week" celebration, a cricket team in a small English village invites a black cricket team from South London to a charity game with comical results.

Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Director: Christopher MorahanGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A struggling village cricket team in the north of England is shocked when they are scheduled to play an exhibition match against a touring West Indian side. The match becomes a focal point for the villagers' prejudices and anxieties as they confront their own stereotypes and the realities of a multiracial society. The arrival of the charismatic West Indian captain further stirs the pot, leading to unexpected encounters and shifting perspectives.

Critical Reception

Playing Away was met with generally positive reviews, praised for its witty script and sensitive handling of racial themes within a British village setting. While not a major box office hit, it resonated with audiences for its blend of humor and social commentary, offering a thoughtful, albeit fictionalized, look at integration and prejudice.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its humorous portrayal of village life and its underlying social commentary.

  • Appreciated for its sensitive exploration of race relations in a British context.

  • Noted for its charming performances and well-crafted script.

Google audience: Audience reception data for 'Playing Away' on Google is not readily available, making it difficult to summarize specific user likes or dislikes.

Fun Fact

The film was based on a play by playwright Alan Brown, who also co-wrote the screenplay.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review