TwentyFourSeven – Review

When every day is the same, time and events bleed together. In a depressed English working-class town there is not a lot for most anyone to do as a youth. The streets call with excitement, violence and lessons; however, some kids find another outlet: boxing. The movie opens with a disheveled and run-down man, unfortunately a hollow version of his past self. We get a taste of his past, as the film goes back in time.

Alan Darcy (Hoskins) opens a facility for the local kids, which take to it with almost reckless abandon and excitement. Finally, something that they can train for which will help them mentally, physically and keep them out of criminal activities. Plus, who doesn’t want to be the tough guy? Rival gangs now find a common ground, and start to become more of a fighting family than street adversaries.

Some kids are able to grow in more ways than physical strength, as they find focus, and learn life skills beyond the ring. Alan himself used to run the streets, but found that boxing took out all of his anger, and allowed him to channel aggression, and grow into the stronger man that he is today without using actual violence. He hopes that avoiding drugs and gangs would be a possibility for those kids willing to show up to his training ground.

This is pretty much drama all the way, but has some good jokes or moments here and there sprinkled in amongst the authentic performances. The movie is about supporting those around you more than it is about beating their ass, despite the boxing theme. It can be a bit solemn at times, and fun at others.

This film presentation is pretty standard, but it is competently done for a sports and life drama. Hoskins is a good lead, but the kids come across well with decent performances. The budget was likely quite small, and it is shot in black and white.

Mosly below are boxing-type dramas with a few life similarities to this, but there is not a major direct comparison that I have seen myself.