I.D. (1995)

Very disappointing...

Must See Movie...

It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

On the face of it,a team of police officers going undercover in a local firm together evidence and one of them getting the buzz for the violence is a good idea.Put into practice by this film, the idea is completely wasted.Having read some of the comments about this film ie how it shows what goes on at an unfashionable London club proves how such a badly researched film can be dangerous in giving a false idea of football and it's followers, well or badly behaved.I support an unfashionable London club and can say that even in the really bad old days it was nothing like this. I thought Green Street was a bad enough inaccurate portrayal but this pushed the limits of belief just too far.The "firm" just didn't look the part, and the scenes in the pub were just surreal to be polite. What on earth was going on with the fire eater? And who wrote the chants? Why not just use real chants? We are expected to believe that one of the under covers lives on the manor with a wife in the police who goes to work from home in uniform? Is he going to make such a mistake that his thug mates are not going to see this or pop round unexpectedly? The film is so full of holes it is incredible. I can't believe some think this is so true to life! Whoever researched this appears to have just read Daily Mail type exaggerated reports to scare middle England and used that as their ideas of how it is or was. Well it is and never was anything like this.The film is absolute junk and not worth the talents of some of the people in it.

Nothing like the real thing, but still a decent film with quite a few funny moments. Warren Clarke steals the show as the almost Shakespearian pub landlord. John and Trev are a fine double act with Trev always landing John in it... (Possible spoilers) The ending puzzles me... all through the film Trev is getting John into hot water by opening his mouth... Everyone else I know who's seen it reckons John's gone mad, but isn't Trev doing what he's been doing all through the film? ...and how did he get to be a policeman if he can't read and write?

A quite emotive subject in the Uk and europe and one that only 3 films (The others being The Firm (1988),Ultra (1990) have yet to be based on considering the dramatic subject matter. This film goes a little way into showing bthe extent of matchday violence in the 1980's by showing the fanatacism of the fans and the allure of comradeship and 'action' Seems to based on the real-life undercover operations that ocurred in the late 80's (and still do-)and in particular 'operation Dirty-Den' launched against Millwall Fc (or Shadwell Fc as they are called in the film) fans. Dont know whether a ambitious copper would end up a thug but the story is quite enthralling. The subject matter needs to updated to the present day something that will come with the film version of john king's 'The Football Factory'

I.D. is not something which makes light entertainment.Reece Dinsdale shows off some excellent acting skills as John, an undercover policeman getting involved in the world of football hooliganism.The Movie never fails to surprise, every time it is watched, the roles are cast perfectly, and they are all excellent at their roles.The storyline, will either bore you, or grip you entirely until the very end.James Bannon, the writer has put together a gritty drama that will stir an emotional response when written, You never fail to feel both sympathy and revulsion for the main character, John.If you want a feel-good movie, go rent bambi or free willy, because ID is the sort of movie that will leave an indelible imprint on you.