In years to come this film will be best known as a footnote in the early career of George Mackay's filmography but it deserves to be much more widely known, in its own right. Quirky, well written, low key and very British, the film takes place against the backdrop of "that drop kick" in November 2003, and beautifully captures the feel (and politics) of a local rugby club on the most important day in English rugby in 50 years. When written and filmed, 10 years after the event, the raw emotion of that day had already faded, hence I suspect the viewing figures and reception being somewhat muted. But as a low budget paean of affection for amateur sport, and the ever-passive-aggressive politics of amateur sport club committees, it works on many levels. Even if you know who won the World Cup final, the tight script still delivers tension, a love story, easy humour and - unexpectedly - one half of Hale and Pace. Overall, it's a real gem, and well worth a watch.
Review of Breakfast with Jonny Wilkinson
