A young Jewish boy, David (Sam Smith), wants nothing more than to be good at cricket and when he begins taking lessons from his new Jamaican neighbours, it looks as though his ambitions might be realised. Except this is 1960s South London, and his efforts to befriend the new arrivals doesnt sit too well with the small-minded locals who just about tolerate
Davids own family.
Paul Morrisons follow-up to Welsh/Yiddish romance Solomon And Gaenor (a Best Foreign Film Oscar nominee) is a charming coming-of-age comedy drama that comes over as a cross between Billy Elliott and Far From Heaven, and blends its more serious themes (racism and immigration) with a touch of sporting fantasy.
Its too lightweight to truly succeed as a memorable social drama, but the films sweet-natured, eager-to-please tone backed by Smiths appealing performance makes for enjoyable viewing.