Great documentary films often reveal their compelling story through hard facts we prefer didn't exist and yet we are still better off for knowing. This is not that documentary. Wild In The Streets is a great documentary because its incredible story brings us a feature length film of pure joy. Like its subject, an ancient game called Shrovetide Football played between Down'ards and Up'ards in Ashbourne, Derbyshire it's that straight forward. The key of the film's success lies in its characters who, against all the odds, keep alive this medieval pastime. Glory to them for they remind us life is not measured "in pounds or dollars, acres or hectares but in friendship and sportsmanship...to play the game". As Beverly, one of the film's colorful characters, says, "everyone has got to believe in something". For the Shrovetider's they believe this game is the meaning of life. Discover for yourself whether you think this is true or not. What can't be disputed is the film demonstrates what a real community is all about, something increasingly many of us long to be a part in this world. Well, at least you'll cry with joy watching it. All filmmaking aspects of this indie documentary are top notch and it would come as no surprise if Wild In The Streets ended up winning a major trophy of its own. Football. Bloody hell!
