Watch Playing Away

Playing Away is a thought-provoking 1987 comedy-drama film directed by Horace Ové. The movie captures the humor and tension that ensues when two vastly different communities are brought together through cricket. The film's title Playing Away is a cricket term that refers to one team playing on the opponent's home ground.

Set in the idyllic English village of Snedington, the film is about a group of West Indian cricket players who arrive in the small town to play a charity cricket match against the locals. The players come from the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Jude, and their arrival in Snedington causes quite a stir as they are the first black people that most of the town's inhabitants have ever seen.

The local cricket team, a motley crew of middle-aged and elderly white men, is skeptical of the West Indians' cricketing abilities and is initially cold towards them. However, as the two teams spend more time together, they begin to discover similarities and differences between their cultures.

The film's main character is the team captain of the Saint Jude team Cyril (Norman Beaton), a proud and dignified man who takes on the role of mediator between the two communities. Cyril is a retired police officer who is trying to move on from a traumatic experience in the past. He believes that cricket can be used as a tool to bring people from different backgrounds together.

The film's supporting cast includes Robert Urquhart as Nash, the captain of the Snedington cricket team, and Helen Lindsay as Lady Dorking, a wealthy member of the community who is initially wary of the West Indian players but later warms up to them. The film's other characters include the players' coach, their host family, various members of the Snedington community, and several West Indian expats living in London who come to support the team.

One of the key themes of the film is racism and the cultural divide between black and white communities in England. The Saint Jude team's arrival in Snedington exposes the town's ingrained prejudice and narrow-mindedness. However, the film also shows that people can learn from each other and that stereotypes can be broken down through greater understanding.

Playing Away is also a celebration of cricket as a sport that brings people from different backgrounds together. Through the sport, the two teams find common ground and learn to respect each other's cultures. The cricket match is the highlight of the film, with both sides giving it their all and the tension building as the final outcome hangs in the balance.

The film also explores the idea of home and belonging. For the Saint Jude team, their trip to England is not just about cricket, but it's also a chance to connect with their roots. Despite the initial hostility they face, they find a sense of community and belonging in Snedington.

The film's director, Horace Ové, is one of the most important figures in British cinema. He is a Trinidadian-born filmmaker who has been instrumental in promoting black British filmmaking. Playing Away was his third feature film, and it is a testament to his skill as a director that he is able to balance humor and drama while tackling complex social issues.

In conclusion, Playing Away is a charming and thought-provoking film that explores race, culture, and belonging through the lens of cricket. The film's characters are well-drawn, and the acting is top-notch. The cricket match is a thrilling finale, and the film's messages about tolerance and understanding still resonate today.