Watch The Club

The Club is a 1980 Australian drama film directed by Bruce Beresford, based on a play of the same name by playwright David Williamson. The film features an all-star Australian cast including Jack Thompson, Graham Kennedy, Frank Wilson, and Harold Hopkins. The film revolves around a football club, based on the real-life Australian Football League (AFL) team, Collingwood. The club is in a state of crisis, having not won a game in months, and tensions are high among the players, the coaching staff, and the supporters.

The film follows the lives of four key players: Laurie Holden (Jack Thompson), the aging team captain who is facing the end of his career; Geoff Hayward (Graham Kennedy), a talented rookie who is struggling to make his mark; Danny Rowe (Frank Wilson), a former player who is now a controversial team manager; and Jock Riley (Harold Hopkins), a tough-talking coach who is under immense pressure to turn the team's fortunes around.

As the film progresses, we see the personal and professional struggles of each of these characters, all of whom are dealing with their own demons. Laurie, in particular, is struggling to come to terms with the fact that his football career is coming to an end, and he is unsure of what he will do once he retires. Geoff, on the other hand, is struggling with the pressures of being a young and talented player in a team that is underperforming. Danny, meanwhile, is dealing with the fallout from a controversial decision he made that has divided the club's supporters, and Jock is feeling the heat from the media and the fans, who are calling for his head.

The Club is a searing critique of the world of professional sport, and the film explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the pressures of success. As the characters navigate their way through the challenges and obstacles that they face, they are forced to confront the darker side of the world of professional sport, including the pressure to win, the politics of the game, and the impact that success or failure can have on a player's career.

The film is masterfully directed by Bruce Beresford, who brings a gritty realism to the story that is both powerful and moving. The performances by the cast are top-notch, with Jack Thompson's portrayal of Laurie Holden being a particular highlight. Thompson brings a quiet intensity to the character that is both compelling and devastating, and he expertly captures the anguish and sadness of a man who is struggling to let go of his dream.

Overall, The Club is a powerful and poignant film that explores the world of professional sport with an unflinching eye. It is a must-watch for anyone who is a sports fan or who is interested in the pressures and challenges of professional athletes. With its extraordinary cast, expert direction, and compelling storyline, The Club is timeless and unforgettable, and it remains a classic of Australian cinema to this day.

The Club is a 1981 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.