Netflix 'beautiful' period drama 'as good as The Crown'
The English Game is a period drama that shows viewers how football was born as we know it today
The period drama set in the 1870s, 'The English Game', delves into the intriguing origins of what is now Britain's most beloved sport.
Premiered in 2020, the miniseries throws a spotlight on the genesis of football in Britain, with an emphasis on the era's class stratification.
Both aficionados of historical drama and football have commended the show for its depiction of the prevailing class order and its heartfelt portrayal of the fervour surrounding the burgeoning sport.
One enthusiast expressed their enjoyment on Rotten Tomatoes, saying: "Greatly enjoyed the story, characters, setting, drama, and resolutions. Beautifully crafted."
Another added: "Absolutely superb. The best series I've watched in a while. Captivating and enthralling.", reports Surrey Live.
Set during the nascent stages of the game, football is presented as a fledgling, amateur pastime monopolised by the upper echelons of society.
A silent transformation is underway in this backdrop, spearheaded by James Walsh, who owns a working-class team. He has his eyes set on the covertly talented duo, Fergus Suter and Jimmy Love, to bolster his squad for a formidable encounter.
This clash sees them pitted against the prestigious Old Etonians, with their influence firmly entrenched in the FA and players doubling as board members. As these established hierarchies defy the sanctity of the sport's rules, the prospects for working-class players soar, signalling monumental changes on the horizon for football.
Kevin Guthrie stars as Fergus Suter, believed to be the first discernible professional footballer who, despite his Scottish roots, moved to England to play for Blackburn Rovers.
Arthur Kinnaird, a central figure throughout the series, is depicted as a wealthy aristocrat and star player for the Etonians team. His character is inspired by a real-life individual who was instrumental in shaping the game, portrayed by Edward Holcroft, famed for his role in The Kingsman.
One critic said: "The costume and production design is immersive; it's all quite gorgeously shot, and the whole stands alongside The Crown in showing that Netflix can get this stuff done every bit as well as the BBC."
Another viewer added: "Good show. It starts off a little slow but quickly picks it up and turns into a very enjoyable show. Really good acting, and the story keeps you engaged. It is based off of real events, and it seems like they did a decent job of portraying them. Some of the side plots seem a little useless, but that's just par for the course. Definitely a good watch."
Despite being a short series with only six episodes, it covers a significant amount of content, making it an easy binge-watch for those seeking their next period drama fix. However, some viewers have pointed out inaccuracies, expressing disappointment over the "no mention of Sheffield rules".
Immerse yourself in the drama of 1800s football by tuning into The English Game, now streaming on Netflix.
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