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In Green Street Hooligans, Elijah Wood stars as Matt Buckner, a bright Harvard journalism student whose promising future crumbles after being unfairly expelled for a drug scandal involving his roommate. Disillusioned and seeking solace, Matt travels to London to stay with his sister Shannon (Claire Forlani) and her British husband, Steve.

Through Steve’s younger brother, Pete Dunham (Charlie Hunnam), Matt is introduced to the underground world of football (soccer) hooliganism, specifically the Green Street Elite (GSE), a West Ham United firm. At first a reluctant observer, Matt is drawn into the camaraderie, loyalty, and raw energy of the group. As he earns their trust, Matt discovers a darker, violent side to their passion and becomes embroiled in escalating rivalries with rival firms.

The film captures Matt’s transformation from an outsider to a trusted member of the GSE, but it also explores the brutal consequences of loyalty and the violent underbelly of football culture. The climactic showdown forces Matt to confront his own moral boundaries and understand the true cost of belonging.

The movie delves into themes of brotherhood, redemption, and identity, juxtaposing the tribal nature of hooliganism against the transformative power of community. It critiques the allure of violence as a means of finding purpose while exploring the bonds forged in shared struggle.

Expect gritty street brawls, intense rivalries, and a raw portrayal of football culture. The film is as much about the personal growth of its characters as it is a commentary on the toxic masculinity and tribalism that define hooligan culture. Elijah Wood delivers a compelling performance as an unlikely protagonist navigating a foreign, often brutal world.

Though polarizing for its unflinching depiction of violence, Green Street Hooligans was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. It remains a cult classic, offering a unique lens into the subculture of football hooliganism.