Purely Belter

Purely Belter, released in 2000, is a British comedy-drama film to its very core. It brings together deep humour, dramatic reality and regional affection—depicting the true spirit of Newcastle upon Tyne along with the essence of the beautiful game of football. The movie features prominent actors including Chris Beattie as Gerry, Greg McLane as Sewell, and Charlie Hardwick as Mary and is directed by the insightful Mark Herman.

Set within the backdrop of Newcastle, the film is centred around two teenage boys, Gerry and Sewell. The duo is best friends sharing a mutual passion for football, with dreams far larger than their current circumstances permit. Specifically, they are huge fans of Newcastle United Football Club and hold an unrelenting desire to own season tickets to all the games. However, their financial situations do not allow such a luxury, placing the season tickets miles out of their reach.

The boys set out with sheer determination to raise enough money to purchase the tickets, embarking on an array of quirky and sometimes unlawful exploits, making the movie a cocktail of laughs, gasps and a rattling of true Geordie spirit. Their journey is not just about the pursuit of football; it is the pursuit of happiness, pride and a sense of belonging to their beloved club, mirroring the deeply embedded football culture in Newcastle.

Chris Beattie and Greg McLane brilliantly exhibit the nuances of being ravaged by passion versus poverty, hope versus despair and dreams versus reality. They manage to make the characters of Gerry and Sewell relatable, not just to those who share the love for football, but anybody who has dreamt against all odds.

Charlie Hardwick plays the role of Mary, infusing authenticity by portraying a real Geordie mother, adding an additional layer of depth to the social context. Her performance adds a tremendous touch of realism, moving the audience through a range of emotions—right from laughter to tears.

A unique character of the film is the city Newcastle itself; it comes alive under the skillful direction of Mark Herman. Not only the iconic St James' Park, the home of Newcastle United, but several well-known parts of the city have been featured, making the city more than just a backdrop in the film. For anyone familiar with Newcastle, these familiar sights stir up local pride and a sense of connection with the film.

Director Mark Herman goes beyond an easy football comedy. He explores the societal issues afflicting the city - poverty, broken homes, lack of opportunities for the local youth, and the sense of alienation felt by the underprivileged. Yet, despite these heavy themes, Herman coats Purely Belter with humour and charm, counterbalancing the hardships faced by the protagonists with their infectious resilience and never-die spirit.

The use of local 'Geordie' dialect and accents adds a culturally rich layer to the movie. It reinforces authenticity and allows the audience a genuine peek into the life and times of Newcastle's people, making it more than just a feature film, but rather, a cultural showcase. However, for those unfamiliar with the dialect, some of the punch lines may get lost; thus, it's beneficial to note before watching that the movie is deeply rooted in the local culture.

Alongside the excellent performances and engaging story, the powerful soundtrack deserves mention. With local music featuring heavily, it is one more key aspect that makes this film a heartfelt Geordie affair.

Purely Belter, standing true to its name, is a belter of a movie. It's a touching, funny, sometimes harsh but ultimately uplifting tale of friendship, football fanaticism and the unyielding spirit of youth. Whether you're a football enthusiast or not, this movie transcends the sport and provides a narrative that anyone can connect with. The film welcomely combines humour with social commentary, offering an enjoyable watch that leaves viewers with more than just popcorn memories.