The Penalty King

Having your eyesight removed from you is one of the many challenges in life.

Our protagonist of the story dreams of his days on the football pitch, but is clearly too proud to say really what he wants, helped wonderfully by his friend the moment he says: "I guess it's time for that damn good kick about."

The Penalty King is a touching subtle story of camaraderie amongst men. Finding a place in society, the working man has a life outside of work; this is wonderfully portrayed in the movie by the footballers, not to mention the evil boss from hell who bans "toys with a synthetic oral capability" - a crude reminder of the health and safety world in which we live today.

This story is a joy from start to finish, carried along with great subtle humour, touching upon many down to earth social issues of the working class. In my opinion, this film really appreciates the aesthetics of British society and its complexities, in a way that only someone that has lived in this country long enough could come up with. It has a positive outlook and a great insight into our country for anyone unfamiliar with the British way of life.

OK, so a blind guy who wants to play football.... not the most obvious set up in the world... and funnily enough this isn't the most predictable of films. However, The Penalty King strangely enough takes this scenario and gives you something genuinely relatable. A ramshackle social services department is the site of the 'action' which, with the help of a spot on script- will have you squirming on your sofa,wringing your hands and wincing in perverse delight as you witness the all too familiar scene of arbitrary office politics laid out in front of you. Chris Cook finds comedy, not only in the places where other people wouldn't look, but in the places where other people wouldn't want to look. A refreshing film that takes an honest view at the other side of life and comes up with some surprises... some very surprising surprises at times... Get the DVD. watch it. then revel in the delight of your own -relatively- comfortable existence...

This film describes a recently blinded park-footballer's unlikely return to the field of dreams as one of the lads. The Penalty King contrasts the frustrations of everyday work with the potential glory of a Saturday afternoon on the park pitch. It is a tale of life-long obsession that will not be thwarted by blindness.

Superb locations, acting, and music, are brought together to produce a film that takes you into places most do not see. The message of the film still applies to all. The film includes classic footage of Leeds United that will be a pleasure for anyone with even a passing interest in the beautiful game. But this is more than a football film. I do not remember smiling more watching a film.

A captivating story with a number of sub-plots brought to a conclusion that will make you want to put on your shin pads and lace up your boots. And Claire Grogan too. Enjoy.

After a slow start I began to enjoy and get into the black humour and novelty of this unusual film. I liked the way different atmospheres were successfully blended together, particularly integrating old Leeds United footage with current Sunday football. Having lived in Brighton I also enjoyed 'spotting' locations skillfully used, local people or those who love Brighton would enjoy seeing it in a different light. Having a blind man as the hero of the film gave an interesting, thought-provoking take on disability issues. I think the various shots and editing work well, especially the sliding doors effect. I was not sure about some aspects of the social services equipment store, especially the search for the files, and the reaction of the disabled client felt over the top. I felt there were some instances in the film when it seemed to briefly 'freeze' or jump a bit, possibly this was intentional but not sure if it succeeded.

As an avid football fan and Leeds United fan, I came across this film after appearing as an extra and enjoying the day filming at Elland Road and have been excited ever since the day's filming to see this film come to life.

One of the first things I noticed from the shoot was of the director's passion, motivation and energy for this film and the opportunity to be able express his life and his everyday stories of life being a Leeds United fan. My excitement was met with joy when I finally saw the film at a private screening at Elland Road.

The film is lovely story of a guy, a guy like many of us whose life revolves around a 9 to 5 job, a love for his wife and a love for 'the beautiful game' of football. Lee is unfortunately blind, and he still misses and dreams of the time he kicked around a ball for his local pub team and the love of Leeds United and "the wee ginger man" - Billy Bremner. Lee just wants to play football, and in tricky situations turns to his friend Billy Bremner to find answers to many of life's everyday questions.

This is not a film just for Leeds United fans, of course it is great to see Leeds United on the big screen and recollections of some great clips of Leeds in action and the stadium, but the story is really gripping and you can really feel the pain that Lee is under in his life, to just to be able to kick a ball around a car park or a football pitch.

I loved the film and look forward to seeing it in a big screen in the not too distant future. This is not just another football fan, it is an adventure through somebody's life who is full of passion, and to see how a guy can overcome his loss of sight and to be able to enjoy 'the beautiful game.'