This is a semi-autobiographical movie written by Nick Hornby surrounding one of the most dramatic and historic seasons in English soccer history, 1989.

Paul Ashworth, played by Colin Firth, during the week is an average school teacher in London.  On the weekend, however, he turns into a frothing madman cheering on his favorite team, Arsenal.

As the school year starts, so does the English soccer season.  A new teacher at the school, Sarah Hughes played by Ruth Gemmell, draws his ire by not only her ambivalence to soccer but her disdain for soccer fans.

It soon becomes a classic case of opposites attracting. As their relationship develops. each tries to convince the other to compromise on their opinion on soccer.  Through flashbacks, we see how Paul developed his love for Arsenal at an early age.

Their relationship starts to mirror Arsenal's season.  As their love blooms,. Arsenal takes a commanding lead in the league on the road to possibly getting their first championship in 17 years.  Soon, however, as Arsenal slumps, so does their relationship.

Things reach a boiling point as it appears their relationship has put them in the doghouse of their superiors, but more importantly for Paul,  Arsenal have lost a home game which practically ruins their chance of a championship.

Can Arsenal miraculously win the championship?  Can their relationship miraculously survive?  Can both happen?  Everything comes to a thrilling climax on the last day of the season.

This movie was based on a book by Nick Hornby, who also wrote High Fidelity.  He doesn't really delve into the reasons for a soccer fanatic, other than their need to be a part of something, but he does give an inside look as to how their lives are affected.

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