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Poster for This Sporting Life

This Sporting Life

Seen it?

1963 | 134 min | Drama

Friday Night Flickearly rating

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 14 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1963: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

In early 1960s Northern England, Frank Machin is mean, tough and ambitious enough to become an immediate star in the rugby league team run by local employer Weaver.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    96% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 BAFTA: British Academy Film Awards: Best British Actress. Won 1 Cannes award: Cannes Film Festival: Best Actor. Also nominated for 2 Oscars, 2 Golden Globes and 4 more BAFTAs. Plus 1 other award.

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 46K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Lindsay Anderson

  • Richard HarrisFrank Machin
  • Rachel RobertsMrs. Margaret Hammond
  • Alan BadelGerald Weaver
  • William Hartnell'Dad' Johnson
  • Colin BlakelyMaurice Braithwaite
  • Vanda GodsellMrs Anne Weaver
  • Anne CunninghamJudith
  • Jack WatsonLen Miller
  • Arthur LoweCharles Slomer
  • Harry MarkhamWade