This article is about the 1993 film. For the 1988 film of the same name, see The Firm (1988 film)
The Firm is a legal thriller film released in 1993, directed by Sydney Pollack, and starring Tom Cruise, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Gene Hackman, Ed Harris, Holly Hunter, Gary Busey, and David Strathairn. The movie is based on the novel, The Firm, by author John Grisham.
The Firm is a 1988 TV film by Alan Clarke, written by Al Ashton. The film is based on the activities of the Inter City Firm, football firm of West Ham United during the 1970s and 1980s although in the film the firm's name is changed slightly to become the Inter City Crew (ICC). Rival football fans battle it out on the streets in this powerful television drama starring Gary Oldman as Clive 'Bex' or 'Bexy' Bissel. The film is notable for its total lack of music. There is no musical score or diagetic music, not even played over the opening or ending credits.
As with most of Clarke's films, the film was similarly praised and condemned for its depiction of violence. It is said there was an effort made to ban the film, but obviously nothing came of it. The film is often credited as being among the best of the "football hooligan" genre of films. Its current rating on IMDB is 7.0 out of 10 with over 900 votes counted. Its has not registered enough votes at either Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic to produce a rating.
Mitch McDeere is a young man with a promising future in Law. About to sit his Bar exam, he is approached by 'The Firm' and made an offer he doesn't refuse. Seduced by the money and gifts showered on him, he is totally oblivious to the more sinister side of his company. Then, two Associates are murdered. The FBI contact him, asking him for information and suddenly his life is ruined. He has a choice - work with the FBI, or stay with the Firm. Either way he will lose his life as he knows it. Mitch figures the only way out is to follow his own plan... Written by Mark Harding
Mitch is a much sought after young graduate of law school. When he's made an excellent offer by a small law firm in Memphis, he and his wife Abby, are elated. Very soon Mitch becomes worried about "The Firm's" clients, and is approached by the FBI who are investigating their Mafia connections. Written by Rob Hartill
This is the story of rival "Firms" of football (soccer) supporters, and how one man has a wish to team them up for the European Championships of 1988. However, when this is discussed, the opposing leaders are not happy, as they believe this is a challenge to their authority. This Film shows how football violence has progressed from pure violence to a form of organized crime, to the extent that all the leaders know each others home phone / mobile phone numbers. Written by Darren Alexander
