Is Playing Away Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Playing Away is likely a skip if you enjoy TV Movie movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Playing Away Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, Playing Away emerges as a significant entry in the TV Movie, Comedy, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of To mark the conclusion of their "Third World Week" celebration, a cricket team in a small English village invites a black cricket team from South London to a charity game with comical results. Unlike standard genre fare, Playing Away attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any TV Movie is often anchored by its ensemble, and Playing Away features a noteworthy lineup led by Norman Beaton . Supported by the likes of Robert Urquhart and Helen Lindsay , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Playing Away (1987) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Playing Away Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Playing Away is a TV Movie, Comedy, Drama film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Playing Away Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Playing Away attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to tv movie resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the tv movie themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Playing Away reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Playing Away?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for TV Movie films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Playing Away
- Norman Beaton – Willie Boy
- Robert Urquhart – Godfrey
- Helen Lindsay – Marjorie
- Nicholas Farrell – Derek
- Brian Bovell – Stuart
Top Highlights
Norman BeatonWillie Boy
Robert UrquhartGodfrey
Helen LindsayMarjorie
Nicholas FarrellDerek
Brian BovellStuart
Gary BeadleErrol
Suzette LlewellynYvette
Trevor ThomasJeff
Stefan KaliphaLouis
Bruce PurchaseFredrick
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Playing Away is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, Playing Away stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Playing Away movie hit or flop?
Playing Away has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Playing Away worth watching?
Playing Away is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of TV Movie, Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Playing Away online?
Playing Away may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Playing Away Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Playing Away
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
