Boston Kickout

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Paul Hills, the writer and director, based his semi-autobiographical film, Boston Kickout (a childhood game involving hopping fences and causing mischief), on his teenage years growing up in Stevenage. He assembled a fantastic cast on the verge of breakthrough success, led by John Simm, who was gaining recognition through television and film roles starting in 1992. The film helped establish Simm as a talented actor, and he quickly followed it up with a role in the popular police drama Cracker. The cast also included Andrew Lincoln, in his film debut, and Marc Warren, who played a particularly menacing and destructive character as a violent brother.

In the 1980s, Phil’s father moved the family from a poor, rundown neighborhood to Stevenage, hoping for a better life. But by the early 1990s, that dream had fallen apart. Phil and his friends have left school and are struggling with unemployment, violence, and drugs. Their lives begin to diverge when Ted disappears, Steve tries to please his parents with a stable job, and Matt gets engaged, leaving Phil feeling isolated. Discontented and adrift, Phil falls in with Steve’s troubled brother, Robert, a hapless criminal always scheming for a big break. Phil finds himself caught between a life of crime and the monotony of everyday existence. The arrival of his cousin, Shona, gives him the motivation he needs to change things. He’s ready to make some major decisions, but difficult choices lie ahead.

This film came out before movies like Trainspotting and Human Traffic, all of which fondly depict a period in British youth culture before the rise of social media and constant mobile phone recording. Many would argue it was a more authentic time.

Made with very little money in Stevenage, the film upset the town council, who disliked its portrayal of the area. The small crew often filmed quickly and spontaneously, sometimes without getting permission. The on-screen action was perfectly complemented by a fantastic soundtrack featuring bands like Oasis, Primal Scream, and Joy Division – it’s remarkable how the film could afford such well-known artists. Now, the film has been beautifully restored by Paul Hills, and includes a wealth of extra features.

  • Director’s Commentary 2004 (with John Simm)
  • Director’s Commentary 2025 (with Marc Warren)
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Deleted Scenes with Commentary
  • Making of Boston Kickout
  • Storyboard Comparisons
  • UK Trailer
  • US Trailer
  • 2025 Restoration Trailer
  • Stills Gallery
  • Mad in Tokyo
  • Director’s Biography
  • Limited to 2000 Copies
  • Poster

We chatted to Paul Hills & Marc Warren about the making of the film here….

Following a premiere of the film Paul Hills, stars John Simm, Richard Hanson, and Nathan Valente participated in a question-and-answer session, discussing the challenges and behind-the-scenes experiences of making the movie.

Here’s the Boston Kickout trailer……

The Boston Kickout 30th Anniversary edition will be available digitally on October 27th. A Limited Edition Box Set and Standard Edition will follow on November 3rd, 2025.

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2025-10-25 02:24