The Hooligan

Lately, I've watched a few series of this style, and I think the best one is Barra Bravas (Argentina). That one felt more engaging to me; I believe football gangs there have a greater impact, and the series portrays that very well.

Kibic (Enemy Fans) is entertaining-it's not bad-but it lacks depth. One key aspect of any series is that the characters, regardless of their role, should be captivating and charismatic. Here, neither the "bad guys" nor the "good guys" are enjoyable to watch.

The best thing about the series is its visual production, which is excellent. However, in a series of this genre, the visuals shouldn't be the highlight. It should have charismatic characters, a deep, well-developed plot, and immerse us more in the world of football. Instead, it all felt very superficial.

For example, if instead of Gladius being a football club, it had been a neighborhood, a basketball team, a Mexican cartel, or a church group, the series could have been made the same way. It never truly delved into the hooligan world, and I think that's a crucial mistake.

Some series are simply watched, while others are experienced. This one belongs to the latter category. From the very first episode, you are captivated not only by the incredible cinematography, but also by the gripping story that keeps you in suspense until the very last minute. The creators have taken care of every detail - from the perfectly chosen colour palette to the dynamic, emotional shots that make the viewer literally immerse themselves in the world presented.

The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns. The viewer can never be sure what will happen next, and this tension makes the episodes end with a feeling of dissatisfaction. The writers perfectly balance between building mystery and dosing answers, thanks to which the story is not only captivating, but also emotionally engaging.

The excellent cast, great script and amazing execution make this Polish series a must-see.

I liked this short series. The music is good, the camera work is excellent. The plot feels somewhat rushed, but that's ok.

It's not a perfect series, but good enough for an evening watch.

I really liked how main actor's face kind of acts on its own. Like, he could just sit there and say nothing, yet it's interesting to watch.

I don't get the negative reviews with 1, 2 stars.

It's definitely not that bad.

Yes, it's not a docuseries, and probably somewhat unrealistic, but if you approach it like that - a fiction - it can be very enjoyable to watch.

So I encourage you to ignore the negative reviews and give it a try.

The series have a nice concept. Teenager joins local football fan club, slides into world of crime and deals with it. Also his father is also fan and went to jail for 6 years because of something club related.

But what we get is a mess. There is very little of football fan culture shown, little about its unsavory elements, little about violence. The transition into world of crime is not handled well. The crime plot is poorly done and makes practically no sense.

It tries to compensate with being brutal and "there are consequences, usually bad for you" follow up but end result is just bad.

Too bad, this could have been a good series if done properly.

The rating for Kibic truly doesn't do the series justice. As someone who usually avoids shows with a rating below 7.0, I was initially skeptical. However, my girlfriend, who has a knack for picking shows based solely on their cover art or movie posters, convinced me to give it a shot. And I'm so glad she did. Kibic is easily a 7.5 or higher-a hidden gem that deserves far more recognition than it's currently getting.

At its core, Kibic is a story about a young Polish man who finds himself drawn into the chaotic and often dangerous world of football hooliganism. While the premise might sound familiar-a protagonist caught between two worlds, struggling with identity, loyalty, and morality-the execution is what sets this series apart. It's a tale we've seen before, but Kibic manages to breathe new life into the archetype with its raw authenticity, emotional depth, and compelling characters.

One of the standout aspects of the show is its cinematography. The visuals are striking, capturing the gritty, visceral energy of the football terraces and the darker underbelly of hooligan culture. The camera work is dynamic, often using close-ups and shaky cam techniques to immerse the viewer in the chaos and intensity of the protagonist's world. At the same time, the quieter, more introspective moments are beautifully shot, with a keen eye for detail and atmosphere. The contrast between the adrenaline-fueled football matches and the protagonist's personal struggles is masterfully portrayed, making each scene feel purposeful and impactful.

What truly sets Kibic apart, though, is its heart. This isn't just a show about football hooliganism; it's a story about identity, belonging, and the choices that define us. The series doesn't glorify or romanticize hooligan culture; instead, it presents it in all its complexity, showing both the camaraderie and the destructive consequences that come with it.

Give it a chance...