Fever Pitch (1999)

Paul is an easy-going teacher whose one true love is the Arsenal football team. When he starts up an affair with the uptight teacher in the next classroom, her prejudice against football yobs puts his new relationship in conflict with his lifelong fandom. The romance is alright, but it's the flashbacks that really make this something special.

We see the genesis of Paul's obsession: how it made him eager for outings with his father, something that used to be a chore. And Paul's mother, who knew nothing about the game, eventually becomes a fan when she has to take over the ticket-buying once her ex is no longer interested in the role. Not to get too romantic about it, but what relationship -- other than the one you have with a team -- can survive the constant letdowns? We willingly subject ourselves to the rollercoaster highs and lows because we're going through it with our chosen family of fellow sufferers. It's a wonderful, welcoming shortcut to relationships that can last lifetimes.

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