This is England

[booder]

As a former Skinhead i have been eagerly anticipating Shane Meadows' latest film , This is England.

Last night i finally got to watch it and thought i would post a review.





What is it about ?......................

Loosely based on Meadow's childhood experiences , 1983 Uttoxeter is the home of a 12 year old whose father has recently died in the Falklands War. He is befriended by a group of Skinheads and accepted into their gang. An older , racist skinhead returns to the gang upon his release from prison ,the group splits in two and the young boy enters dangerous territory.

The Cast..................................

Thomas Turgoose as 12 year old Shaun Field
Joe Gilgun as likeable skinhead Woody
Andrew Shim as Milky
Stephen Graham as Combo


The Verdict.............................

A terrific performance by Turgoose , effortessly switching from humour to pain and anger, and from a ( mostly ) unknown but very talented supporting cast. But the star of the show , for me , was Stephen Graham.Every scene he appeared in , i was glued to the screen , with his manipulative and aggressive moods effortessly transforming into apparent vulnerability
Meadows has a great eye for detail and brought back some great memories for me.This film does not have the violence of Dead mans shoes nor the laugh out loud humour of Once upon a time in the Midlands rather a new maturity which bodes well for the future of British Filmmaking.
Any film that starts with a 1980's montage backed by Toots and the Maytals is alright with me.


A brilliantly written and directed film with a terrific soundtrack. Not a "nostalgia " film , more a portrayal of a certain time and place.Perhaps lessons can be learned about the twisted loyalties of modern day gang culture.



Carrot Rating (out of ten )

          9

[SuffolkPunch]

Sounds good. Methinks I'll take a look.

[matt674]

As a former Skinhead

Memories of BB4 a bit hazy but as i recollect you still do a mean impression of one!! 

[Compo]

Shane Meadows was the subject of this weeks South Bank Show. Worth a watch if you can.

What did you think of "Dead mans shoes"?

[booder]

Shane Meadows was the subject of this weeks South Bank Show. Worth a watch if you can.

What did you think of "Dead mans shoes"?

Was a bit disappointed really. i thought he missed the ideal opportunity to get away from the average "avenging angel " themed film.

[Compo]

Fair point, but surely one of the most violentl/poignant film of its type....if you can be both?

[booder]

Fair point, but surely one of the most violentl/poignant film of its type....if you can be both?

i think you can and it was. proberly.