Being a "Skinhead Movie" it is inevitable that This is England gets compared to American History X. Whereas Shane Meadows' epic portrayal of 1980s Britain isn't as much a social commentary about racism and how to overcome it as American History X is, it does, however, provide the perfect mix of nostalgia, individual insecurity, and violent bigotry that makes This is England a personal and powerful experience best approached with your grandmother's old English hanky.
What a weird and wonderful era the 1980s was in Britain. If you're fortunate, or unfortunate, enough to remember a time when Roland Rat and Maggie Thatcher ruled our televisions then you'll find yourself bathing in a mix of nostalgic excitement and/or restraining yourself from smashing the TV to a pulp with the film's opening montage. This sets the menacing air of the rest of the movie: at times it's incredibly unpleasant to watch, but never strays from the true grittiness that makes for wonderfully satisfying British cinema.
The Northern council estate is the perfect setting for twelve year old Shaun (played by Thomas Turgoose, in an absolutely astonishing performance) who is adopted by a group of local skinheads. Shaun is bullied at school for his clothes, and feels lost after his father returned from the Falklands war in a body bag. Like every person in their adolescent years, he yearns for some recognition, and people to talk to, so he persuades his mother to buy him a pair of Doc Martins, lets the girls shave his head, and gracefully accepts a Fred Perry shirt just to fit in.
The characters in This is England are so authentic that you won't even realise you're watching a documentary about 80s England and the skinhead culture. Meadows also draws an interesting conflict within the skinhead culture: "The Gang" are relaxed, enjoyable company, with an interest in the fashion and music; however, Combo invades the scene, and is seen as a vile, angry skinhead, who preys on the minds of the young people around him for belief in his own misguided sentiments.
The semantics of nationalism and racism are particularly eye-opening in This is England, which at times make even the viewer think twice. There is a scene in particular where Combo and a few of his hardcore followers visit a bar, and the leader of the nationalist party gives perhaps one of the most influential speeches of the movie:
"There is a forgotten word... no, a forbidden word. That word is 'England.' I want to rescue the word 'Englishman.' People call us racists. We're not racists, we're realists. Some people call us Nazis - we're not Nazis, we're nationalists."
Shaun represents the heart of Britain, though his vulnerability is exploited by the misguiding ideologies at the height of the aggressive "Nationalists". There is alot crammed into a hundred minutes here, and the drama is compelling throughout, especially seen as much of it portrays Meadows' own experiences, but my only criticism would be the ending- which feels somewhat irresolute. This is, however, an assured and un-mistakenly English piece of film making, which plays tribute to one of the most definitive eras of British culture.
The soundtracks not half bad either.
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Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
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Expired-Account 10.02.2009 23:50
I must agree that this is a depressing film, but at the end of the day reality is depressing, great review
This Is England tells the story of Shaun (Thomas Turgoose), an 11 year old kid growing up ... more
in the North of England. Set during the summer holidays of 1983, it follows his journey from a shaggy haired ruffian grieving the loss of his father into a shaven...
THIS IS ENGLAND tells the story of Shaun (Thomas Turgoose), an 11 year old kid growing up ... more
in the North of England. Set during the summer holidays of 1983, it followshis journey from a shaggy haired ruffian grieving the loss of his father into a shaven ...
Advantages: Poignant, powerful, great performances, great setting Disadvantages: Not for you if you like beautiful film stars or if you don't like swearing
sonic0209 07.10.2007 (07.10.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of This Is England (DVD)
Advantages: Good portryal of the subculture, well written, characters appear real, good setting Disadvantages: What is the actual message, poor casting the 'Shaun', unsatifactory ending
Davidhutt 11.05.2007 (12.05.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of This Is England (DVD)
Feb 10th, 2009
very helpful by (100%):
