Cinema Review: This Is England
This is a review of the new film written and directed by Shane Meadows called ‘This Is England‘. It’s set in 1983, and tells the story of a young 12 year old boy, and his experiences with a group of older skinheads who take him in, and treat him as one of their own. It’s based on Shane’s own experiences growing up, and it shows in the maturity and way in which it’s told.
Set against the backdrop of 80s England, with Thatcherism, the Falklands war and Charles and Di’s wedding all taking place in the background, this is a film which captures a time perfectly. It explores the transition of the skinhead culture from it’s innocent beginnings of mods and Ska music, through to the racist elements, which wormed it’s way in, and caused violence and mayhem throughout Britain. In the end the skinheads were inextricably linked with the National Front, and have been ever since.
This new director has been compared to Ken Loach, and Mike Leigh, and I can see why, as this film displays the sort of gritty realism I would associate with those guys. This film has already been nominated for 8 awards, and won 3 of them, including “Best British independant film“.
I particularly like the way this film handles alot of issues really sensetively, including the loss of a father at a young age, and how it can infuence a kid’s upbringing. Throughout it’s 100 minute running time, the film explores the allure of being in a gang, something which tempted alot of misguided, and disaffected young people througout 80s Britain, and does so superbly.
The film opened in the UK last Friday, and really is worth a watch. Whether you’re into British pop culture, or just like a gritty drama to sink your teeth into, this is one film you shouldn’t miss!
Cinema, This Is England, British, UK, Pop Culture, Shane Meadows, 1980s, Thatcher, Falklands, Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Mods, Ska, Skinheads, Racism, National Front, Ken Loach, Mike Leigh
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