This Is England: film review and discussion

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Watch This is England online

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This is England presents us with an unbiased, unsentimental insight into the skinhead movement of 1980's Britain.

Throughout the film it covers many subjects relevant today such as racism, bullying, politics and the vulnerability of youth. These highly interesting and thought provoking views are all experienced through the eyes of 12 year old Shaun.

Without giving too much away the first quarter of the film deals with the familiar territories of bullying, from which Shaun (Turgoose) finds refuge and support through a small group of skinheads. Shane Meadows aims to shake the 'Neo-Nazi' stigma associated with the movement and shows the group as a gang of fun-loving misfits who welcome Shaun into their clique.

The comedy element is extremely well placed, some of the funniest scenes being with Shaun and 'Smell', the adolescent, culture club styled love interest. "You might look about four," drawls Smell, "but you kiss like a 40-year-old." Meadows as always getting the best out of his cast.

This is soon cut short by the arrival of the menacing, intimidating Combo (Graham) which drives a nail into the group. The innocent and fun aspect of the gang is to be replaced by National Front meetings, racist graffiti and violence, many of its original members having left in protest.

The impressionable Shaun finds a father figure in Combo and is subjected to the darker underbelly of the skinhead tribe. Meadows does exceptionally well in creating a film whose political statements are portrayed in a far more affecting personal manner.

This Is England is a highly affecting movie, raising some extremely important questions which must be addressed.