This Is England
(Drama, Shane Meadows, UK, 2006, colour)
Shaun, a 12 year old is growing up in Britain in the early-mid 80's. His dad, whom Shaun feels great love and pride for, has died in the Falkland War, he's being bullied by the other kids and he is alone. That is, until he comes across Woody, a skinhead who has a few guys behind hem. Woody decides to take good care of Shaun, who gladly appreciates this opportunity to belong. Everything looks fine until Combo, a mate of Woody, and one who Woody owes a lot, appears. Soon the group finds themselves torn between loyalty to their "brothers" and Combo's ideas of a "White Britain". This movie can also be seen as a small picture of how right wing groups tore the skinhead unity appart, as they did in the late 70's/early 80's. All this happens with Shaun in the middle, it's how he sees it.
This flick is not another Romper Stomper, as this one adresses more the spirit of skinheads growing up in the UK in the 80's, and not the neo-nazi image of it, as well as the issue of belonging somewhere.
Personal opinion: One of the best movies I've seen in a very long time. Shaun is played by a young lad, Thomas Turgoose, and he does a remarkable job. The movie is more about tests to friendship and loyalty than about ideologies, here represented mainly by Combo. A real gem of a movie and
highly recommended.