Review of This Is England (2007) by Michael S — 24 Nov 2013

Touching, funny, harrowing; "This is England" is a film of effortless power and a definite standout of British movie making in the noughties. An honest, street-smart screenplay (and autobiographical account) by Shane Meadows (Dead Man's Shoes) and the incredible performances of the young Thomas Turgoose and Stephen Graham (as one of the scariest ticking time bombs in recent memory) make for an unforgettable film and a mandatory viewing for anyone who appreciates gritty realism on screen.