Review of This Is England (2007) by Andrew I — 31 Mar 2010
A film of two halves - the first part about Shaun at school, the 1980s scene-setting is really well done. The second part, when Combo appears is when the film becomes gritty, 'hard-hitting' and at times, somewhat facile and tiresome.
From the outset, it is clear that Combo is a powder keg, so all that follows is not especially surprising. Prison obviously hasn't reformed him, he has nothing to really live for, and when his unrequited love is spurned, he goes crazy, which for me (without spoiling the end for anyone reading this), seemed like rather an easy and illogical get-out from the writers.
That said, some strong parallels between the 1980s and the present day - a dubious war, disenfranchised youth, immigration, unemployment, housing - make this a gripping and thought-provoking wholly British movie.
This review of This Is England (2007) was written by Andrew I on 31 Mar 2010.
This Is England has generally received very positive reviews.
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