Review of This Is England (2007) by Zac M — 15 Apr 2009

A historical account of the 1980's skinhead movement in England, told from a fictional character's point of view. Writer/Director Shane Meadows displays a very gritty and real account of what was going on during this time period.

The young Thomas Turgoose exhibits an astonishing performance as "Shaun", a very troubled boy. Soon after Shaun's father is killed in the Falkland's War he feels deceived and alone by the loss.

While in a state of rejection Shaun runs into a group of skinheads who befriend him after he's been in a fight at school ,and he finally begins to find a sense of belonging with this new makeshift family.

As the film progresses there is a moment of self awareness for Shaun as he truly discovers where he belongs. "This is England" follows the skinhead movement at the cusp of it's integration with the Neo-Nazis and a true moment of seperation and brutality is witnessed.

This film is equally as powerful as "American History X" but on a much lower budget and based in a very different time and location. I highly recommend this movie though very depressing it has a thought provoking message about gangs and violence that is the result of gangs.