This Is England - film review
March 29th 2007 07:03
I'd heard about this film some time ago and sat down to watch it last night with some anticipation, but a little bit of fear. The fear stemmed from a string of skinhead films painting skinheads not as a youth subculture, but as a generalised group of fascist thugs. One of the best parts of this film is that although there is the exploration of a nationalistic element, it also shows that many were not going to be sucked into that side of things and were more worried about having a good time.
Writer and director Shane Meadows has made quite a few films now, with a focus on working class English youth and their attempts to forge some kind of meaningful identity. This is England is somewhat autobiographical, and traces young lad Sean (his age isn't given, but he wouldn't be older than 11) and his growing friendships with some local skinheads, who make him feel welcome, something he craves following the death of his Dad and his being picked on at school. Trouble begins however, when Combo gets out of gaol and brings ideas to the group not all agree on.
The film feels rather short and the plot is not anything groundbreaking, but it doesn't need to be as the concentration on character and the influence of others when growing up makes up for it. The soundtrack is great, with reggae and other black music dominating.
With "This is England", Shane Meadows is clearly presenting a time (1983) that is important and vivid in his own life, but for those of us who weren't there, it is good to see a representation of the skinhead subculture we rarely see in the mainstream. That being said, even if you aren't interested in the skinhead subculture, this is an interesting look at growing up, peer pressure and the way the environment and people around you influence your direction in life.
The film is released on April 27th 2007 in the UK, but I have heard no news on an Australian release.
Writer and director Shane Meadows has made quite a few films now, with a focus on working class English youth and their attempts to forge some kind of meaningful identity. This is England is somewhat autobiographical, and traces young lad Sean (his age isn't given, but he wouldn't be older than 11) and his growing friendships with some local skinheads, who make him feel welcome, something he craves following the death of his Dad and his being picked on at school. Trouble begins however, when Combo gets out of gaol and brings ideas to the group not all agree on.
The film feels rather short and the plot is not anything groundbreaking, but it doesn't need to be as the concentration on character and the influence of others when growing up makes up for it. The soundtrack is great, with reggae and other black music dominating.
With "This is England", Shane Meadows is clearly presenting a time (1983) that is important and vivid in his own life, but for those of us who weren't there, it is good to see a representation of the skinhead subculture we rarely see in the mainstream. That being said, even if you aren't interested in the skinhead subculture, this is an interesting look at growing up, peer pressure and the way the environment and people around you influence your direction in life.
The film is released on April 27th 2007 in the UK, but I have heard no news on an Australian release.
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
This is great review, I definitely want to see this film when it comes to Australia.
Tracy
Comment by Glen
Reggae
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Glen
Reggae
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life