This Is England (Shane Meadows, 2007) is a British social drama film. Set in 1983, the film explores themes of youth, race, and national identity within Britain during this time period. The film follows the story of a troubled 12-year-old boy named Shaun, who is struggling to come to terms with the recent loss of his father, who we later learn died in the Falklands War. After being bullied at school, Shaun befriends a group of skinheads led by Woody, who show compassion and sympathy towards Shaun, inviting him into their gang. However, after the arrival of Woody’s friend Combo – a man driven by nationalistic and racist views – Shaun is gradually drawn towards into a world of violence and extremism, ultimately leading to a tragic conclusion.
Shane Meadows, the director of This Is England, is a critically acclaimed filmmaker known for his gritty style that has its roots embedded within the kitchen sink realism movement of the 1960s. His films typically focus on working-class characters through which issues such as identity and social exclusion are explored. Meadows has won numerous awards for his films, including a BAFTA for This Is England.
The film is widely regarded as a significant film in British cinema history, being praised for its raw, moving portrayal of nationalistic indoctrination. The themes explored by the film still ring true, with issues such as nationalism and racism unfortunately pervading the country to this day.
The film’s narrative is structured in a linear fashion, with a clear three-act structure. Throughout the film, Meadows employs a range of techniques to convey information to the audience, such as documentary-style stock footage of real events from the time period, such as the Falklands War and the riots in Brixton.
Personally, I found This Is England to be a powerful and moving film that enthralled me from beginning to end. The performances from the cast are particularly compelling and believable, most notably Stephen Graham as Combo. My only real problem with the film was the final scene in which Shaun throws the flag into the ocean, which I felt was a little on-the-nose and offered a slightly unsatisfying conclusion to the film. Despite this, the film is both thought-provoking and enthralling throughout
Overall, I would rate This Is England ★★★★.
Otis Morley’s A-Level Film Studies Blog 