Watch This Is England

"This Is England" is a gritty drama film from 2006 that explores themes of belonging, identity, and loyalty. It is written and directed by Shane Meadows and stars Thomas Turgoose, Stephen Graham, and Jo Hartley. The film is set in 1983 in England, against the backdrop of the Falklands War and the rise of the far-right National Front party. The story follows a 12-year-old boy named Shaun (Turgoose) who lives with his mother in a working-class town in the Midlands. He is struggling to cope with the recent loss of his father in the Falklands War and is bullied at school because of his grief. One day, he meets a group of skinheads led by Woody (Joe Gilgun) and falls in with them. They become his surrogate family, and he finds a sense of belonging and purpose. However, things take a dark turn when a racist older skinhead named Combo (Graham) is released from prison and rejoins the group. He begins to poison the minds of the younger skinheads with his extreme views, and tensions between the group and the local black community escalate. Shaun finds himself torn between his loyalty to his friends and his growing disgust at their racism and violence. The film is a powerful exploration of the social issues facing working-class communities in England in the early 1980s. It deals with issues like racism, nationalism, and Thatcherism with honesty and authenticity. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, and the performances are outstanding across the board. Thomas Turgoose is especially impressive as Shaun, perfectly capturing the anger, confusion, and vulnerability of a young boy struggling to find his place in the world. Stephen Graham is equally compelling as Combo, bringing both intensity and nuance to a difficult and potentially unsympathetic character. And Jo Hartley shines as Shaun's mother, conveying a sense of weariness and despair as she struggles to keep her family together in difficult circumstances. Despite its heavy subject matter, "This Is England" is not without moments of levity and warmth. The scenes of Shaun and his friends hanging out, listening to music, and just being kids feel authentic and endearing. The film also has a strong visual style, with vibrant colors and a nostalgic soundtrack that perfectly capture the time period. Overall, "This Is England" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores complex themes with honesty and depth. It's a must-see for anyone interested in British social history, working-class culture, or the human condition.