This Is England (2007)
Director: Shane Meadowns
Writer: Shane Meadows
Starring: Thomas Turgoose,
Stephen Graham, Jo Hartley,
Andrew Shim, Joseph Gilgun
Language: English
Runtime: 94 Minutes
Age Rating: 18
Genre: Drama
Reviewed by Ross Miller
This is a hard film to review. I am not particularly sure of everything I felt about it. But what I do know is that this is one brilliant piece of British film-making. Bold and raw, with a sometimes uncomfortable sense of realism which I am afraid will put a lot of people off.
Set in 1983, This Is England tells the story of a young, impressionable teenager who after meeting some skinheads on the way home from school becomes involved and ultimately friends with them.
Films that deal with the skinhead culture and how the violence that goes along with that changes someone’s life has been done quite a few times now. We saw the American version, the brilliant American History X and then the similarly to this British version with Made In Britain. But if done right I can’t see a reason why they should stop making them, as long as they don’t overcrowd the world of film with them and thankfully that has happened yet. This particular film is stellar attempt at showcasing this culture, and it works primarily for one big reason; and that is the fact that it is set in the (early) 80’s. I feel that if set in present day the film just wouldn’t work, the 80’s backdrop is almost a character here and those of you who remember that decade as your prime will notice countless references throughout.
If you didn’t know it you would swear that this was actually a film made in the 80’s and not just simply set back then. Everything looks completely authentic and believable. From the clothing to the cars, the houses to the hairstyles. Even down to the very way people carry themselves throughout the film; it all looks totally authentic and for that I admire this film very much.
Director Shane Meadows is a bold filmmaker and here he goes even further than I thought he would. There are scenes within this film that left me open mouthed, shocked at the rawness and the uncompromising look at some of the themes (one main theme primarily) that the film tackles. Every once in a while you will get a film that dares to go just that bit further with what it shows or implies to show on-screen. The language is also very bold and strong (sometimes a little too strong and frequent) making is pay even more attention to what is happening or being said. In fact it’s the sheer audacity of some of the scenes that hold me back from giving this the full five stars. It’s very difficult to watch at times; perhaps a couple of scenes in particular are the toughest I have ever witnessed. It’s not anything against the quality of the film specifically, it was just a personal feeling I had where sometimes it was just a little too full-on for me. It is weird however how the film manages to mix this brutality with a sense of humour. There are moments that I found myself laughing quite a lot at some of the characters and the dialogue between them. Normally this would seem out of place in a film like this but in this case I was able to use these comedic moments to lighten my mood a little.
Young, first time actor Thomas Turgoose gives nothing short of a phenomenal performance, especially considering his age and the fact that its first film role he has ever done. I will be very surprised if he doesn’t get some sort of recognition at various Award ceremonies, for the sheer fact of how well he done in his debut role. We also have another fantastic performance from the seldom seen Stephen Graham, which is funnily enough the norm in films that deal with the skinhead culture.
Meadows has to be appreciated for his attempt at dealing with the extremely difficult and sensitive subject matter. There aren’t many directors who could or would even attempt something like this, but Meadows has the guts and the talent and has pulled it off admirably. He clearly has a love for the era in which the film is set, and since this is based somewhat on his own life this allows the film to ring more true than if done by someone who knows nothing about what they are filming. He emphasises some scenes that by most other directors would be toned down. He isn’t afraid to show the brutality of what is sometimes the harsh truth and for that I commend him. But at the same time however he doesn’t glorify the brutality and sometimes uncomfortable violence; he treats it the way we as the audience see it. He knows that it’s wrong and is just shaking his head along with us.
Some may say that Meadows is in fact “too English” and that anyone outside of the country won’t get this film. And I say, as I’m sure many others do as well, that is simply not true. Of course you will appreciate it more if you are yourself accustomed to the setting of the film but it doesn’t make it any less interesting for anyone who is completely different.
This is extremely bold and outlandish filmmaking that at times is extremely difficult to watch. It is however also funny, charming and enjoyable. Meadows is a filmmaker with talent through and through, and he showcases that talent here with ease. THIS is easily one of the best films of 2007 so far.
