This is England (2006) is beautiful coming of age film, with tough political undertones. The film is set in 1983, and follows 12 year old Shaun, as he navigates loneliness and bereavement, following the death of his father in the Falklands War. War is often as a tool to maintain political power, acting as a distraction from domestic policy concerns and boosting a sense of nationalism, and Shane Meadows is not shy in making this point during the film. In the opening, Meadows uses simple cinematography and a beautiful soundtrack to establish a sense of space in 1980’s Northern England. Before long, he meets a group of Skinheads in an underpass. The demographic and setting causes audience to fear for Shaun, and this stigma something Meadows actively wanted to challenge. In fact, the film is semi-autobiographical, and this becomes very clear when you note the similarity between Director Shane Meadows and main character Shaun Field.
In Act 2, we are introduced to Combo (Steven Graham) and the tone of the film changes drastically. Combo is able to influence the young teenagers, and recruit them to the National Front. The National Front popularity was sparked by high unemployment rates, and the idea that immigrants were stealing jobs with cheap labour. This has strong parallels with the resurgence of the British National Party in the mid 2000’s when the film came out. In fact, the film certification changed from a 15 to a 18 partly due to fears that some of the political messages in the film could feel convincing to younger audiences.
With Combo, Steven Graham gives one of the best performances of the 21st Century, particularly for a British film. Despite his prejudice, he can only be seen as an anti-hero. There is so much complexity to his character, he is scary, intense, but there’s also so much pain and vulnerability. He cares for Shaun and wants to love, but his own abandonment drives him to violence. Thomas Turgoose is also incredible in this role. He was suspended at school, never acted before, and demanded £5 for the audition. This raw cheeky energy was perfect for the character. Thomas also lost his Mum during, and the genuine sadness seeps into the films psyche. Deciding to cast the rest of the characters with largely first time actors was a bold decision by Shane Meadows, particularly given his preference for improvised dialogue. At times the delivery is very poor, but it doesn’t impacting the viewing experience. It facts, it even adds a sense of authenticity to a film already full of grit.
As the film develops, political messaging and racial tension only grows. Although the ending feels inevitable, there is a part of you that hopes for a different outcome. The film has one of the most intense and visceral endings you are ever likely to experience, driven by the harrowing POV camerawork and the films signature use of classical musical. This is paired, with the crushing somber at the beach, and the climax build of Please Please Please let me get what I want as Shaun breaks the 4th wall and looks out at sea; a reference to the French film 400 blows.
It is rare to find a film that is both beautiful and harrowing in equal measure. This is England is dark, unrelenting and extreme, but also full of beauty, comedy, and light. Above all, it is Steven Grahams performance that drives the film on, and his screen presence is utterly compelling. The film is recognises at one of the most beloved British films, and is completely worthy of its cult status. 5/5.
This is England (2006) is beautiful coming of age film, with tough political undertones. The film is set in 1983, and follows 12 year old Shaun, as he navigates loneliness and bereavement, following the death of his father in the Falklands War. War is often as a tool to maintain political power, acting as a distraction from domestic policy concerns and boosting a sense of nationalism, and Shane Meadows is not shy in making this point during the film. In the opening, Meadows uses simple cinematography and a beautiful soundtrack to establish a sense of space in 1980’s Northern England. Before long, he meets a group of Skinheads in an underpass. The demographic and setting causes audience to fear for Shaun, and this stigma something Meadows actively wanted to challenge. In fact, the film is semi-autobiographical, and this becomes very clear when you note the similarity between Director Shane Meadows and main character Shaun Field.
In Act 2, we are introduced to Combo (Steven Graham) and the tone of the film changes drastically. Combo is able to influence the young teenagers, and recruit them to the National Front. The National Front popularity was sparked by high unemployment rates, and the idea that immigrants were stealing jobs with cheap labour. This has strong parallels with the resurgence of the British National Party in the mid 2000’s when the film came out. In fact, the film certification changed from a 15 to a 18 partly due to fears that some of the political messages in the film could feel convincing to younger audiences.
With Combo, Steven Graham gives one of the best performances of the 21st Century, particularly for a British film. Despite his prejudice, he can only be seen as an anti-hero. There is so much complexity to his character, he is scary, intense, but there’s also so much pain and vulnerability. He cares for Shaun and wants to love, but his own abandonment drives him to violence. Thomas Turgoose is also incredible in this role. He was suspended at school, never acted before, and demanded £5 for the audition. This raw cheeky energy was perfect for the character. Thomas also lost his Mum during, and the genuine sadness seeps into the films psyche. Deciding to cast the rest of the characters with largely first time actors was a bold decision by Shane Meadows, particularly given his preference for improvised dialogue. At times the delivery is very poor, but it doesn’t impacting the viewing experience. It facts, it even adds a sense of authenticity to a film already full of grit.
As the film develops, political messaging and racial tension only grows. Although the ending feels inevitable, there is a part of you that hopes for a different outcome. The film has one of the most intense and visceral endings you are ever likely to experience, driven by the harrowing POV camerawork and the films signature use of classical musical. This is paired, with the crushing somber at the beach, and the climax build of Please Please Please let me get what I want as Shaun breaks the 4th wall and looks out at sea; a reference to the French film 400 blows.
It is rare to find a film that is both beautiful and harrowing in equal measure. This is England is dark, unrelenting and extreme, but also full of beauty, comedy, and light. Above all, it is Steven Grahams performance that drives the film on, and his screen presence is utterly compelling. The film is recognises at one of the most beloved British films, and is completely worthy of its cult status. 5/5.
