This Is England

Set in the 1980’s, the film centers round Shaun, a child of about 12 (who looks younger), who is befriended by a gang of friendly skinheads. After being welcomed, Shaun changes his appearance to fit in with the gang. The thought of a gang of skins might make you think of violence, but the group is friendly and just have a laugh; with Woody as their leader.

That is until Combo appears.

Combo makes a dramatic entrance, with a friend holding a large knife up to the face of one of the gang. Straight away he stands out from everyone else. For starters he is a lot older, but he is also more aggressive and racist. Combo has recently spent 3 years in prison for Woody; yet his arrival splits the group in two. Woody goes off with Milky, Kes and the girls; whilst Shaun, Gadget and Pukey are sucked in by Combo.

The reason for the split? Combo has joined with the BNP (a political party that are against anyone who isn’t a white Britt) and Woody does not agree with his way of thinking. Milky, being black, also does not agree.

But why does Shaun?

Shaun’s father has recently died at war in the Falklands, and Combo becomes like a father figure - telling Shaun that he has to make sure his dad didn’t die for nothing. Soon Pukey leaves Combo after attending a BNP gathering, but Gadget stays as he feels welcomed because he is no longer getting teased for being fat.

The racial actions get more violent as they rob the local corner store owned by a Pakistani; but it is not until Milky gets beaten by Combo that Shaun realises what he is in.

The film was superbly put together, with stunning performances from all the cast. But the most praise would have to go to Thomas Turgoose who plays the character of Shaun. With no previous acting experience, he certainly brought the film to life.

I think this is a must see for everyone, as the storyline is so true to life - even these days racial abuse still goes on.