This is England

“This is England” is a film-gem that I discovered thanks to Netflix. It’s a brilliant, powerful and disturbing film with amazing acting and great storytelling. Writer/director Shane Meadows delivers a “small” film that touches so many emotional nerves while at the same time restraining himself so as not to overdue it.

The story follows a 12-year old British boy as he deals with the death of his father in the Falkland war and tries to find his place in 1983 English society. Eventually, he finds friendship, family and love with a group of Skinheads and the journey is nothing short of incredible. Meadow’s POV on the ills of modern English society and politics are on display here (it’s based on his own experiences) but he doesn’t let his own politics get in the way of telling a great story. The film will make you laugh, cry and shout at the screen as you follow young Shaun’s story – played brilliantly by Thomas Turgoose. He leads an amazing cast that defies stereotypes and actually makes you care about racist, angry skinheads.

If you loved films like “The Commitments” or “In the Name of the Father” this is the type of film you will love. It’s a great example of independent filmmaking at its best. Too bad it didn’t receive a wider release in the United States but thanks to Netflix it’s available now.

Rating: 1/2

Film’s website: http://www.thisisenglandmovie.co.uk/