This is England
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Movie Reviews of This is England
Movie Review: Take it as 'skinhead slice-of-life'
Summary: 5 Stars
Firstly, how old does it make you feel when film-makers are making loving paeans to ye bygone era of... 1983? Anyhow, if you were part of the culture then, or an enthusiast after-the-fact then this film will charm you. And its depiction of the place and time are spot on: the music, the fashion, the hopelessness, the petty vandalism, the war-as-nationalistic-diversion of the Falklands, and the National Front. It's an 80's punk rock song all grandly recreated, lacking none of the grit of the era's subject matter. Sprinkle in the classic coming-of-age story with the evil-guy-outta-jail-comes-back theme and the film is absorbed so easily, save for the brutality of the story. Very watchable, highly entertaining, if possibly the slightest bit cliche (but if you aren't familiar with Toots & The Maytals or Fred Perry shirts then nix that comment.) It's funny to see Americans getting upset because they can't relate. This story, though thoroughly English (thus the title) really has enough universality to not let the "funny accents" be a stumbling block. Sit down, turn it on, and get spirited away to a time & place that happily hasn't fallen far from the minds of those that lived the "no future" and had to decide, each for themselves, how to press on.
Movie Review: All about belonging, alienation, and growing up emotionally
Summary: 5 Stars
First off, the film maker should be commmended for showing that many aspects of the skinhead culture appeal to those who want a sense of belonging, identity, and need for empowerment. Joining a group with a "hard" style and outlook provide for this. Many skinhead films solely rely on violent scenes to get this point across, but this film shows how the main character (and the other characters also) was affected by many different emotional influences, like Shaun's loneliness and the violent Combo's sense of his glory days being long gone.
Combo's sense of frustration is given an outlet and validated by the usual nationalistic, "everyone in the government and minorities are the source of all your problems" rhetoric that still goes on even today in the U.S. as well as Europe. Of course this leads to a horrifically violent act, and young Shaun shows his sense of being let down by everything that has happened in his life so far at the end of the film.
Sadly, an epiphany such as this is sometimes what is needed during the course of growing up to advance to the next stage of emotional maturity, which is to be secure enough to deal with the disappointment and loneliness that sometimes comes to us in life in a positive way.
Movie Review: A rare brutal yet beautiful film
Summary: 5 Stars
I first watched This is England after the video case caught my eye at a local rental store. I fell in love with the film and now consider it my favorite movie for both what it does and doesn't do.
This is England is one of the greatest efforts I've yet discovered to completely capture a time and place. Admittedly I'm an American who never visited 1980s Britain, but the film's gritty yet poignant visuals of urban decay and anti-authority fashion make This is England's self-contained world fascinating and engrossing.
The story of Shaun coming of age in a time and place where love is scarce and comes in sometimes horrific forms is fascinating and told with remarkable restraint. Beautiful performances make every character, no matter how minor, believable and fascinating. Shaun comes of age in a way that displays his own turbulence while never losing sight of the ugliness of those already living in the adult world of war and hatred.
This is England is ambitions without being overly contrived. It tells a small story very well, and takes a very un-pretty idea and makes it immensely compelling.
If you have any interest in coming-0f-age stories, check this one out.
Movie Review: Superb
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm so glad this film saw some theater time in the states. Even in Pittsburgh of all places! Saw it at the first showing, having waiting several months to see it. Wasn't disapointed.
A lot of people are going to inevitably slag on this because there's never going to be a film depicting skins that's going to please everyone (some fresshies are going to inform us that not all skins... blah blah blah).
This is doubtlessly the most honest take on skins, and the writing comes off as realistic, as do the characters which has everything to do with stellar performances. And Graham who plays Combo... this guy is crazy, off the charts talented. Its a good movie even if you're not interested specifically in the subculture it depicts. If you've got a chance to, I say don't miss it.
I can't wait for the DVD to come to the States. I'm going to track down Dead Man's Shoes next.
Movie Review: Sterling Look at 80s England
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a truly great indie film, probably one of the best to come out of the UK. The acting is marvelous, especially the young man who plays Shaun. It's a gritty, tough look both at how an ostracized child tries to fit in and how racism and patriotism collide in a Thatcher-era England. Not to be missed, and the soundtrack is just great as well.