A story about a troubled boy growing up in England, set in 1983. He comes across a few skinheads on his way home from school which changes his life forever.
The Scoop
The year is 1983 and school is out. Twelve-year-old Shaun is a lonely boy growing up in a grim coastal town in northern England, whose father died fighting in the Falklands War. Over the course of the summer holiday he befriends a group of local skinheads. With his pent-up rage and frustration, Shaun finds exactly what he needs in the gang–mischief, mayhem and brotherhood.
The Truth :
This is England could have been an incredible film, but misses out. Based on a true story of experiences of director Shane Meadows, the film struggles to keep our interest for the entire 1.5 hours.
We leard about the troubled life of young Shaun and his new friends who are apparently skinheads. Skinheads is a term used loosely, because the group of bald headed radicals really aren’t Skinheads in the traditional sense. In actual fact, they are really a group of caring teens who guide Shaun in a number of ways.
It isn’t until the leader of the gang returns from prison that Shaun discovers violence, drugs and mischief. Shaun parts ways with his original friends and is taken under the wing of newly free’d gang leader Woody.
The Verdict
A decent film that really doesn’t deliver. I recommend renting it though, its just a far cry from the other movies of this genre. The movie made me sad because the main character reminds me of my nephew. Then again, my nephew reminds me of The Omen as well.
Tags: Drama 2007