Take what ever social comment what you want from this outstanding British film, but you can't take away from the fact that this is a well crafted love letter to director Shane Meadows youth.
Meadows managers to capture the early 80's perfectly, with the up rising of the skin head culture, but does it through a childs eyes.
The film really does hit home for us in our mid thirties, as we were of a similar age of the kid in the film. So well does Meadows capture the early part of the decade, it does start to bring back the memories of the long summer breaks from school. But the under belly of the film is a stark and brutal reminder of the social and racial unrest a quater of a century ago and of now, and how many things have progressed, but somethings will always remain the same.
If I could pick one fault with this otherwise perfect film, it's with the eleven year old kid and his mid-teen girlfriend, although very sweet, it's the only note in this film that never rings true.
Just when you though director Meadows could not get any better after the amazing Dead Man's Shoes, he pulls the rugs under our feet and leaves our jaws on the floor, with this instant classic.
This is accurate, this is raw, this is angry and THIS IS ENGLAND,THIS IS A CLASSIC!

maybe the best film of the year just great top film

the one thing that killed the film from having the five stars it deserves was the bizarre under age relationship between thomas Turgoose's young character and the older girl of the group he meets along with the other pals he meets of whom are wearing flares and are into ska and reggae.

The only thing that makes up for it is its soundtrack on cd.

Officially voted Best British film of the year, including BAFTA.
This is truly a stunning movie from one the countries greatest movie makers.
This movie should be shown in every school in this country.
It has an important message that does not promote hatred as some would have you believe but what it does show you is that many firmly believe in the sanctity of britishness, but many take it far too far.
Shane meadows challenges you to see the story from both sides and he gives you his opinion on the matter in shocking brutal true to life form.
This film is a must!!!
Possible film of the year!

Dunno what film you lot were watching but this was ace, wicked film. Very real, to the point, eventful and funny. Top notch acting as well. Has to be seen, best film this year bar Bourne Ultimatum!! Plus the music's great - really takes you back to the mood of the period. Thoroughly deserving of its recognition at the BAFTAs.

Not realistic???
I spent my formative years being raised on a council estate in the West Midlands during the 70's and 80's. The parallels between my experiences and this movie blew me away. Well done Shane you're a true talent and fully deserving of the Bafta.

like most films it's all a matter of what entertains you and what does not.
if you lived in the early eighties you'll recognize the going's on in this film.
yes the film displayed prejudice that was rampant in that era.
a young lad (shaun) gets drawn in to a group that eventually included ex-jailbirds that befriend him.
bullied at school, not to mention the loss of his father in the 'falklands conflict' he needs friends and is an easy recruit.
does 'shaun' see the wrong of the lifestyle he's embraced
before it's too late ?
this is an unusual film, and it's well worth watching.
we are a few years down the line, what's changed ?

I must say this is a highly accurate representation of what engand actually is. This is a brilliant film if films such as 'snatch' took your fancy. However, the lack of realism lets it down. for instance a 12 year old boy hanging around with what seems 2 b around 18 year olds is very unlikely. But dont let that put you off as the storyline is great and overall it is a decent film.

I am a massive fan of British cinema and this film really takes the cake for me. Its totally outstanding and I really love a lot of Shane Meadows films.

Buy this if your a fan of British cinema.

I bought this as a huge fan of American History X, as the synopsis I read of it led me to believe it was in a similar vein.

Whilst sharing similarities to the American film, This is England is still a cinematic tour de force in its own unique manner.

Having not grown up in the eighties (well, I was six as the nineties arrived, so I didn't exactly 'experience' Thatcherite rule) the film nonetheless seems to represent everything I have read and assumed about eighties' Britain. That being bleak, northern landscapes scattered with grey, downcast towns.

The soundtrack is absolutely marvellous, with Ludovico Einaudi's beautiful piano score perfectly balancing other tracks from the likes of The Stooges and Percy Sledge.

The story is a marvellous portrayal of the xenophobic anger and nihilism which plagued Thatcher's Britain. Nowhere is this clearer than in the frighteningly brilliant portrayal of Steven Graham's 'Combo' - A character who from his chaotic, terrifying entrance becomes the film's core (alongside the brilliant Thomas Turgoose) as he descends into a fearful, destructive downward spiral. Graham's performance has an almost macabre beauty to it - you genuinely feel sorry for this nasty, vicious, racist character who blames everyone for his predicament except himself. The scene just before his final outpouring of anger - a rejection involving one of the girls of the group - was the film's outstanding moment in my eyes.

One also cannot fail to mention the superb contribution of Thomas Turgoose in his first role, as a young lad caught up in the camaraderie of the united cause. He is disillusioned into believing the NF represent a suitable outpouring for the grief he feels for the death of his father, killed in the Falklands.

Alot of criticism surrounds his (admittedly bizarre) 'relationship' with an older girl of the group - however I feel this was simply an unorthadox method by Meadows of showing how the young Sean is so 'adult' in some ways (spraying graffiti, directing vitriolic racist bile at an Asian shopkeeper) and yet so tender and naive in others (He only has his first kiss halfway through the film).

The support is solid, with very few weaknesses from a young-looking cast.

Overall, This is England is definitely one of the best British films of the last few years, perhaps the last decade. Thoroughly worth watching.