This Is England (2006) | agoodmovietowatch
This Is England 7.8 2006 Movie

This Is England

Dir. Shane Meadows · UK, United Kingdom · English

Our take by Christina Hale

Shaun (Thomas Turgoose) is a 12-year-old kid fueled by rage because of his father’s death. Over the course of the summer in good ole’ Northern England, he befriends a group of local skinheads and instantly feels at home – with the mischief-making still partially at bay then. This was prior to meeting Combo, the most ill-bred of the gang, and being led down a path of greater danger.
Dubbed as director Shane Meadows’s best work, it’s easy to pick this one off a list and give it all the praise, depicting England perfectly in a coming-of-age approach you otherwise would’ve paid no mind to.

What happens

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, after a fight. They become his new best friends, even like family. Based on experiences of director Shane Meadows.

What the critics said

Notable Critics

"With its knockout lead perfs and taut if slightly familiar construction, this '80s-set dramedy about a skinhead gang reps Meadows' most fluently made film so far."

— Leslie Felperin

Awards

Berlin

1 nom

Nominated: Official Selection

BAFTA

1 win · 1 nom

Won: Outstanding British FilmNominated: Best Screenplay

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About the author

Christina Hale

Christina Hale is a contributing writer at A Good Movie to Watch, focused on highlighting overlooked films and shows across the major streaming platforms. Her reviews emphasize craft and storytelling over algorithmic popularity.