This is England
Saturday 25 March @9PM, Film4
Sean Meadows’ eccentric portrayal of skinhead culture in the 1980s is nothing short of a masterpiece. It’s a traditional coming of age story laced with undertones of British culture, while also managing to tackle racism and violence too. It follows 12-year old Shaun (Thomas Turgoose) growing up in a derelict northern town in 1983. He’s befriended at school by a skinhead gang, and his first taste of violence quickly ensues. Things turn sour very quickly, as Shaun becomes entwined with the National Front. Away from the obvious acting talent, excellent cinematography and gritty plot, there’s an incredible array of proper classics to see too. Ford Consuls, Cortinas, and Granadas provide ample street furniture throughout the film, along with Triumph Dolomites and Jaguar XJ6s parked outside of pubs – even a few Land Rover Series IIs. One of the most memorable scenes sees Combo (played by Stephen Graham) learning to drive in a 1978 Toyota Crown. An extremely cool car befitting an extremely cool cult classic film.