This Is England Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sad boy gets a bad haircut and then hangs out with even worse people, except for a few cool ones, and it all ends with a dramatic flag toss because feelings.

🍿 This Is England: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Shaun’s Introduction to the Skinhead Gang

Set in 1983 England, the film follows 12-year-old Shaun, a boy grieving the loss of his father in the Falklands War. He faces bullying at school and feels isolated. One day, he encounters a group of skinheads led by Woody, who offer him friendship and a sense of belonging. Shaun quickly embraces the skinhead culture, adopting their style and spending his summer with the gang. He finds camaraderie and acceptance within the group, a stark contrast to his earlier isolation. This newfound sense of belonging fills a void left by his father’s death.

The Arrival of Combo and Shifting Ideologies

The dynamic of the group changes with the arrival of Combo, an older, recently released skinhead. Unlike Woody’s more easy-going group, Combo espouses nationalist and racist ideologies. His views begin to influence Shaun and other members of the gang, causing a split within the group. Shaun, seeking a strong male figure, gravitates toward Combo’s forceful personality and embraces his extremist beliefs. This marks a turning point in Shaun’s journey, as he becomes exposed to a darker, more dangerous side of the skinhead culture.

The Descent into Violence and Racism

Under Combo’s influence, the gang engages in increasingly violent and racist activities. They harass and intimidate local minorities, reflecting the social tensions and prejudices of the time. Shaun becomes complicit in these acts, further distancing himself from his earlier innocence. The climax of this downward spiral occurs when Combo brutally attacks Milky, the only black member of the group. This act of violence shocks Shaun and forces him to confront the consequences of his choices and the true nature of Combo’s hate-fueled ideology.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Shaun (Thomas Turgoose): A lonely 12-year-old boy who finds acceptance and belonging within a group of skinheads after the death of his father.
• Combo (Stephen Graham): A charismatic but unstable ex-convict whose racist and nationalist views divide the skinhead gang.
• Woody (Joe Gilgun): The initially friendly leader of the skinhead gang who struggles to maintain unity as Combo’s influence grows.
• Milky (Andrew Shim): A black member of the skinhead gang whose friendship with Combo is tragically tested by Combo’s inner turmoil and racism.
• Cynth (Jo Hartley): Shaun’s mother, who tries to support her son while navigating her own grief and concerns about his choices.
• Lol (Vicky McClure): Woody’s girlfriend and a member of the gang, whose past connection to Combo adds to the tension within the group.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Combo: “Do you consider yourself English, or Jamaican?” – Combo confronts Milky, highlighting racial tensions and forcing Milky to choose his identity in a loaded situation.
• Combo: “Two thousand years this little tiny fucking island has been raped and pillaged, by people who have come here and wanted a piece of it – two fucking world wars! Men have laid down their lives for this. For this… and for what? So people can stick their fucking flag in the ground and say, ‘Yeah! This is England. And this is England, and this is England.’” – This quote captures Combo’s nationalist fervor and anger, laying out his warped vision of English identity.
• Smell: “You might look about four, but you kiss like a forty-year-old.” – Smell says this to Shaun, during a turning point in their unlikely relationship.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £1,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $329,379
• Worldwide Gross: $8,481,254

💥 This Is England Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘This Is England’ for the first time and feeling completely blown away. It’s more than just a movie; it’s an experience. The way Shane Meadows captures the raw emotions of being a kid lost in a world that doesn’t make sense is incredible. I was especially moved by the scene where Shaun throws the flag into the sea – it felt like a powerful statement about rejecting hate and finding your own path. I definitely connected with this film on a deep level, it’s one that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British independent cinema”
  • “Those interested in social dramas and coming-of-age stories”
  • “Viewers who appreciate realistic and unflinching portrayals of complex issues”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Violence”
  • “Racism”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Disturbing content”

Professional Reviews

• Empire Magazine: “Shane Meadows delivers a powerful and moving coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of 1980s England. The film perfectly captures the era’s bleakness and the characters’ struggles, making it a must-see for anyone interested in British cinema.
• The Guardian: “A raw and unflinching look at racism and youth culture in Thatcher’s Britain. Meadows’s semi-autobiographical film is both funny and heartbreaking, with outstanding performances from the entire cast.
• BBC: “Shane Meadows crafts a compelling narrative about belonging and identity, underpinned by a superb soundtrack and authentic period detail. Thomas Turgoose’s performance is particularly noteworthy.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers were impressed by the raw, authentic portrayal of 1980s England and its youth culture.: Most people agree that the film’s realism and powerful performances make it a standout British drama.

The strong performances by Thomas Turgoose and Stephen Graham were widely praised.: Many consider it one of the best films of the decade.

Overall Consensus: A critically acclaimed and deeply affecting film that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of political and social upheaval on young lives.

Awards

1. BAFTA Award (Best British Film)- 2008

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Thomas Turgoose, who played Shaun, had never acted before and was discovered while skipping school.”
• “The film is semi-autobiographical, drawing heavily on Shane Meadows’ own experiences growing up in the 1980s.”
• “The film’s soundtrack is integral to setting the tone and features a mix of ska, reggae, and new wave music popular during the 1980s skinhead subculture.”

🖥️ How to Watch This Is England?

As a critically acclaimed British film, “This Is England” is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. Check services like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV to see if it is available to rent or buy. Availability may vary by region, so be sure to check your local streaming services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed This Is England, you might like these similar films:

• American History X (1998): Explores similar themes of youth, violence, and the allure of extremist ideologies, particularly white supremacy.
• The Believer (2001): Focuses on a young man grappling with his identity and faith while becoming involved in extremist groups.
• Made in Britain (1982): Another hard-hitting British film exploring themes of youth alienation and racism in the early 1980s, featuring a powerful performance by Tim Roth.
• Fish Tank (2009): Also directed by Andrea Arnold, this film provides a raw and unflinching look at a young person’s difficult life in working-class England, exploring similar themes of social isolation and challenging relationships.

🛒 This Is England Related Products

• This Is England: The Criterion Collection [Blu-ray]: A definitive edition of the film, featuring exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and essays. This is a must-have for serious collectors and fans of British cinema.
• Dr. Martens 1460 Boots: Iconic boots that embody the spirit of the skinhead era, providing both style and durability. Own a piece of the film’s fashion and culture.
• Ben Sherman Checkered Shirt: Classic checkered shirt, a staple of the 1980s skinhead wardrobe. Capture the authentic look of the film with this stylish garment.
• This Is England ’86, ’88 & ’90: The Complete Collection [DVD]: Complete your ‘This Is England’ experience with the tv series sequels! Dive deeper into the lives of Shaun and the gang in this critically acclaimed series.

🎧 Soundtrack

This Is England features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” – performed by The Smiths
• “54-46 Was My Number” – performed by Toots & The Maytals
• “Ticking Bomb” – performed by UK Subs

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

This Is England ’83-’90… watch the story so far

Need a quick refresher on This Is England before diving into ’90? This official 5-minute recap has got you covered.

This is England ’90 Cast Interview | Alan Carr Chatty Man

Go behind the scenes with Vicky McClure, Thomas Turgoose, and Stephen Graham as they chat about their experiences on ‘This Is England ’90’. It’s a fun and insightful glimpse into the making of the show.

The Saddest British “Slasher” Movie You’ve Never Seen

If you enjoy deep dives into film, check out this analysis of ‘This Is England’ as a ‘slasher’ movie. Prepare for some surprising insights!

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