written by affleck on 16/05/2007
This is Shane Meadows new project set in the early 80's, during the time of the Falklands Conflict.
It is about a 12-year-old boy, Shaun played by the excellent Thomas Turgoose, who recently suffered a tragic loss and is bullied by older children at his school. He has anxieties about fitting in and subsequently is alienated more because of this.
It's the end of term, and Shaun has a chance encounter with a bunch of Skinheads, all around 17 to 20 years old. One of the boys, Woody, takes pity on Shaun and soon adopts him as a sort of mascot for the gang. They have fun wrecking old derelict houses and generally just messing about, nothing sinister just good innocent fun.
We are then introduced to Combo, who is played by "Snatch's" brilliant Stephen Graham (now I don't use the word brilliant lightly, this performance is frighteningly good and yes he is frightening). He has just left prison and (along with a scary looking sidekick) is looking to catch up with his old mate Woody.
Combo's views are a little right wing to say the least and we finally meet the Skinhead that is portrayed in the newspapers, a thug, a racist, a bully and in Combo's terms slightly deranged.
A speech about patriotism is just the start then it's the racist bullying and the Nation Front meetings.
You will listen to these speeches and see the actions of the protagonists and think to yourself is this 1983 or is it now.
The film then meanders to a violent conclusion and Shaun's ultimate realisation that he entered a world he was not ready for just yet.
The film itself starts with the most fantastic montage showing a country heading out of the depression of the 70's into a more optimistic time. It hit home with myself, I was 12 years old in 1983 and this film captures the time with such vivid detail the new video games, war on telly for the first time, the hairstyles, the clothes, the music, a fine piece of period drama.
I loved "Dead Mans Shoes" and so was equally excited about seeing Shane Meadows new masterpiece. But please don't go to watch this film if you are looking for a pacey action filled film, its not. It is a peek into 6 weeks of a 12-year-old boy's life and the action labours at times and although there is no real plot line it still makes you feel that you have just watched a most satisfying film.
It will make you feel like laughing, crying and cringing. I believe that the acting is astounding and the scenery is breathtakingly real.
A film set in a not so distant patch that deals with issues still raging and still bubbling today, the faces may have changes but the voices haven't.
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252776_Anonymous101's Response to affleck's Review
Written on: 17/05/2007
Sounds Great! Good to have another Teessider aboard
Affleck's Response to affleck's Review
Written on: 03/12/2007
Thanks Max, I appreciate your comments.
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<br/>I also watched this film on the strength of Dead Mans Shoes
<br/>(I loved “Dead Mans Shoes” and so was equally excited about seeing Shane Meadows new masterpiece. But please don’t go to watch this film if you are looking for a pacey action filled film, its not. It is a peek into 6 weeks of a 12-year-old boy’s life and the action labours at times and although there is no real plot line it still makes you feel that you have just watched a most satisfying film. )
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<br/>This site is about opinions and if we all liked the same films and had the same views it would be quite boring but I agree with some of your points. The script was strained at times and I felt myself wondering where the film was going.
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<br/>I enjoyed the film, especially Stephen Graham I hope you enjoy my next review
Max Cady's Response to affleck's Review
Written on: 02/12/2007
I can't say I agree or disagree with this review, it does describe the film very well but for me after watching the hugely impressive 'Dead man's shoes' I was expecting a bit more from this film. I can't say the acting had me wanting to know more or caring for any of the characters and the script seemed fairly watered down and eventually just runs out of steam.<br/><br/> The end scene with the flag is what you should do with the DVD.
252776_Anonymous101's Response to affleck's Review
Written on: 21/05/2007
A few boro males on this thread
<br/>http://www.reviewcentre.com/vt_pid165886.html
Affleck's Response to affleck's Review
Written on: 18/05/2007
I am glad you liked the review, thanks for the comments.
<br/>See this film you will be poorer for not doing so
<br/>Now then micky I was beginning to think I was up here on my own.
121503_John's Response to affleck's Review
Written on: 17/05/2007
This Is England - This Is Amazing! Alright Micky, i was gonna write a review of this film but wouldn't have done much more than reiterating what affleck said, couldn't agree more mate. An excellent film that i feel everyone should see.