A truly captivating movie and a true defining moment in movie history for Shane Meadows - This Is England is a celebration of a almost forgotten period by some in British history and a story which is told so passionately it resonates with the viewer for sometime afterwards. Thomas Turgoose gives an outstanding performance as Shaun, making a believable character that you really root for as the story progresses. Stephen Graham is the true star of the show here with his mesmerizing take on the character Combo, Who by the end of this 1hr 42m run time you feel shows enough brutality and confidence, He could play a Hollywood villain with absolute ease.
Overall this movie is a treasure and gift from the get go, It speaks in volumes about the dirty gritty background of Britain when the lights are dark and no one is watching, something a lot of movies shy away from - Meadows delivers 10 fold with this masterpiece of storytelling and realism the leaves you feeling the sorrow for a while afterwards. 5/5 ★