This film is the hardest film I've ever watched in my life. Everyone needs to watch this at least once. I see people saying how it's a "forgotten history of England" but the thing is, it's not. It's absolutely real and still relevant in every way. It was so heartbreaking and made me cry unlike any other film because nothing has changed, the racism and the re emergence of the far right that is happening in 2024 is astonishingly similar to this. I found it fascinating how nothing substantial has changed from the England of the 80s, even the houses and shops are exactly the same which you never see in an 89s film depecting America or Europe. But the point is, this film is so achingly real, I could feel the pain and fear of the characters so vividly in me in a way no other film has ever done for me. It is an incredibly hard watch, it might not have the levels of violence of most action movies but in a way it is the most violent film I've ever watched because you know all of it is real, it could be your neighbour next door that voted for Reform, and that's heartbreaking. One of the best films ever for sure. It shows the painstaking decline into racism and hatred, diving deep into the causes, the deprivation of the north, the bullying that leads young boys to find solace in the comforting words of clever leaders. Every detail has a meaning and it draws you in. The way friends turn into enemies and good people into bad is a terrifying portrayal of humanity that is a very much needed reminder today more than ever. Watch this film. Especially if you have teen kids.