Dogmatic

This Is England’ is one of the most amazing movie experiences you are likely to see all year. Set in Thatcher’s England with the country at war in the Falkland Islands, the dreary desolation and despair of midlands, England permeates throughout the film. Young and naive Shaun (magnificently played by newcomer Thomas Turgoose) - is 12 years old and mourning the death of his father killed in the Falkland war. He seeks friendship and an end to the bullying he receives at school. so he finds solace with the local skinheads. They quickly take him under their wing and introduce him to the world of Doc Martens, suspenders and obligatory crew-cut! At this point in time, the film cruises along with tinges of genuine humor and innocence, but the life of Shaun changes drastically when the volatile and incendiary Combo (Snatch star - Stephen Graham) is released from prison. The mood and frivolity takes a backseat to the underlying sinister tones of violence and mayhem that Combo has now brought to the lives of these ‘fun’ skinheads. Each and every scene with Combo is laced with an ominous undertone. He is so viciously aggressive and head-strong in his misguided views of racism and nationalism. You literally view the innocence of young Shaun stripped away from him piece by piece.

An incredibly confrontational and stark film that has to be seen by all and sundry. Movie of the year folks!