Stars: Stephen Graham, Frank Harper, Joseph Gilgun, Keiran Hardcastle, Jo Hartley, Vicky McLure, Jack O'Connell, George Newton, Andrew Shim, Andrew Ellis, Chanel Cresswell, Sophie Ellerby, Danielle Watson, Rosemund Hanson

Director: Shane Meadows

Summary: Twelve-year-old Shaun is a tough kid who is street-smart beyond his years despite being short for his age. He falls in with a group of older boys, led by Woody, who hang out at a local cafe, like to commit minor acts of anarchy, and adopt Shaun as one of their own. But when skinhead Combo gets out of jail, he returns to the gang, eager to take over the reins and lead them on a nationalistic battle to get rid of the immigrants who are stealing their jobs and is prepared to defend England to the death.

Set during the summer of 1983, THIS IS ENGLAND is the poignant story of Shaun (Thomas Turgoos) an unpopular kid who discovers a sense of belonging among a group of peaceful skinheads. Having lost his father during the Falklands Conflict, Shaun sees something of a father figure in Woody (Joseph Gilgun), the gang's leader. However, the warmth and affection is short-lived, as Combo (Stephen Graham) – a former member of the group, and radical right-wing racist is released from prison and divides the friends with his deeply disturbed outlook. Whereas Woody had strived to bring everyone together through their love of music, Combo seeks to mobilise a force, with his sights set on spreading chaos and hatred. At only 12 years of age, and of volatile frame of mind, Shaun is susceptible to Combo's charismatic, yet gravely dangerous philosophising. As adulthood beckons and with Combo's rage manifesting into stark violence, Shaun will have to decide which side of the line he's going to stand. The sixth feature from writer/Director Shane Meadows (A ROOM FOR ROMEO BRASS, DEAD MAN’S SHOES), THIS IS ENGLAND is a bitter-sweet rites of passage tale that is destined to be remembered for years to come.

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If there’s a more exciting and diverse a film director currently working in the UK than Shane Meadows, then it’s reason to truly celebrate. In fact, the sheer quality of Meadow’s own output is enough reason to be enthused, not least his finest film to date, This Is England.

Set in the early 1980s, This Is England initially focuses on 12-year old Shaun (played by Thomas Turgoose, a real find), as he befriends a group of skinheads. Shaun bears the scars of the 80s, with his dad lost in the Falklands War, and his relationship with his new friends develops carefully across the first half of the film.

But it’s in the second half where This Is England soars. It’s not easy watching, as is the usual drill with Meadows’ best films, From a stunning tirade about the state of Britain, to moments of real unease and tension, it’s a terrific piece of cinema, and one destined to enjoy a healthy life on DVD. It’s also one that should, if there’s any justice, provide a major career springboard for its primarily unknown cast, and one that should get Meadows far more of the recognition he absolutely deserves.

Bluntly, not only is This Is England the best British film of the year. It’s a standout contender for the best film of 2007 full stop. It’s utterly superb, and it’d be remiss not to see it. --Jon Foster

Aspect Ratio:	16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Director's commentary, Behind-the-scenes, Deleted scenes, Tommo's Audition Tapes, Casting and Rehearsals, Trailers, BFI Interview With Shane Meadows, Interviews with Shane Meadows, Mark Herbert, Cast and Crew.
Year:	2006
Release Date:	September 3, 2007
Runtime:	99 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	O P T D 1011
Keywords:	This, English, General, England, Drama
Genre:	Drama