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There is no doubt that this film is a truly great piece of film-making. Shane Meadows crafts films in the same style as Martin Scorcese. We are given a glimpse into the lifestyle of a group of characters over a short period of time. It is very much a fly on the wall type of movie. The point of these films is to understand the actions of the characters rather than judging their actions. I have no doubt that there will be some people that tag this film as being racist which is rather missing the point. The film follows Shaun a 12 year old being borough up in early 80's England. He has lost his father in the Falklands war and suffers bullying and isolation until he is befriended by a group of skinheads. The happy band are challenged when Combo is released from prison. Thomas Turgoose is magnificent in the lead role and the direction/screenplay are also spot on the mark. For anybody that lived through the period there are lots of reminders about the period. The film is based on Meadow's own childhood and is quite mesmerising at times. I was gripped throughout the film and it also gave me plenty to think about afterwards. What more can you ask for when going to the movies? I suppose if you go to the movies for escapism then go watch something else, but if you want a gripping thought provoking drama then it doesn't come much better than this. Outstanding!Read full review
Shaun [Thomas Turgoose]is a lonely 12 year old who wanders about on his own, and missing his father who has been killed in action in the Faulklands War. Bullied by older kids[mainly because he's still wearing flared trousers], Shaun is befriended by a group of likeable, peaceful skinheads led by the charming Woody ["Emmerdale"'s Joseph Gilgum]. The skinheads give Shaun an image make over [creating some of the most amusing scenes in the film] and make his life a little brighter and happier than it has been. However, a former member of their group Combo [brilliantly played in intimidating but vulnerable fashion by Stephen Graham] appears fresh from prison dividing the group immediately with his far right political views. After giving a passionate speech, Combo entices Shaun and two other members of the group into joining the National Front. Shaun just wants to make his dead father proud and doesn't realise the terrible consequences until Combo has gone too far. Although the film provides what is often an ugly [some would say truthful] view of 1980s Britain it's done perfectly through authentic imagery - even down to the graffitti on the walls - and brilliant performances from Turgoose and Graham in particular. Plus archive footage of key news images [mainly from the Faulklands] from the 1980s are interspersed to show the contradictory image of Britain portrayed between Shaun's life and what the media showed at the time. This film is very different from the usual view of skinhead culture. The characters are believable, non stereotypical and likeable. It even pokes fun at the National Front - its members spraying badly spelt racist graffiti, abusing kids and having a conference in the back of a remote dingy pub - doesn't exactly make them a political force. The film also examines the issues of masculinity, youth subculture as well as the political reasoning behind the group. An absolutely brilliant film although be warned the swearing is both frequent and very strong, and given the subject matter there is racist language featured. Fortunately there is only one scene of graphic violence that is difficult to watch, but it was very necessary for the film, and is built up perfectly. A must see. Oh, and the soundtrack is fantastic.Read full review
It's 1983 and school is out. Twelve-year-old Shaun is a lonely boy growing up in a grim coastal town in northern England, whose father died fighting in the Falklands War. Over the course of the summer holiday he befriends a group of local skinheads. With his pent-up rage and frustration, Shaun finds exactly what he needs in the gang-mischief, mayhem and brotherhood. He also meets the volatile and boorish Combo, an older skinhead who sees himself in Shaun. Adopting Shaun as his protege, Combo leads the gang down a hate spewing path that culminates in an irreversible act of violence.
very gritty film well worth a watch if you like british films you will like this one also if you lived through the 1980s
A good film with some unexpected twists. Excellent acting and you can't help but warm to some of the characters. Just the right mix of laughs and tears. Definately not a lighthearted film though. Worth watching!
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