Film4 is set to broadcast a landmark piece of modern British cinema tonight, offering viewers another chance to experience the raw power of Shane Meadows' 2006 masterpiece, 'This Is England'. Acclaimed as one of the greatest British films of the 21st century, the coming-of-age drama delivers what critics have described as an 'emotional wallop'.
A Low-Budget Film That Packed a Major Punch
Despite its modest budget of just £1.5 million, the film achieved extraordinary critical and commercial success. Its impact was cemented by winning major awards, most notably the BAFTA for Best British Film and the British Independent Film Award for Best British Independent Film. The film launched the careers of several actors, featuring breakthrough performances from newcomer Thomas Turgoose alongside Stephen Graham, Vicky McClure, and Jack O'Connell.
Set in 1983, the story follows 12-year-old Shaun, played by Turgoose, a boy grieving his father who died in the Falklands War. After standing up to bullying, he is adopted by a local gang of skinheads, finding a sense of belonging and friendship. The narrative takes a dark and compelling turn with the arrival of the charismatic but volatile ex-convict Combo, portrayed by Stephen Graham.
Inspired by Real Life and Lauded by Audiences
Writer-director Shane Meadows drew heavily from his own childhood experiences to create this unflinching portrait of working-class England in the 1980s. The film's authenticity resonated deeply, making it an overnight hit praised for its brutal honesty and superb acting.
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, fans continue to celebrate its power. One viewer called it "a brilliant piece of filmmaking" with "sensational acting from everyone", noting it felt "all too disturbingly real". Another praised its "crazily realistic, relatable, and emotional" core, highlighting the accurate portrayal of the era.
The praise often focuses on the film's unique blend of personal and political storytelling. "Blending a coming-of-age story with social commentary, Shane Meadows has directed a film that packs an emotional wallop," wrote one review, emphasising the thought-provoking themes and powerful performances from Turgoose and Graham.
A Legacy That Spawned a Television Saga
The film's success was so profound that it later inspired a series of critically acclaimed television mini-series, continuing the stories of the characters into the mid-1980s. This expanded universe, featuring much of the original cast, allowed Meadows to further explore the social and political landscape of the decade.
For those who have never seen it, or for fans eager to revisit its gritty world, 'This Is England' airs on Film 4 at 9pm on Thursday, 4 December. It remains a defining work in British cinema, a film that, as one fan simply put it, requires "No need. Just watch."
