This is England

Indledning
'This Is England', a captivating masterpiece crafted by the brilliant filmmaker Shane Meadows, transports viewers to the bygone era of 1983 in Great Britain.

Against the backdrop of Margaret Thatcher's iron-fisted rule, the film delves into the gripping realities of poverty and unemployment plaguing the northern regions, which serve as the vivid setting for the narrative.

As the Falkland wars rage on, Thatcher mobilizes the nation's armed forces to secure the remote islands nestled within Argentinean waters, and it is within this tumultuous context that Shaun's father tragically meets his demise.

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Uddrag
Underneath the bridge, a pivotal meeting occurs between Shaun and Woody alongside his ska-mod skinhead crew, forming a distinct urban tribe. Initially taken in as a kind of mascot, Shaun swiftly evolves into a formidable presence within the group, owing to his resilient demeanor. With Woody assuming the role of a surrogate father figure, Shaun develops a profound attachment to him. However, the group's unity is shattered when an ex-convict and former member, Combo, resurfaces, reintroducing the stark division between pro-Nazi skinheads and the carefree spirit of ska music and mod style embraced by the teenagers. Combo manages to sway some members of the group by appealing to their sense of English heritage, persuading Shaun that the only means of honoring his deceased father's memory is by embracing nationalism and adopting his own identity as a true skinhead. This exploration of the significance of the father figure in Shaun's life becomes a central theme in the film, highlighting the complexities of seeking solace in unconventional places. Gradually immersing himself in Combo's world, Shaun becomes entangled in an environment marked by racial slurs, unabated violence, and excessive drinking, which are an everyday occurrence.

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It is at this critical juncture that Shaun begins to distance himself from Combo. Witnessing Combo unleash a torrent of violent kicks and punches, venturing into the realm of brutality he had never fathomed, Shaun observes his friend teetering on the brink of a fatal assault. Regrettably, Combo's realization dawns upon him too late to undo the damage he has inflicted. In the wake of this horrifying display, Shaun makes the difficult decision to reject Combo, fleeing from the scene—an outcome that likely devastates Combo, for he sees a reflection of his own self in Shaun. Now, he has reached a point where he has lost control, prompting him to confront the disheartening reality of the person he has become.