Thomas “Tommo” Turgoose packs quite a punch in film debut, THIS IS ENGLAND
THIS IS ENGLAND (Shane Meadows, 2006)
Nitehawk Cinema
136 Metropolitan Ave. between Berry St. & Wythe Ave.
Saturday, September 14, and Sunday, September 15, 11:30 am
718-384-3980
www.nitehawkcinema.com
Based on elements from his own childhood, Shane Meadows’s This Is England is a powerful drama set in the tempestuous 1980s in the UK during the controversial Falklands War. Thirteen-year-old Thomas “Tommo” Turgoose makes a stunning debut as Shane, a twelve-year-old boy whose father recently died in the war and who gets picked on because he is short — and never backs away from the chance to defend himself and his dad. Shane is “adopted” by a goofy group of skinheads led by Woody (Joe Gilgun) who like to hang out at a local coffee shop and occasionally perform minor forms of anarchy. Shane also gets a small taste of romance from Smell (Rosamund Hanson), a sweetly innocent teen who dresses like a Boy George groupie. But when Combo (Stephen Graham) shows up, just released from prison, he causes a split among the friends, asking them to join him in his crazed nationalistic fervor fueled by hatred and racism. At that point, the film turns from a charming coming-of-age drama to an angry, politically charged story. Turgoose, a street-savvy underprivileged kid himself, is unforgettable as Shane, who learns fast about the hard, cold world. Graham (Snatch) is frightening as Combo, a ticking time bomb ready to explode at any moment. The excellent soundtrack features Culture Club, Percy Sledge, Soft Cell, the Specials, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, UK Subs, and several songs by Toots & the Maytals. Be sure not to show up late — the opening montage, beautifully summarizing Thatcher’s England, is simply awesome. Winner of the 2008 BAFTA for Best British Film, This Is England is being shown September 14 & 15 at 11:30 am as part of Nitehawk Cinema’s brunch series and will be followed by a Skype discussion with Robert “Bucket” Hingley of the ska band the Toasters.