I have decided to give this film a rating of 8/10 because i felt like this was a very impactful movie as it represents different social groups very well such as the younger and older generation of people living in England at the time of the war that was taking place. I also feel like this movie was great at presenting the nature of Englishmen and how pride can drive people to do horrible things such as murder and many other hate crimes just because some people did not fit the “English” stereotype in the eyes of characters such as Combo.
In my opinion, the most memorable scene from this film was when Milky was brutally beaten by Combo after trying to stand his ground. In my opinion, this scene was very impactful as it showed Combo’s true colors and what he was capable of but also how he was able to very easily influence a child (Shaun) to join his “gang” and partake in offensive hate crimes towards different races and social groups. This scene was particularly impactful for me as this was the moment Shaun realized what kind of person Combo is and how he made the decision that he does not want to be associated with him anymore.
The mise-en-scene is this film is used very effectively to support the tone of the film and to help explain to the audience what is going on in the film and the feelings that the characters are experiencing throughout the film. It also adds to the realism and versimilitude of the film, as this is a period piece. A very evident example of that is, in terms of costume, the skinhead ‘uniform’, which is used throughout the film to convey numerous ideas, such as the bond between the members of the gang. It also shows Shaun’s acceptance into the culture of the skinheads as well as Milky’s pride for his culture, which he has until his final scene in the film, where he is nearly beaten to death by Combo. The use of setting certainly adds to the versimilitude and realism of the film, as most of the film was shot in the real world locations of St Ann’s and Wilsthrope College in Long Eaton, in Nottingham. Also, the use of graffiti adds to realism of the film, showing the political views of people in the area. And in terms of characterization it shows Shaun’s lack of understanding when it comes to racism, as he simply graffitis he own name instead of a racial slur. The sound of the film, especially the soundtrack, and even more specifically the melancholic song by Ludovico Einaudi, conveys to the audience the negative impact that Combo has on Shaun’s life. Also, the use of ska music further reinstates the skinhead movement shown in the film. Finally, the constant radio chatter heard throughout the film keep the parallels between the conflict of the Falkland Wars and Shaun’s life fresh in the viewer’s mind, and show to the viewer why many English were angry at this time and why they were fed up with life, not that it excuses the disgusting behaviour of certain characters in the film.
Editing
Throughout the film, there is a heavy use of montage throughout, the main two examples being the montages of archive footage in the opening scene and the montages showing the different stages of Shaun’s life throughout the film. The first example sets the time period of the film, using lots of pop culture and historical footage from the 80s. Near the end of the montage though, it focuses on the conflict in Falklands War, which is constantly mentioned in the film due to Shaun’s dad dying in it. This invites the spectator to draw ideological parallels between the conflict and the event’s in Shaun’s life. The montages of Shaun show the three main stages in his journey/life as a young kid growing up during these times. The first one features numerous long shots conveying the isolation that Shaun is feeling at this point in his life. The second one has a more upbeat mood, showing footage of him having fun with Woody’s gang to the upbeat sound of ‘Louie Louie’. The final montage is much more serious in tone and it is when Combo is ‘training’ Shaun. The more serious tone matches the much more explicit and realistically depressing content of a young boy committing racist acts to people around him. The three different montages are useful for comparative analysis, as the tone of each one varies dramatically.
Cinematography
The cinematography used throughout the film allows for a more personal connection to the world of the film and to the characters within it. An example would be the handheld camera which is used throughout the film, which contributes to the authentic tone of this social realist film. An interesting use of cinematography, which remains in my mind as being very interesting, is the use of big close up shots, an example being the one used in the conversation between Combo and Shaun. In terms of the characters, this suggests a bond growing between the two of them, but for the audience it allows them to become much more intimate with the characters of Combo and Shaun and this may even be one of the points in the film where the audience likes Shaun, as in this scene he is shown to be somewhat caring towards Shaun, almost being like his father figure. A final example of cinematography that allows the audience to be more intimate with the characters in the scene is the use of POV shots from Milky’s perspective in the assault scene, which not only aligns the audience with him, but it creates greater emotional impact and horror.
Sound
The sound within the film does a multiltude of things within the film. It helps the audience be dropped back in time to the land of the 80s, with ska tracks such as Toots and The Mayals ‘Louie Louie’, which adds to the versimilitude of the film. Another feature of sound, which was previously mentioned, was the use of radio chatter of Margaret Thatcher talking about the Falklands War. This allows the viewer to draw parallels between Shaun’s life and the Falklands war, which he has been greatly affected by, as we know he has lost his father, which could be said is the main reason for his lack of direction in life.
This Is England does a great job of capturing a slice of British life in the 1980’s, and while it boasts impressive documentary style cinematography, the shoddy acting and narrative pacing/continuity knocks the movie down significantly. The first 30 minutes act as a highlight for me, as the movie loses steam once Combo is introduced.
Favourite Scene: Shaun’s haircut
This scene is my favourite as it shows the close relationship that has developed between Shaun and Woody. This lays the foundation for Shaun’s “betrayal” very effectively, by showing Woody as a pseudo-father figure to Shaun, playing on all the things we know about Shaun and his personal life in this part of the movie.
6/10 I enjoyed parts of the movie; I enjoyed the character design and their costumes. I found that the cast were all really suited for their roles, which made the film enjoyable for me.The plot stood out for me, showing how young people can be brainwashed into ideas that are so far from what they believe. The reason it is lower than the over movies we have watched is due to the language and some scenes were just uncomfortable to watch, that may have been intentional by the director, but I found it disturbing.
I think the scene which stands out the most is the scene where combo attacks milky, this stands out to me due to the break in his behavior. All throughout the movie combo shows racist behavior but this final scene shows that extreme feelings he has deep within. This also shows Shuan’s realization that combo is not a caring man like he believed him to be.
I gave this movie a 8/10 because the film was engaging and I believed it was funny since there was a lot of jokes made throughout. The characters where entertaining and also shows a wide range of different types of people in a group of friends. Some scenes in the movie where difficult to watch and it was hard to understand what the characters where saying at some points.
Memorable scene
A memorable scene in the movie was when Shaun was hanging out with woody and al of his friends and it was the first time we get to see Shaun not picked on and actually have a fun time. Its also a fast pace scene with the camera angles changing rapidly and the camera following in them around at times, this made me feel more involved with the scene and see from their perspective
The film opens with a montage to a popular song in England at the time the film was set this creates racial inclusivity which juxtaposes many of the films events and ideas of characters.. This adds to the verisimilitude as the audience are submerged into England in 1983 in addition to news clips from the time being played over the music. In addition the beat of the song drops in sync to the change of clip or a big event happening such as an explosive blowing up or a fight breaking out.
Editing:
Throughout the film, there are edited clips of archive footage from the 1980s such as the war in the Falklands. They add political and social context throughout the film as they give the audience a wider representation of England in the time period as they were shot at that time and then edited into the film shot later on. These clips are edited in the film to break up the different events such as after Combo attacks Milky in his outburst. They also draw parallels to Shaun’s life as his father died in that war and the audience can link the footage to the events in the film
Mise en Scene:
Mise en scene is prominent throughout the film due to the gangs recognisable appearances. In this scene Lol is shaving off Shaun’s hair so he can be part of the gang, as well as this he also gets new clothes which show the audience he has joined as it is scene as the gangs “uniform”, this highlights the closeness of the members of the gang and Milky’s proudness of his culture as his clothes differ from the rest of the gang. The girls in the scene also have very bold hair, makeup and outfit choices which could cause audience members who would’ve been their age at the time the film was set to feel nostalgic. The mise en scene make the time period the film was set in more clear.
Cinematography:
‘The film had amazing cinematography throughout. In this scene POV shots are used from Milky’s perspective as he is beaten up and attacked by Combo. This aligns the audience with Milky and helps to portray Combo as crazy and violent as he switched from being seemingly kind towards him to aggressive. This adds sympathy for Milky from the audience in addition to giving the scene more horror and higher emotional impact. It also makes the scene feel more graphic as the audience are fully put in Milky’s position.
This happens right at the beginning of the movie where montage is taken place. It shows lots of different things happening at the time of the film (1980s). The music is upbeat reggae music by ‘Toots & The Maytals’ this song helps represent what decade it is in.
Editing:
Also at the beginning of the film there is very distinct editing as there is a montage. On average each individual clip lasts around 2-3 seconds or more depending what they are showing. In this montage they show significant things that happen in the era of the film (1980s) such as Prince Charles and Princess Diana getting married and also various different clips of the wars that had happened.
Mise-en-Scene:
In this scene is can visually see a lot of people crowded into one room. The arrangement of the character can show the amount of importance each have or if a individual character is talking so the main focus will be on them. In this cause Woody is talking in this shot, the mis-en-scene shows he’s most important.
Cinematography:
This extreme longshot captures Shaun at the beach. This shot signifies to the audience he is isolated on the beach and seems so alone. The audience could feel a sense of nurturing for Shaun as in the previous shots he is seen enjoying his own company, but the extreme long shot shows that the whole day he had been alone.
Shane Meadows uses classic British songs like ‘Come On Eileen’ and ‘Tainted Love’ to make the movie more in sync with English culture.
Mise En Scene
Setting
The film is set in a working-class estates with run down houses, overgrown shrub and graffiti everywhere. This gives off the impression of poverty and unemployment.
Costumes
Shane Meadows uses clothing to represent identity and skin head culture. The skinhead clothing is Doc Martens, rolled-up jeans, braces and Fred Perry shirts. is historically accurate and signifies the group’s working-class roots.
Although as Sean becomes more of a skin head to feel included his clothing is the same the skinhead group. This shows he is searching belonging within the group.
Cinematography
In the film Shane Meadows makes the camera look like it is being held by a camera mans so that the point of view we are seeing makes us feel as if we are in the room with the characters. It gives off a shaky affect like the camera is an extra person in the story.
The use of a high angle here on Shaun shows his sense of almost superiority in this scene; he is learning how to use racist slurs and he seems almost proud of it. It really shows the effect that combo has had on him, as he is shown as proud and confident using racist language.
Sound:
Sound in This Is England is interesting, because they use a lot of real music that would apply to the time it is set in; 1983. However, one noticeable thing is that at the beginning of the film during the montage, they show impactful things that were happening at the time, such as Margaret Thatcher, the Miners’ strike and Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ wedding. There isn’t much gore and violence to do with the Falkland’s War shown in this first montage, which connects well with the more upbeat reggae playing in the background. On the other hand, the montage that plays after Combo nearly killed Milky, the music playing is far more melancholy and orchestral, which, paired with the real footage from the Falkland’s War makes it feel far sadder.
Editing:
I think that the best use of editing in This Is England is when they have the St. George’s Cross edited over Combo and his group. It is especially poignant because it this flag is associated with England, and it’s almost saying that their racism and nationalism is what the flag represents, therefore, what England represents.
Mise en Scene:
I like the use of mise en scene in Shaun’s house because it makes it feel of the time period; 1983. It feels cluttered and lived in, which is always necessary when creating a living room scene, but also having the half-smoked cigarette emphasises the feeling that it is set in 1983, because it was common and a normalised thing to smoke indoors then. I also like how it is quite symmetrical as it gives a sense of order and balance while Shaun’s mother is trying to talk to him about something very sensitive.
I think sound throughout the film was used really well. For me the music used help to enhance scene and create more of a meaning for example – 25 minute in, there is happy upbeat music while everyone is playing football implying the happy and fun atmosphere of the game and friendship for Shaun and Woody, this help the audience reflect similar type of emotion like Shaun.
Editing
In This Is England, I really liked the editing such as the montages throughout the film especially the first opening scene of the film, where there is a montage of the prime minister, King Charles and Princess Diana and a war. This helps the audience know when the film was set in and to know some knowledge about the film before it has properly begun.
Mise en Scene
I really like the mise en scene for this film such as the location which created a verisimilitude feeling for the audience, I really liked the costumes as well for example in order to fit in with the skinhead you needed a shirt, doc martins, brace and your head to be shaved.
Cinematography
For me the cinematography was used really well, for example at shake camera work. This creates a sense that you are in the scene with the other characters, as the audience it creates an instability of nervousness. The shaky handheld camera throughout contributes to the authentic tone of this social realistic film.
