This is England revolves around the 1980's in the UK and stars Thomas Turgoose as Shaun, a 12-year old boy growing up in a socio-economically struggling suburb. Shaun's father who has been fighting in the Faulklands has returned in a body bag and his mother is unable to put the pieces together as she loses her grip on reality and her child.

Shaun pays the consequences of his mothers actions and is bullied at school. Falling in with a racist gang of skinheads, this becomes his new family as Shaun becomes embroiled in boredom as they seek excitement.

In the gang, Woody (Joe Gilgun) becomes Shaun's adopted "gang" brother and empowers him with a new social network and a uniform that sends shockwaves through the community.

Although initially the gang is involved in mischief such as the destruction of Council homes, their world comes crumbling down when Combo (Stephen Graham) returns from jail and attempts to twist the mind of Shaun, believing he is a younger version of himself.

The director does an amazing job at recreating this turbulent time in England and incorporates certain themes from this era in this compelling movie that is beautifully directed and acted. Highly Recommended!