This Is England (2006)

Last updated:
October 7, 2025

This Is England is a powerful British drama directed by Shane Meadows that explores youth, identity, and the dangerous allure of extremist subcultures in 1980s England. The film has become a cultural touchstone, praised for its realism, performances, and social commentary.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Introduction: Shaun’s World

The movie begins in 1983, introducing Shaun, a lonely 12-year-old boy grappling with the recent death of his father in the Falklands War. Shaun feels isolated and disconnected from his peers, struggling to find his place in a turbulent environment marked by social unrest and economic hardship.

Meeting the Skinheads

Shaun encounters a group of older skinheads led by Woody, who takes him under his wing. Unlike the stereotypical image of skinheads, Woody’s group embodies a sense of friendship, belonging, and camaraderie. Shaun is quickly drawn to the group, enjoying their loyalty and the identity they provide. This section of the film captures the initial thrill of acceptance and the formative influence peers can have on a young person.

Introduction of Combo

A pivotal moment occurs when Combo, a hardened, older skinhead, is released from prison. He exudes authority and charisma but carries violent and extremist ideologies. Combo’s presence creates tension within the group and begins to influence younger members like Shaun. The narrative explores the gradual seduction of radical ideas and how vulnerable individuals can be manipulated.

Rising Tensions

As Shaun becomes more involved with the group, the film portrays the conflicts between different ideologies within the skinhead culture. Woody represents loyalty and inclusivity, while Combo embodies aggression, nationalism, and hatred. Shaun begins to witness the dangerous consequences of these beliefs, both on the community and within the group itself.

Climax: Confrontation and Consequences

The tension escalates when Combo’s extremist views lead to acts of violence and intimidation. Shaun faces difficult choices, torn between loyalty to his friends and the moral consequences of following a path he doesn’t fully understand. The film meticulously builds the suspense and emotional weight leading to the climax, making the audience deeply invested in Shaun’s decisions and the fate of those around him.

Movie Ending

In the final moments, Shaun must confront the reality of Combo’s influence and the violent path it has set him and some of his peers on. The film concludes with a moment of reckoning where Shaun takes steps to reclaim his identity and distance himself from destructive ideologies, highlighting themes of growth, resilience, and the search for moral clarity. The ending resolves the personal arcs while leaving viewers reflecting on the larger social and political context of 1980s England. The emotional impact is strong, giving a sense of closure while maintaining the realism that permeates the entire film.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, This Is England does not have any post-credits scenes. The story concludes entirely within the main runtime, and all character arcs are resolved by the final scene.

Type of Movie

The film is a coming-of-age drama with strong elements of social realism, exploring themes of identity, community, adolescence, and the dangers of extremist ideologies.

Cast

Thomas Turgoose as Shaun
Stephen Graham as Combo
Jo Hartley as Meg
Vicky McClure as Lol
Andrew Shim as Woody
Joe Gilgun as Gadget

Film Music and Composer

The soundtrack plays a crucial role in setting the film’s 1980s period tone, featuring iconic tracks from ska, reggae, punk, and new wave genres. While Shane Meadows’ direction ensures the music is diegetic and natural, the composer Dennis Bovell contributed key arrangements to accentuate emotional moments.

Filming Locations

The movie was shot on location in Nottingham, England, giving it a grounded and authentic atmosphere. Many scenes take place in industrial neighborhoods, parks, and working-class areas, reflecting the socio-economic realities of the era. These locations are crucial in creating the gritty realism and immersive sense of place that defines the film.

Awards and Nominations

British Independent Film Awards (2007): Nominated for Best British Independent Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay.
BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer.
The film received critical acclaim for acting performances, particularly Thomas Turgoose and Stephen Graham.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Thomas Turgoose was discovered by Shane Meadows after an audition at a local youth center; he had no prior acting experience.
Stephen Graham immersed himself in the role by spending time with real skinheads to understand their mannerisms and speech.
Many of the extras in the film were local Nottingham residents, adding authenticity to the crowd and street scenes.
Shane Meadows encouraged improvisation on set, which led to many realistic interactions and dialogues.

Inspirations and References

The movie was inspired by real events and youth subcultures in 1980s Britain, including the ska and skinhead movements.
Shane Meadows drew from personal experiences growing up in the Midlands and witnessing the social tensions of the era.
The film references British post-Falklands War sentiments and the socio-economic struggles of working-class communities.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Some deleted scenes explored Shaun’s home life in more depth, including additional interactions with his grieving mother and extended sequences of Combo’s backstory.
Alternate cuts included longer street confrontations that were trimmed to maintain narrative pacing and emotional focus.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie is original, not based on a book, but it inspired a successful television series continuation: This Is England ’86, ’88, and ’90, which explore the characters’ lives over time.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Shaun being welcomed into the skinhead group at the park.
Combo delivering a powerful, disturbing speech about nationalism and revenge.
The tense confrontation between Woody and Combo.
Lol and Shaun’s moments of friendship and understanding amidst chaos.

Iconic Quotes

Combo: “No one owes you nothing in this world.”
Woody: “Stick with me, kid, you’ll be alright.”
Shaun: “I just wanted to belong somewhere.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Several street signs and posters reference real Nottingham landmarks from the 1980s.
The clothing and hairstyles are meticulously accurate to the era, with subtle cues about political affiliation and youth identity.
Combo’s scars and tattoos hint at a backstory that is never fully explained but adds depth to his character.

Trivia

The film launched Thomas Turgoose’s acting career and made him a cult figure in British cinema.
Stephen Graham and Shane Meadows later collaborated on other projects, building a strong professional relationship.
The film’s realistic dialogue includes slang and accents authentic to Nottingham in the 1980s.
Many scenes were shot in chronological order to help the young actors experience the story naturally.

Why Watch?

This Is England is a deeply human story about adolescence, belonging, and the impact of social forces on personal identity. Its authenticity, powerful performances, and emotional resonance make it a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas and social realism.

Director’s Other Movies

Dead Man’s Shoes (2004)
A Room for Romeo Brass (1999)
Twenty Four Seven (1997)

This Is England (2006)