This iconic coming of age drama and award winning film stars Thomas Turgoose, Stephen Graham, Jack O’Connell and Vicky McClure, and later inspired several hit TV mini series
08:00, 04 Dec 2025
‘One of the greatest British films of 21st century’ on Film 4 tonight
A cult classic film hailed as an ’emotional wallop’ of a film is airing on Film 4 tonight.
This Is England, released in 2006, has an allstar cast with newcomer Thomas Turgoose, Stephen Graham, Jack O’Connell and Vicky McClure. The film was a huge hit and later inspired a TV series. The film was also made on a budget of £1.5 million and achieved numerous awards, including a BAFTA for Best British Film and the British Independent Film Award for Best British Independent Film.
The film follows Shaun (Thomas Turgoose), who lost his father in the Falklands War. The young lad earns the respect of skinheads when he stand up to their teasing, leading to him being adopted as part of the gang and hanging out with his new friends. However the trouble starts with the return of Combo (Stephen Graham), a racist ex-convict. With the gang divided into two factions, Shaun sides with Combo and, unfortunately, finds in him a father figure.
This Is England was released in 2006 and became a huge hit with award nominations and fan reviews
Writer and director Shane Meadows drew from his own childhood experiences for the film’s story, which explores growing up in working-class England during the 1980s. The film became an overnight hit, with film fans praising it and many giving it five stars. Writing on film ratings website Rotten Tomatoes, one film fan wrote: “A brilliant piece of filmmaking. Troubling and difficult to watch but superb plot and some sensational acting from everyone to be fair. A rare film without a weak performance. Felt all too disturbingly real.”
“Crazily realistic, relatable, and emotional. Brilliant acting and an accurate portrayal of the time make for an excellent drama,” said a second. Another posted: “Great cast, feels real, awesome soundtrack, you must watch the TV show from the same director, cast and continuation of the movie story. Rough, funny, stressful, a real experience.” “Stephen Graham at his best . Great cast great story . Good music,” said another.
One review wrote: “Blending a coming-of-age story with social commentary, Shane Meadows has directed a film that packs an emotional wallop with thought-provoking themes and dialogue, powered by the performances of Thomas Turgoose and Stephen Graham.”
The iconic film also stars Adolescence star Stephen Graham
Whilst another review simply stated: “No need. Just watch.” Others have pulled out the ‘brutal’ and unflinching look at 1980s skinhead culture as one person commented: “Brilliant and brutal. Clearly shows the closely related paths available to young people at the time and how different the outcomes could be. A great example of recent British cinema.”
Another said similar as they added: “This is one of those films that truly gets deep underneath your skin. I remember seeing this film years ago, and still, every time I watch it, it has the same overwhelming effect.”
This Is England airs on Film 4 at 9pm on Thursday 4 December.
