This is England is a classic British film; set sometime in the past, funny and full of gritty realism. It’s beautifully shot, evocative and moving; although, it’s about a bunch of violent racist skin heads, there is no real black and white (er, if you know what I mean). The film is warm and engaging.

I guess, though, I was always going to be a sucker for this. How could I not be moved? It was set against the backdrop of the Falklands, unemployment, Thatchers England. It was set against part of my childhood, set against my political awakening.

So, I didn’t enjoy, but I am glad to have been. It’s important to remember that time.

Originally published on my old blog site.