I wouldn't rule out a 15-cert on THIS IS ENGLAND but methinks the film (02:47) maybe deemed a recruitment tool for far-right nutters many of whom feel empowered nowadays because of the boats and tensions between Muslims and white English.
I love that Bob who was already a massive star in Hollywood took time out to star in this low budget debut film. Just shows how much he must have believed in the project. RIP Bob Hoskins.
There's a scene where Richard and Anthony are happily reminiscing about the day he came and played football at Anthony's school, and Anthony says about his schoolmates, "they all wanted to hold your hand didn't they?" Then his tone and expression darkens and he says, "I didn't." To which Richard agrees, and seems negatively affected also, and then Anthony adds, "didn't need to, did I?" Stupidly, and despite the admissions Richard makes at the end if the film, I always took as perhaps the people in Anthony's life babying him due to his disability (if that's the correct term?) And Anthony not wanting to hold his big brothers hand at school because he wanted to prove he was a big boy. Looking back I don't think this lines up with anything in the film. I can't remember if it was a RU-vid comment, or something said in an interview, or where I got what I now think is the correct take which should have been obvious. Whoever it was I got it from said that Anthony was probably always trying to hold Richard's hand, and and that embarrased and angered Richard, and he would tell Anthony he didn't need to hold his hand, so when Anthony says "I didn't need to did I?" He's just parroting what Richard would tell him, almost for his approval, and that's why that conversation left Richard distant and deep in thought because he was remembering and regretting how he spoke to Anthony, which I think makes a lot more sense and lines up with the things Richard says towards the end of the film. One of my favourite films ever made.
Shane Meadows so humble...I do not think at the time they realised the masterpiece they created...it resonated with so many. Simple film, simple story...really well told. Amazing. Great example of British cinema at its best
Paul’s dead quick with a brilliant turn of phrase, Sean’s calmly chatting and you could listen all night. June is the spit of ol man steptoe. RIP all of youse
One of the greatest films of all time this. Graham is an unreal actor too, probably goes under the radar but he’s up there with the best ever. Probably wouldn’t get away with showing a clip of a film of this nature during a breakfast time show these days
