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What a long emotional journey it’s been, seven years in the lives of nine young people growing up in England in the 1980s. This Is England has been criticized by many as to the accuracy of its portrayal of youth culture amidst this green and pleasant land, with the question “Is this England” having been … >
There is an inherent problem with publishing any book that claims to be the “complete” or in this case “ultimate” reference book about Star Wars, especially at this juncture in history with the saga experiencing a renaissance. In less than a hundred days a whole new film will be in cinemas when The Force Awakens … >
Traditionally in This Is England, the latter half of the middle act is usually the most emotionally charged and the most challenging to watch. In ’83 it was the visit to the far right wing meeting when we realized young Shaun (Thomas Turgoose) was being force-fed a belligerent diatribe. It also showed us the unpredictability … >
If you found a Now That’s What I Call 1990 album in a petrol station’s bargain bin, there would be some pretty memorable music on it. From the Mondays asking you to ‘Step On’ to Sinead O’Connor’s teary-eyed stare comparing you to nothing: the year would “rock”. Music has always played a large part in … >
It’s 1990. The UK is dancing to the Madchester sound or alternatively holding lighters in the air to power ballads by female-fronted bands and Mrs. Thatcher has been ousted from 10 Downing Street by her own party – though the Poll Tax Riots in central London may have had something to do with that. Just … >
Shane Meadows completes his This Is England trilogy when the final four-part chapter, set in 1990, comes to Channel 4 this September. But before Sean, Smell, Woody, Lol, Milky, Trev, Gadget, Kelly and Banjo take their final bow, we have time to look back at how their lives have lead us to this point. When … >