This is England ‘88

Lovers of old school British punk rock will delight in This is England ‘88, the award winning television series from director Shane Meadows which captures a compelling, funny and haunting snapshot of skinheads running amuck.

As a follow on from The is England ‘86 (2010) and a spin off from feature film This is England (2006), long term fans can check up on the lives of some familiar faces. For those less acquainted with the series, it doesn’t take long to get tangled up in the compelling lives of these broken characters.

It’s Christmas 1988 in Nottingham and we’re introduced to a gang of skinheads still dealing with events from series one, two and a half years previously. Single mum Lol (Vicky McClure) is not coping with the fallout of murdering her abusive father. Unable to find peace, she grapples with guilt, loneliness and crippling depression. Ex-boyfriend Woody (Joe Gilgun) who’s left the gang, struggles to fit in with a new job and a domestically-minded girlfriend, Jennifer (Stacey Simpson). Shaun (Thomas Turgoose), now a drama student, is torn between his girlfriend Smell (Rosamund Hanson) and a stage co-star.

The performances in This is England ‘88 raise the bar, and really are some of the best seen on the small screen in a very long time. The ensemble commands poignant moments with skill and grace. Meadows reportedly kept cast members apart a la Mike Leigh’s acting style to ensure authenticity and realism. Long takes and improvised dialogue within many scenes creates a naturalistic aesthetic, which ultimately keeps one glued to the couch throughout the entire three hour mini-series.

Some of the more heightened moments within the series arguably read on paper as a generic slice of soap opera, but rest assured that Meadows has delivered the goods. His evocation of pain, grief and sorrow throughout the series leaves one feeling connected to the universal problems and challenges facing the characters. Montages of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, alongside media images from world events and popular culture during the Eighties, further develop this sense of urgency and desperation.

Powerful writing and performances are supported by beautiful cinematography, an array of gritty locations, and a soundtrack including original compositions by Ludovico Einaudi, whose work featured in the first two This is England productions.

DVD extras include commentaries on Episode Three from cast members Vicky McClure and Joe Gilgun in addition to deleted scenes, and interviews with cast and crew.

If you’re looking for intense, gripping, and entertaining drama, make sure you check out This is England ‘88.

Rating: 4 ½ stars out of 5

This is England ‘88
Written by Shane Meadows and Jack Thorpe
Staring Vicky McClure, Joe Gilgun and Thomas Turgoose
United Kingdom, 3 x 70 mins episodes
 
Madman Entertainment
Rated MA