Splinters

I don't usually write about films I watch but I feel an honourable mention must go to This Is England which I saw at the weekend. Another great offering from Shane Meadows, it tells the story of a 12 year old boy whose father is killed in the Falklands War, and who finds solace in the company of an older gang of skinheads. This non-racist, old-style reggae-loving gang is in turn infiltrated by the NF element, with disturbing results. This was a really truly moving film, the subject matter was handled masterfully with terrific performances, especially from the young kid. This is the latest triumph in Meadows' excellent, warm, naturalistic work for which the term "gritty" seems both accurate and yet reductionist and inadequate at the same time. Last Sunday's South Bank Show had a great interview with the man, which is also worth a watch.