This is England

This is England, the latest film by British director Shane Meadows, is at the centre of a row about who can see it.

The British Board of Film Certification has given the film an 18 certificate. The film’s director is reportedly furious, because he wants British teenagers to see this film. However, in a further twist, Bristol City Council has decided to give the film a 15 certificate.

They have done so because they think This is England is a good film about a real social issue. They want teenagers in Bristol to see it. The film is about a young man who joins a skinhead gang, only for violent racists to takeover. The film takes place in the early 1980s, which was probably the height of the skinhead culture. The first British skinheads appeared in the late 1960s, and were not interested in racism. However, by the late 1970s and early 1980s, skinheads became associated with violent attacks on black and Asian people.

The lead character is played by Thomas Turgoose, who is only 15. Due to the BBFC’s decision, he cannot watch the film he is in. However, other local authorities may follow Bristol’s lead and issue the film with a 15 certificate.

Image credit to Stuart Nicol. Photograph of a young British skinhead taken on November 23 1980.