Somers Town (2008)

[Movie 118 / Day 88]


Really simple story, shot in black and white, no special effects, Somers Town is OK, but nothing massively special. Conceived as a short film funded by Eurostar, Shane Meadows apparently like the script so much that is got extended to feature length. Really little happens in it, but it's pleasant enough - we follow the story of two boys who meet, become friends and fall in love with a French waitress. And then catch the Eurostar to Paris.

My rating: 6.7 / 10
IMDB rating: 7.0 / 10
Running time: 75 mins
IMDB link

Dead Man's Shoes (2004)

[Movie 115 / Day 83]


Shane Meadows movie about a man, Richard, that takes bloody revenge on the small-town drug dealers and low-lifes that tormented his brother while he was away in the army and unable to offer protection.

Paddy Considine is fantastic as Richard, at times seeming vulnerable, at others completely psychotic - and Toby Kebbell was outstanding as Anthony, the younger brother with learning difficulties. Having said that, all of the supporting roles featured pretty good acting, which makes it even more surprising that those two managed to be stand-out.

Unexpectedly moving and with a simple twist, it's a brilliant movie. I'm starting to really like Shane Meadows, even if his movies do seem to leave me feeling a bit depressed.

My rating: 8.3 / 10
IMDB rating: 8.0 / 10
Running time: 90 mins
IMDB link

This is England (2006)

[Movie 71 / Day 42]


Set in 1983, This is England follows Shaun, a 12-year old boy who's father died in the Falklands war. One day, walking home from school, he meets a group of skinheads who adopt him into their group and treat him as an equal, leading to him becoming friends with them and consequently drawn further into the skinhead lifestyle - away from the clothes and haircut and more into the racism and vandalism.

It's grim, it's depressing - yet there is a lot of imagery I recognise from growing up in 80s Britain, and a lot of the same attitudes. Which is kind of depressing in itself. A coming of age story that's firmly grounded in the harsh realities of life, it's a good movie - just don't expect to feel good after watching it.

It's the first Shane Meadows movie I've seen - but I'm going to make sure I dig out more of his back catalogue.

My rating: 8.0 / 10
IMDB rating: 7.9 / 10
Running time: 101 mins
IMDB link