the first ~80 minutes were excellent, but for some reason the ending was so abrupt and stupid that it didnt live up to the rest at all

OK, if a bit uneven. No real motivation for the gang's acceptance of the kid is given. Another thing that bugged me about this movie is that the 'lesson' is so pre-packaged and already given... most of the hard work has been taken out of the viewers' hands.

It's both fascinating and repulsive but in many ways is such a strange, strange movie.

Filled w/ memoir-like detail, this captures the universal roots & mentality of gangs & the kids who join them before twisting off into something much darker. That change comes in the form of Graham, one of 2 amazing actors on display here (the other being child actor Turgoose).The fear Graham triggers in his mates is palpable, turning relatively harmless delinquency into something much worse. Graham & the script display more sides 2 his criminal than 1 usually sees in a star-making performance

Full of surprises - loved that little boy actor.

There are a lot of socio-political topics brought up throughout the film, but it is by no means heavy handed in how they are presented. I think the best part is that it lets you notice and interpret them for yourself. Also, this is one of the few movies where the way the characters act and talk seems completely real and not as if they are being portrayed by actors.

Interesting insight into an undercurrent in British society. It balances sympathy and moral repugnance well, to dole out some well worn but still instructive social commentary on nationalism and the impressionability of youth.

It's incredible how Meadows manages to mix cute and playful comedy with tense and unsettling drama in this fast-paced portrayal of a 12-year old boy finding friendship and self-image in a gang of skinheads. Very well performed by Stephen Graham and Thomas Turgoose.

Great coming of age skinhead tale. Carefully deals with racism in a smart way. Hopefully the commentary on flares will finally kill off these abominations of the clothing world. Sorry did that sound racist?

A benign and mischievous atmosphere gives way to some intense and unnerving scenes, realised by impressive performances. Turgoose is the standout, with Graham the other notable. Loses it's way in the middle when it drops a few characters, but finishes strongly.

An intelligent look back at the skinhead culture of England in the 80's. Great Film

Fantastic performances, and a great subtle look at far-right nationalism.

seeing someone develop, and they did it with such a great detail, that you can't prevent getting swallowed into the story.

One of the better British movies I've seen in recent times. A good insight into the racism and skinhead culture of the early 80's England.

There's no question it was a well-made and well-acted movie but geez did it ever make me feel really uncomfortable and sick to my stomach.

Really put Shane Meadows on the map, outside of England anyway. And Thomas Turgoose as the little out of place kid, is mesmerizing. Both tragic and funny, I wonder if I've ever seen a better coming of ace film.

This is a touching, relatable and ironically patriotic film. It's thoroughly accessible and has moments of very witty writing to break up the otherwise darker racist themes.

great movie