England Is Mine

England Is Mine, a biographical drama film directed by Mark Gill and released in 2017, is both an engaging coming-of-age story and a vivid exploration of the music scene in Manchester, England during the 1970s and early 1980s. Showcasing a central performance by Jack Lowden, the film also features Jodie Comer and Jessica Brown Findlay in prominent roles.

England Is Mine is an authentic portrayal of the life of Steven Patrick Morrissey, who would go on to become the celebrated lead singer and lyricist of the influential alternative rock band, The Smiths. It skilfully showcases the early life of Morrissey prior to his fame, highlighting his struggles, ambitions, personal relationships, and his love for music. However, bear in mind that this is not a typical biopic film that delves entirely into Morrissey's rise to fame with The Smiths or his successful solo career. Instead, it provides viewers with an in-depth insight into his humble beginnings and the series of events and influences that nurtured his desire to make a mark in the world of music.

The film starts off in the 1970s, introducing us to a young Morrissey (played by Jack Lowden), a socially awkward and introverted teenager, trying to find his fit in the world. His surroundings, predominantly grey and bleak, encapsulate the mundanity of his existence. Encaged in a depressing office job by day and entrapped by the suffocating ambience of suburban Manchester alongside his introverted nature, Morrissey's only gateway to relief is his passion for music and his ability to pen meaningful lyrics from his suffering. He dreams of escaping his dreary existence, spurred on in part by his friend and confidante Anji played by Katherine Pearce, and the joys he discovers in local bands like the Sex Pistols and the New York Dolls.

Jodie Comer plays Christine, Morrissey's sister, who is part of his restricted social sphere and an understanding figure, providing emotional support. Another crucial supporting character in the film is Linder Sterling (Jessica Brown Findlay), a university student who befriends Morrissey, shares his artistic aspirations, and becomes a significant influence on his journey as an artist.

The film masterfully uses the subtleties of grim surroundings and dull life circumstances to emphasize the transformative power of music and creative expression. The cinematography creates a dark, grimy, and yet immensely tangible 70’s Manchester. The drab surroundings and mundane life circumstances provide a fitting platform for Morrissey’s angst to break free and ultimately metamorphose into a lyrical genius. Moreover, the production design impeccably brings to life the spirit of Manchester in the late 1970s and early 1980s achieving a permeating sense of the era.

Furthermore, Mark Gill’s directing style does justice to the story of Morrissey as it engages the viewer in every aspect of his life. His attention to minute character details, and his ability to maintain narrative coherence in a biographical drama, nurtures a sense of authenticity in the portrayal of a pre-fame Morrissey.

As for the performances, Jack Lowden shines as Morrissey. His stoic performance, interspersed with moments of raw emotional fragility, conveys the curious mix of gloom, aspiration and defiance that characterized Morrissey's early years. Lowden’s portrayal of Morrissey is complemented by distinctive performances by Jodie Comer and Jessica Brown Findlay.

In short, England Is Mine is a thought-provoking stroll through the younger years of a man who would later become one of the most influential figures in the music industry. It beautifully depicts the struggle of a talented individual wrestling with societal expectations, personal dilemmas, and a relentless passion for his craft. It's a must-watch for fans of Morrissey and The Smiths as well as anyone who appreciates a good underdog story set amidst the world of music.