This Is England '86

This Is England '86 is a British drama television miniseries that premiered in 2010. Produced and distributed by FilmRise, the show is a sequel to the 2006 film This Is England, which was directed by Shane Meadows. The miniseries symbolically takes its name from the World Cup that took place in Mexico in the summer of 1986. This dramatic narrative effortlessly combines socio-political realities with well-etched character arcs, delivering an intense viewing experience.

The four-part miniseries is set in the English Midlands and continues the journey of the young characters who were originally introduced in the 2006 film. Central to the story is young skinhead Shaun Fields, played by Thomas Turgoose, a character fans were first introduced to in the original film. The TV series focuses mainly on the more adult and intricate concerns of Shaun and his group of friends, reflecting on their individual journeys of self-discovery as they navigate the complexity of adulthood.

Just as with the original film, This Is England '86 is rooted in history, culture, and the socio-economic realities of the era. The year 1986 was a remarkably intense period in England, defined by political unrest, high unemployment rates, and community struggles, all of which serve as the backdrop for the characters' personal dramas.

Shane Meadows, the original movie's director, co-writes and co-directs this follow-up miniseries, sharing directorial duties with Tom Harper. Meadows meticulously and effectively taps into the period's mood, using a mix of humor, emotion, and stark realism to paint a vivid portrait of life in 1980s England. The original soundtrack, peppered with hits from the era’s music scene, further aids this evocative, gritty, and authentic portrayal of life in the mid-'80s.

While the underlying themes are notably mature, This Is England '86 manifests a keen sense of adolescence. The characters, now slightly older but not necessarily wiser, grapple with the trials and tribulations of life, from romantic entanglements to job insecurity, while still trying to hold on to their youth. The friends’ bond and their collective coming-of-age journey form the emotional core of this gritty, episodic narrative.

Thomas Turgoose reprises his role as Shaun Fields, once again delivering a nuanced performance that deftly captures his character’s complex emotional growth. Also returning from the original film are Joe Gilgun as Woody, Vicky McClure as Lol, Stephen Graham as Combo, and Andrew Shim as Milky, each of whom brings depth and realism to their respective roles. These familiar faces are joined by a robust supporting cast comprising both seasoned actors and newcomers, making the world of This Is England '86 truly come alive.

The show's detailed production design and costumes flawlessly reflect the look and feel of the era. The cinematography, which strongly echoes the aesthetics of its film predecessor, completes the realistic and immersive image of the 1980s era. Balancing strong narrative elements with an authentic period feel, This Is England '86 proves to be an intense visual and emotional journey for the viewer.

This Is England '86 garnered high critical acclaim upon its release, extending the reputation of the original film through this continuation of the characters' compelling stories. The miniseries further cemented Meadows' status as a masterful storyteller with a distinct ability to create immersive worlds that reflect the realities and nuances of their time.

This is England ’86 is a must-watch for fans of the original film, as well as anyone attracted to well-crafted period dramas. With its engaging plot, compelling characters, and impeccably drawn historical setting, this miniseries serves as a brilliant exploration of youth, maturity, and the socio-political realities of a bygone era. Overall, This Is England ’86 stands as an exemplary piece of British television, its potency derived from its deep human understanding, raw sincerity, and an unwavering sense of time and place.