MovieChat Forums > This Is England (2007) Discussion > Why is the kid so young?

Why is the kid so young?

posted 12 years ago by alexandernordby-358-222914
4 replies | jump to latest

Now, I'm currently watching the movie, and its seems good. But, the age of the kid is annoying me. I had the same problem with "Let the right one in". It could have a lot to do with me being a complete retard socially at age 12, but having a older group accepting a little kid that readily just seems silly to me. Also, the relationship between Smell and Shaun was a bit ridiculous. If the roles were switched, it would probably be labeled as pedophilia. He didn't even reach her to the shoulders.

Was it actually like this in 80's Britain?

I will say that I'm really enjoying the movie so far. It actually got me rooting for the skinheads, though I don't like their way of handling the immigration problems.

Edit: I just saw the store-robbing scene, not so much a fan of the skinheads anymore. Still, immigration is a breeding ground for racism.

[–] DamianGein 12 years ago

I suppose the kid was that age because they wanted to show how a kid can be influenced , whether good or bad. If he were 17/18 it wouldn't have been the same. Plus this was based on the director's childhood.

Esta es mi firma

[–] texxas-1 9 years ago

When I was 11 and just started secondary school I didnt have many friends and would spend break times alone and the older girls (probably 14,15) used to take pity on me and invite me to hang with them. They taught me to smoke lol! And as for Smell being a pedo she was only 15 so she was still underage and all they did was kiss anyway.

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[–] Rozzi1 9 years ago

Shaun being that age and taken in a by a group of older youths was realistic. The gang of skins are all different ages and half of them 16 or under. He was impressionable and looking to belong and they were a group which contained outcasts (like Gadget) so it was understandable that they, namely Woody, would take him in, even if just for the novelty of it. Its also dealt with in the film when Shaun's mum goes to the cafe to 'speak' with Woody and Lol.

[–] Bobby_Tomlinson 9 years ago

Woody and most of the skinheads weren't racist. Gadget wasn't really, he was just a kid lead astray by Combo.

Were you rooting for Combo until the shop scene? 

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