One day, at school, Shaun beats up an older boy at school for talking smack about his dead father, and on the way home he meets up with a gang of apolitical and non-racist skinheads. They quickly bond, and the film follows the life of Shaun and the skinhead-gang.
I think the film was really good, because it felt very real and at the same time different. I think the characters were really well-played. The harsh life of skinheads and the personal struggle Shaun fights is very original, and I must say that it left a big impression on me. I feel that the way he headed when he teamed up with the racist skinhead Combo was obviously wrong, but I think he did it because he wanted to honor his dad. The things they did, such as beating up kids and tagging on walls served as a great way for Shaun to channel his aggression, and I think that it is easy for many people to go down that road under the given circumstances.
As the story progressed, it became clear that the boys got more violent and ruthless as they went, and the scene where Shaun, Combo and the rest of the guys get high off cannabis really served as the turning point, because Combo almost beats Milky to death because of his color. I have to say that I almost shed a tear, because it was so unfair, but at the same time I have to admit that I liked the emotions Combo showed when he understood his actions, and that he chose to carry Milky to the hospital rather than leaving him.
All in all, the film was very unique, and I have to say that I feel bad for little Shaun and the way his little gig with the skinheads turned out. The character is very strong, and I think that Shaun is one of the most memorable characters I've ever seen.
Mathias~
