SHANE MEADOWS, THIS IS ENGLAND AND THE LEGACY OF DEGRASSI

Once upon a time. A movie started it all from director Shane meadows sort of like the Degrassi series. Where through a number of shows and even television movies. The series creators Linda Schuyler kept using the same actors at first in different roles. A coming of age series at heart Where usually the series revolved around the domestic lives of the characters. As well as it seemed like plenty of openings to involve the cutting edge issues of the day. At first in THE KIDS OF DEGRASSI STREET (1979 -1986) about kids living on Degrassi Street in Canada, Then DEGRASSI JR. HIGH which started in 1987 and the actors took on more permanent roles, It eventually morphed into DEGRASSI HIGH which culminated in 1992 with the television movie. DEGRASSI HIGH: SCHOOL’S OUT, That at first seemed to be an end to it all until 2001 when the series came back as DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION That brought back certain characters over the years but focused on the kids and off springs of those earlier characters, The School always staying at the center of the action. Where the show got into new technology with DEGRASSI: MINIS. (a series of digital shorts) not to mention the television movies. DEGRASSI TAKES MANHATTAN and DEGRASSI GOES HOLLYWOOD. Which eventually then lead to DEGRASSI: THE NEXT CLASS. Which is where the series currently find itself. It’s a show that has had a huge impact on not just me but many other loyal audience members over the years and across generations. Where the characters and the actors who played them feel like old friends or acquaintances who you shared private moments and secrets with over the years.

Similarly Shane meadows has used a regular roster of actors in his film productions and films that seemed to start with the movie his third film released in 1999 A ROOM FOR ROMEO BRASS.

Which was more a coming of age story involving teens. Over the years he kept casting actors from that film in his other films that were more dramatic and not necessarily about youth as much. Notably he made hard hitting drama and thrillers DEAD MAN’S SHOES and ONCE UPON A TIME IN MIDLANDS. Usually the star of these films were Paddy Constantine. Who again he first worked with on A ROOM FOR ROMEO BRASS. Then in 2006 he made the monumental THIS IS ENGLAND. A coming of age drama set in the 1980’s that offers A young boy named Shaun becomes friends with a gang of skinheads. Friends soon become like family, and relationships will be pushed to the very limit. a look back at the early eighties of British working-class life through the eyes of young Shaun and his new gang, and dealing with the bitterness of outside influences such as racism and xenophobia, of mass unemployment and the fall out of the Falkland’s War; Thatcher’s Britain.

A great emotional movie where every character had charisma or was at the very least interesting enough that you could easily follow them if the action or camera strayed from the main character. They were all three dimensional. So that you cared about most of them. It also was a chance to see actors from his previous films Andrew Shim and Vicky McClure all Grown up. As well as actress Jo Hartley. It also introduced actor Joseph Gilgun into my consciousness (he later went onto play in movies such as THE INFILTRATOR and LOCKOUT usually as a villain or henchman and on shows such as PREACHER and MISFITS) Not to mention seeing character actor Stephen Graham play more of a tough guy after playing more meek in the movie SNATCH. Though by the end. While it gave a strong ending. It never quite felt like a proper ending as it was too open ended. Where you wanted to know more about the characters or at least their fates. Then he made two more feature films SOMERS TOWN another coming of age movie that starred Thomas Turgoose who played Shaun in THIS IS ENGLAND. Though not so much the protagonist this time. He played more the fun loving sidekick of the more sensitive main character who strike up an unlikely friendship while both having a crush on the same woman and trying to romance her. Meadows then directed the comedy LE DONK & SCOR-ZAY-ZEE another collaboration with Constantine.

It seemed like a long time passed waiting for his next project then all of a sudden almost out of the blue found out he was making a sequel to THIS IS ENGLAND. At first kept waiting to hear some kind of information. Then once the trailer finally arrived I was excited then they dropped the bomb that it wasn’t going to be a movie but a series. (now if you don’t know about English television. Usually most television seasons consist of vey few episodes usually 4 -6)

I remember the joy and excitement when the first preview trailer for the first series came out filmed with a 80’s video camera seeing all the characters at a house party even though the movie took place in the early 80’s and the series started in the middle 80’s it still felt like the characters were in a new age ironically when New Age music became popular Covering new ground with familiar characters a new journey for them and us to tag along on.

The fashions, trends and politics took their toll but were always more in the background.

So with this Series THIS IS ENGLAND’ 86 being a continuation the first season felt like a sequel only cut up into parts. Feeling like a proper sequel. Especially if you binged them all together. Again the gang was all back all the same actors played their roles. Except for actor Jack O’Connell whose character seemed to morph into Harvey played by Michael Socha who acted int the original THIS IS ENGLAND in a smaller role as a bully. After the first season thought it was over. As the season again ended in heartbreak dramatically. As a love story seemed to implode and disillusion and betrayal seemed to be a main theme, Only again the series managed to have the characters be three dimensional and allowed to make mistakes but still be likeable and similarly to Degrassi. While the backdrop was the 1980’s the series touched on the fashions and culture as well as various issues of the day as backdrop that helped shape the characters and their fates. Again the show was more of an ensemble and while Shaun’s character was present. He wasn’t the main focus that tied everything and everyone together. If anything the characters of LOL and WOODY became more the focus their relationship and love story. It even gave a chance for minor characters from the movie like Shaun’s mother to have a romantic storyline and find happiness

Then another season came out the next year though it took me a few just to find a way to see it. THIS IS ENGLAND ’88. This season was only three episodes usually around 50 minutes long. So that again it felt like a sequel if watched together. Only this time the series seemed determined to right the wrongs of the first season. To continue the paths of the characters it also offered a kind of reunion. Just as the first season offered a shocking break-up that affected the characters. This season ended with another break-up for a couple near and dear to the hearts of the audience only not as dramatic and not causing the core group of friends to split.

Then this year I finally got to see THIS IS ENGLAND ’90 even though it came out in 2015. Watching it recently it felt new and modern to me. Despite the year it took place. This time each episode takes place in a different season throughout the year. That allows it to jump somewhat when it comes to certain events and characters dilemmas. Again this time the episodes were longer and the season having four. This felt more like you were watching an epic. Though one that kept your interest the whole time. Where this season feels the most like an ending while keeping a thorn in the side as far as characters finding peace and total happiness.

As the series seems over and at the end Writer/Director Shane Meadows has said he has ideas for 3 more seasons.

As over the years the series has felt just as vital, endearing and unforgettable as DEGRASSI. As everytime you begin to miss it or it feels like it has left you it comes back around and feels just as enriching as when you left

Just as watching the cast of Romeo Brass grow up it feels the same watching Thomas Turgoose who plays Shaun grow up on screen and watching the other actors mature and get a chance to truly explore their characters dramatic depths. As the show let more supporting and smaller characters get some screen time and story lines where we learn more about them

The show never got a proper release in the states, nor really got a roll out anywhere. Luckily found a way to watch them

A soap opera of sorts or you could consider it a bunch of sequels each season representing another Movie or volume a kind of it’s own fiction version of the 7 UP documentary series. Which directed by Michael Apted follows a group of people from the age of 7 and every few years catching up with them to chronicle where they are at and takes a look at not only the individuals but the social, financial class. As well as culture that surrounds them. With This Is England it always seems to come back to the characters at new points in their life.

Just like Michael Apted. The Documentaries don’t define the director. As he has made plenty of fiction and genre studio films, but the docs are what he is known by. Just as Shane Meadows has made other award winning films but he keeps coming back to these characters. As they seem to always be on his mind and heart. Though he might make other projects, it’s the one he keeps coming back to, Maybe he finds comfort there, like a novel he keeps adding to, to make sure each character feel full and not just caricature or filling out only a certain role. For him it seems like a reunion with old friends. even if nit for him it certainly does for the audience. As they constantly feel welcome and never wear out their welcome.

The show manages to make us identify with the characters and show all have complexities and aren’t always bright or make the right decisions they have all been heroes and villains in their journey.

It might be why some of us are addicted to coming of age tales. As they are not only nostalgic for all of us. Where we can identify with certain feelings, situations or actions but also let’s

Us live through the characters certain experiences we never got a chance nor never will get to.

It’s central theme seems to be Family is family it’s also who you choose.

Take for instance Thomas Turgoose who we met as an impressionable youth but now we have seen him develop characteristics, personality, interests and definition Or Joseph Gilgun’s Woody, A Character who at first was charismatic and a leader and once his character was absent from the third act of the movie it felt like the films soul and spirit left but through the series we have seen him as one of the most sensitive characters as we have seen him betrayed and strained from the group and come back as well as the never ending love story with lol

It also seems the only time character actor Gilgun gets a chance to play these types of character and emotions as usually he is the and guy or the bad influence best friend or comedic side kick

Just as Vicky McClure’s character Lol has been the cool girl but over the years watched her keep messing up and learned her characters traumatic back story. Where she has been den mother of the group then eventually an actual mother.

The films and series embraces the time, worlds, fashions and music of the era. but doesn’t make them the main focus they are more the background.

Watching them all mature over the years. The series never lets us forget anything. Even though as the character of combo (Played By Stephen Graham) the villain from the film, is ostracized by the group. The big thug with him who he met in prison seems to be forgiven easily and stays around the group as a valued member. Which is never explained, yet it also offers Combo’s character a kind of redemption throughout the series.

While tackling heavy subjects they seemed to more come along and happen naturally building towards them rather then disturbing the nature of the show and everybody does. loves and making it obvious. Disturbing the rhythm of the show. Instead it fit in with the good times and humor of the show. Not solving a problem or subject one week to never be spoken of again.

It tackles subjects of infidelity, drug addiction, depression, relationships, love, rape, abuse

The characters keep secrets and lies that don’t Have to be resolved at once. They eventually do or are at least discovered and confronted.

The last of the series so far leaves us off with a satisfying ending of sorts with one sore issues left in the open and can tell there is still guilt and suffering. Which leaves us with there can be joy in pain and pain in joy always.

This is one of the reasons why I love English television as even when I visited the country, I loved seeing the sights but I felt just as international, enthralled and excited watching television in the hotel During down time

The reason I believe I enjoy and am so passionate about coming of age films is that it gives the characters a reason to learn lessons but also while i didn’t have it bad growing up. I can somewhat identify, As these characters and films and want to bathe in the memories. It then again there is a lot in these films and stories that I never experienced and always wanted or can just imagine trying to deal with it at such a young age.

It might be also that through thick and thin, betrayal and all the characters in the end never have a problem saying “I love you” and how much each of them mean to them. Not like every time they see each other but time to time and to check in and don’t know maybe that is something more common amongst most friends but it feels rare to me. Either that or we all need better friends.

The movie just about broke my heart and even though the stakes got higher when it came to the series it helped put the cast back together and restores a certain faith

When it comes to the Degrassi I don’t know it had such a deep history until I was well into the high school years and in the middle of my fandom. Though they were older I felt like I grew up with them but could Also take a look back and observe.

When it comes to THIS IS ENGLAND, I was 28 when the movie came out and in the last of my youth and maturing years so as I grew through my 30's I watched them grown as well as learning one lessons of my own. While watching from the other side of the age spectrum and some kind of maturity. Which is the same way I feel about the continuing adventures of Degrassi. Only while I can’t identify as heavily it is a kind of continuation of watching what the next generation has to deal with especially in these more socially conscious and technological times.

We are all still learning and growing physically and mentally and while I still enjoy a good coming of age film. Now like most we look at them from an older perspective and shake my head getting the trials, emotions and rituals but met exactly identifying with them As Much

Maybe these are the ramblings of an old man reminiscing remembering those days when your friends were family practically you depended on one another but as you get older new people are introduced loyalties and responsibilities shift and schedules never line up and where you can get together it’s a special rarity that reminds you why you love these people and maybe makes seeing them not as often so special. So while you remember the good times you know they will never be the same and when you do get tougher you go over the old stories and catch up and realize they don’t need you anymore either.

Like a Fellini film most of the characters come together to celebrate in the end with some dancing. In Fellini movies there are endings where characters all come together in the end at some kind of event or celebration in honor of a character and then all dance together. Even if not necessarily real and just in the characters head. A surreal flight of fancy fantasy. (Not for every film)

I would normally say a fellini-esque ending though for more the younger more modern cinematic aficionado think the ending of AVENGERS: END GAME where all the characters from even previous movies make an appearance at the end for the passing of a major character.

And all this is due mainly to Shane Meadows (pardon me for a league of their own ending moment) who if anything else among his many achievements can count this one. As a life changer. Just as Linda Chuyer can