A huge surprise! A stylish, tense and disturbing coming of age film that is easily one of the year's best. Both tender and violent, this thought-provoking project perfectly captures the viewer's attention with its grabbing opening scenes, and it never lets go until the very end. This film deals with the skinhead culture that was rampant in England during the 1980s, and the era is perfectly captured on film here thanks to the excellent direction by Shane Meadows. He also writes the superb screenplay, which is equal parts funny and terrifying, and always incredibly realistic. We see the story unfold through the eyes of a young boy named Shaun (Thomas Turgoose), who is drawn into the world before discovering how vicious and cruel it really is. Turgoose is incredibly convincing in the lead role, delivering a great first performance. But the real scene-stealer of the film, and the actor who should be considered come awards season is Stephen Graham as Combo - easily delivering the best supporting performance of the year so far. His wrenching, emotional performance is scary, brutal and raw. He really manages to become his character - an incredibly flawed and confused individual who cannot see clearly due to his own prejudice. As the film builds from its great opening to its jarring and sad conclusion, you will find yourself captivated by every frame. A must-see.

A-