12-year-old Shaun (Thomas Turgoose) earns the respect of a group of skinheads when he stands up to their teasing.
He becomes part of the gang and enjoys hanging out with his new friends led by the sweet natured Woody (Joseph Gilgun in a stand-out performance). Trouble starts with the return of Combo (Stephen Graham), a racist ex-convict, whose racist agenda splits the gang, and Sean, tragically, finds himself turning to Combo as a substitute for the father he lost in the Falklands.
Meadows has created a film fizzing with energy and humour, powered by brilliantly engaging performances, including early roles for Vicky McClure and Jack O’Connell.
It feels like real English cinema, and sits comfortably at the top of the director’s filmography alongside ‘Dead Man’s Shoes’.
The 2026 BFI FAN UK-wide season, Rip It Up, explores and celebrates the changing face of youth rebellion, culture and expression – from joy to heartbreak – on screen in the UK.
Chichester Cinema will screen four films from June to October as part of this season.
Other films:
