It’s the 80s in England and there’s this kid who’s getting picked on at at school, and he’s walking home and he makes some friends. Nice guys, but they all shave their heads. It’s cool though, they listen to Toots & the Maytals and other first-generation Jamaican ska and are pretty down-to-earth people. Pretty soon the kid’s hanging out in good-times montages.

Everything’s going great, but then their old pal gets out of prison. Next thing you know, things are getting kind of tense, and people are making political speeches and going on racist rants and having to pick sides. In fact, this is a coming-of-age film for the kid, and there’s also a theme on the Falklands War, which comes to an end just as the film reaches its conclusion.

BONUS FILM

Made in Britain (1982)

A UK made-for-TV film, Tim Roth’s first role, and he nails it, playing a crazed racist skinhead in the 80s. It’s amazing what a modest budget will get you if you have quality actors and a strong script. Definitely one you want to watch without advertisements.