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This little-seen and under-appreciated film accurately captures the bleakness and alienation of youth like few other films succeed in doing. It was shown on New Zealand television about 20 years ago and I've never had a chance to see it again. But I remember great direction, music, and atmosphere. Takes its place among the late-70s/early 80s British classics, the quality of which seems to be gone forever - see Meantime, Made in Britain, and anything in that period by Mike Leigh. To think that this was made by Stephen Frears who now gives us dreck like Mrs Henderson and The Queen is truly dispiriting.

I can't add much more to the reviews already here. Tim Roth's performance is extraordinary, as are all those of the supporting cast. Perhaps a bit more could have been done with the Eric Richards character - the motivation for his tolerance are unclear. But I most want to say something about the 'similar' films recommended by IMDb. Love Actually, Gandhi, and Harry Potter?! Whoever thinks that if you like Made In Britain then you'll like those must be mentally retarded. Instead, check out 'Meantime', made at a similar time, with Roth as a lonely outcast and Gary Oldman as a skinhead almost as scary as Trevor in this. Also try 'Bloody Kids', directed by Stephen Frears, about alienated youth, but even younger than in this. Those 3 films together form an extraordinary portrait of youth in early 80s Britain.