User reviews

Made in britain is a gritty play/movie that shows the mentality of some of the youth during Thatcherite Britain when the Tory Government were about greed and cared nothing for the high unenmployment rate and crime rate.Tim Roth plays a youth who feels that the system has let him down and rebels against all authority and anybody who wants to help him. The language is very hard which only adds to the quality of the film and the acting from Tim Roth is of the highest standard especially considering this was his first big project. It is suprisingly fresh and has not dated and is a good reminder of how thing were for some people in the early eighties and also how the youth didnt want to help themselves because they felt society owed them something because we had the worst government of the twentieth century. 8 out of 10.

Finally got to watch this movie. So true its worth watching even just to watch those expressions. We got a young and promising Tim Roth here playing Trevor the juvenile delinquent skin head. I watched it a second time before deciding to write this review. The first time I felt for the guy, I always felt somewhat that way for the underdog star that rebels against the straight ways of the society we live in. However watching it a second time i realized how annoying he is and how true it is that nobody was giving him any trouble whatsoever and that indeed he was always the one to bring it on himself. Everybody around him does nothing but try to help, OK he says he does not need any help, wants to be left in peace to do whatever he wants, but does that include having him allow others to live in peace? I love it towards the end he really loses it.

The extremely talented Tim Roth made his acting debut with this powerful little drama. Roth plays Trevor, a teen aged skinhead with no regard for the rules of society. As the story opens, he's being sent to a detention centre while authorities try to decide what to do about him. He doesn't have any real interest in changing his ways, and would prefer to spend his time stealing things, spouting racial hatred, and being a public nuisance in general.

One can tell that 'Made in Britain' was originally made for television. It doesn't attempt to be overtly cinematic, but then it doesn't need to. David Leland wrote the intelligent script, making this an "angry young man" story with a memorable central character. One watches this unfold, doubtful that Trevor will be redeemable at some point, and only vaguely hopeful. When officials try to show him the error of his ways, he shows no interest. His compulsive need to defy authority overrides everything, and he simply refuses to stay out of trouble.

Directed by Alan Clarke ("Scum"), and scored by anarchist musicians The Exploited, this gets a lot of juice from the magnetic performance by Roth. I'm sure people who watched 'Made in Britain' when it was new could sense a brilliant career in the making. Roth is also very nicely supported by Terry Richards, as the impressionable Errol, Bill Stewart, as Peter, Geoffrey Hutchings, as the superintendent, and Sean Chapman ("Hellraiser" 1 and 2) as Barry.

Highly recommended viewing.

Eight out of 10.

Saw it years ago by accident on PBS. Thought it was a documentary. They've only shown it once, to my knowledge (probably because so many complained about the foul language and nasty attitude of Trevor. Very unappetizing to American mid-western WASP sensibilities.). An absolutely stupifyingly mind-blowing performance by Tim Roth. Once you see, you won't forget.

Tim Roth blasted to the forefront of edgy screen actors with this bravura tour-de-force performance for British TV in 1982. Perhaps the finest work of an actor who has had many great performances since. It's a crying shame that most of his fans in North America have yet to see it.

This film blows me away. First saw it ages ago when Public TV in NYC daringly broadcast it unheralded and only one time. They've never shown it again, nor has it ever been shown elsewhere in the US to my knowledge. I was ecstatic recently when I managed to view the film again, for the first time in over 10 years, via a European DVD. Anyone who has seen this film knows what I mean when I say it is insane for it NOT to be released on this side of the Pond. Movies about violent youths and skinheads are not unknown over here, just not this good. The recent American History X, as fine as it was, doesn't manage a fraction of the raw intensity of Made in Britain.

Trevor, a bright, autonomous, 16 year-old is also a seething, out-of-control deeply antisocial skinhead. He's not part of a gang, not part of a clique, he's a totally alienated individual who sees himself as part of a movement. It's not enough to say that Roth is totally believable in the part. The part itself is way, way beyond your expectations when watching a film. Trevor "acts out", but Roth doesn't "act" Trevor, Roth IS Trevor for the duration of this film. Seeing Tim Roth for the first time in this film, you wouldn't initially be sure you were watching an actor play a part. For a while you might believe you were watching a real documentary about a berserk youth committing petty crimes and mayhem and oblivious to the camera. Only through the dramatic pace and development of the film and the inclusion of other, mere mortal, actors might you let the magic slip momentarily and suspect you were watching a fictional movie, but the intensity ratchets up again, and before you know it you're looking at the end-credits and wondering why it's over and wanting more, more!

Trevor on the surface is a deplorable human being: hateful, racist, selfish and violent. At the same time, he is resourceful, intelligent, and in some ways, fragile, yet in others, daring, nothing-left-to-lose. His behavior is self-destructive, his future is bleak. In short, he is fascinating and you spend the whole short 73-minute film alternately shocked, transfixed, amused, bewildered and yet, pulling for him.

If you've seen Tim Roth's other work, and you respect his abilities, you owe it to yourself to do whatever you have to do to see this film. You won't regret it. Meanwhile, someone should cut a deal to release this in North America so all of Tim Roth's hungry fans can see it!

I've always admired and liked Tim Roth, believing him to be one of the U.K's finest acting exports. I found this DVD at a local CashConverters for 99p and it sat on my shelf for a year.

Finally seeing it, it did not surprise me that within ten minutes, not only had skinhead Trevor (Roth) stolen a car but was also sniffing glue, with his room-mate from the open assessment detention centre that the Court had only just sent him to.

I so wanted not for this to be a catalogue of 'let's be as nasty racist criminals as we possibly can' but couldn't see how it would not be. As a pertinent statement on Thatcher's Capitalist Britain it certainly hits hard, with Roth being very believable and natural, his facial configurations often being a whole act in themselves.

The film does try and breakdown how the bright Trevor got to this stage in life, which to do in a credible way, is commendable. The 4:3 TV ratio, the natural lighting and '80s slightly dingy images suit the subject perfectly, having a near documentary feel. There's also a solid supporting cast of social workers, case workers etc that are familiar to British TV drama audiences.

The strong dialogue with 'f' words aplenty seem natural and often used with anger and menace. Made In Britain will be many people's worst kind of nightmare viewing, but let them keep their cosy Sunday night gentle 'drama'. This is true drama, not cotton-wool wrapped in caramel gooey stuff that is far too prevalent. For those who want - and appreciate - a roller-coasting journey down Reality Street, then this is the real deal.

I first saw this episode of a few in the series when it was first released and was immediately taken by the story, as well as the performance of Tim Roth.

At the time I tried to find more things that Roth had done on his performance alone in Made In Britain but couldn't. Only years later, thanks to IMDB (cheers guys) did I realise that it was his first major role.

Back to the film. Set in the London I know I could relate to Trevor (Roth) as I was experiencing a similar thing at the time. A youth pushed into an attitude related to the Thatcher ideals of that time which kicked against the system of authority and its patronising values. The film (although intended as a television programme, but now can be viewed as a film in its own right) had all the zeitgeist required for one living in Britain, especially London, at that time. My friends and I spoke of it with much praise as we could relate to its sentiments. Events like the Brixton riots were indicative of such feelings.

Can this film still be relevant today? Frankly, yes. Britain was changing back in '81-'82 in many ways and appears to be swinging in a similar way once again. Only time will tell.

It is a gritty, documentary-style film that holds little back of an individual on a collision course with the imagined or real oppressor. Self-destructing because he feels it is his only freedom. Engaging and somewhat prophetic. You choose. I have not seen the film for many years now but relish the opportunity to view it again.

While listing to Skinnyman's album: Council Estate Of Mind, I was curious of a angry young man swearing at cursing at everything.

I bought the film since I'm also a fan of Tim Roth, and i'm very happy with my choice. Kick-a$$ film.

Skinhead Trevor wonders around London, nicking cars, attacking Pakis and being a bit of a *ucker really. Glue sniffing has obviously made him go insane and you watch his last few days before inevitably going to prison.

Pretty decent acting, and a great hooking plot. This is what started Tim's career.

Overall: 8.2/10

I've seen this film a number of times over the last few years. The first time I ever saw it, I was an idealistic young scamp who'd done very well at school. Needless to say, I spent the entire film hoping that this desperately intelligent character would pull out of the spiral he'd got himself into.

A bit of personal history, which I don't normally supply, but in this case I believe it's pertinent. My grandfather hails from Pakistan, which is something that should make me despise this film, as Trevor, the main character, constantly harangues a Pakistani shopkeeper called Mr. Shanawaz. However, on repeated viewings I have consistently found this to be one of the best films ever made.

Roth plays a disaffected, supremely intelligent young man called Trevor who knows far more about the world than his "betters" would wish him to. His "betters" are social workers, and those responsible for making sure that he will eventually integrate into the wider British society.

Trevor is unrelenting and has no qualms about describing the society in which he lives. On my first viewing, I was horrified by his racist attitudes and the beliefs he subscribes to. However, the most important part of this film is Trevor's honesty. Honesty, however horrific it is, is Trevor's primary motivation. After watching it again and again, this is what comes through more than anything else. Trevor is uncompromising. He refuses to let society dictate his own opinions, even when that society kicks him and beats him. Trevor almost never misleads people, and practices his mantra almost to the letter. His integrity is never in doubt. Like him or hate him, you will respect the fact that he stands for his beliefs.

Made In Britain is a film about standing up for what you believe in, no matter how extreme those beliefs are. Trevor's beliefs are so compelling that he even convinces a black teenager ( Errol ) to shout "You baboons, get back to the jungle!". It also provides an incisive social commentary on the Britain of 1982. It isn't the integrated melting pot that government would have you believe it is. Following recent racial tension in Oldham and other towns in the North of England, the film's message seems particularly poignant now.

There are very few bad performances in this movie, the notable exception being the female teenagers in the JobCentre. Overall, it is a superb film that should be approached with an open mind - providing a message that all is not well in multi-racial Britain.

Like most Alan Clarke films this is raw, honest, uncompromising and often controversial as he tries to get to the nub of the issue and find the naked truth in David Leland's script. Here we see a young Tim Roth as a troubled young offender who dares challenge the authoritarian social workers who are responsible for him and the rules they impose making him feel trapped by the system.

Similar to what Alan Clarke did for borstals with his film Scum (1979), shining a critical spotlight on how things were run, it's done to a lesser affect here dealing with education and the social system and explores broader themes such as nationalism and identity but Roth's performance is blistering and compelling as he shows frustration and anger at the society he feels created him. Despite his thuggish skinhead appearance Roth's character Trevor is articulate and intelligent and often gets his point across to make a counter argument against those in authority however he is also stubbornly defiant, belligerent, racist and angry.

This made for TV movie is compelling and naturalistic, Clarke gets his handheld camera up close to the characters and to the problems, we feel Roth's anger but we're left to make our own minds up about what is presented to us.

Alan Clarke's unflinching realism might be too much for some viewers.However ,'Made in Britain' is a definitive study of the criminal mind.Roth is right on the money(as always).The movie is so simplistic ,but that's why it works so well.The movie has a great feel ,it was constructed with a series of steadicam set ups.Clarke's camera follows Roth's character in a series of long takes.The movie doesn't really have a traditional structure,it just happens.A good introduction to Alan Clarke.

I was lucky enough to get this on DVD for £5 and when I bought it, I knew little about it. Upon first viewing I was amazed at the performance of Tim Roth playing Trevor because he was believable and he brought realism to the character. I could see how this created controversy being broadcasted on television but this is commendable. The script is excellent by David Leland who went on to co-write Mona Lisa starring Bob Hoskins. It is these sorts of films and actors that make me proud to be British and I recommend this to everyone if you can find it. 9 out of 10.

WOW! I am a child of the Thatcher era, and as a 12 year old when this movie was made ( probably 14 to 15 by the time I viewed it! ) I had a small recollection of certain scenes from the movie ( mainly the pissing and shitting on the files ) I have to say, that now at the age of 35 and watching this movie for the second time I was totally blown away by Tim Roth's performance!! What a great actor! I have obviously seen him in other movies such as Pulp Fiction, but did not recognise him as a actor in his own right, Until now! I will definitely seek out all his roles on IMDb, and follow his career, I was blown away by his acting skills in Made in Britain, and will now recognise him as a stand alone actor rather than just another face amongst many talented actors ( which is what I thought during pulp fiction ) Thank you ENGLAND, British, U.K , for the most talented actors and the best of British films :o) This one is timeless to all of us who lived the 80's and more!

a must see film, no matter you religion, faith or background, the acting alone is worth a view

Our if control sixteen year old Trevor is sent to a Detention Centre, all efforts have been made to get the troubled teen to conform and abide by society's rules, he however refuses to accept.

First of all, it's been some time since I last saw this, aoni watched this morning with relatively fresh eyes, I imagine that this was a powerful statement piece back in 1982, I think forty years on it still packs a punch. A society where many feel as though they've been left behind, forgotten about.

It's quite a short film, but it flies by very quickly, it's well paced and gritty, it doesn't dip or lull for a second.

Trevor is racist, violent, thoughtless, angry and worse, doesn't care about what happens to himself let alone anyone else, but he's no fool, he's intelligent and quick witted.

Tim Roth is terrific as Trevor, he's delivered many brilliant performances over the years, this must rank up there with them.

A good supporting cast, The Bill's Eric Richards, Terry Richards and Sean Chapman are all very good.

If you enjoyed Scum, and haven't seen this, I'd highly recommend.

9/10.

Director Alan Clarke always had a knack for spotting raw , young British acting talent . He gave breakthrough roles to Ray Winstone in SCUM and Gary Oldman in THE FIRM and in 1982 gave an unknown actor called Tim Roth the lead in this television drama from David Leland . Somewhat surprisingly it took a few years after these breakthrough roles for these three actors to become better known but the star quality all of them showed is in luminous abundance and that's all down to Clarke

Roth plays Trevor a 16 year old Nazi skinhead and what Leland's script is superb at is not portraying Trevor as some sort of misunderstood youth who is just in need of a mere cuddle but in need of some harsher measures . It makes the ironic point that bleeding heart liberals are incapable of understanding that in dealing with violent sociopaths then perhaps draconian solutions themselves bordering on fascism may be needed

Indeed Leland's script is replete with irony . Trevor painted not so much as a demon but as someone who sees himself as being merely more honest than society demands lives his life in an honest way . He is racist and wears his racism as a violent badge of honour because it's only hypocrites who don't do this . Appearing in court his caustic attitude and lack of remorse is again a badge of honour . After all it's very cowardly to show repentance and sorrow when you're in court facing serious charges especially when you're not sorry in the slightest . The only difference between Trevor and the average teenager is that Trevor's resentment and anger at the world manifests itself by actions . Remembering my own teenage years wanting to strike back at the oppressive and hypocritical and frankly BS nature of society there is an aspect of recognition that means I could empathise with Trevor and like SCUM this television play was a very memorable for any teenager who saw it . Anyone who puts a concrete slab through a jobcentre window instantly becomes a hero to an umemployed teenager

MIB does have the cajones to point out that some people are beyond redemption . You can condition people all you like but at the day some people will be always be racist ( Regardless of their colour ) and violent thugs . To their way of thinking it's the rest of society who are the bad guys because society is contradictory and ruled by hypocits and cowards . The only thing these people respect is a bloody big stick which may shock the bleeding heart liberals but is perhaps the only solution to the problem . If MIB is making the point that the solution is that there are no solutions it does so brilliantly . If there's any reason to be sad watching this it's only to lament how gutless British television has become in the 21st Century . 30 years ago Britannia ruled the television airwaves but not anymore

The late great Alan Clarke (Scum) brings us Made in Britain, a tough and uncompromising (though not actually physically violent) character study of a bored and angry teenager, played by Tim Roth, one of 'Fatcher's' children. The films rather flat narrative follows (both in terms of plot and camera movement) him through his refusal to 'conform' to the authority. Contrary to what a previous reviewer has said, it was not the intention for us, the audience, to believe that he must be forced to conform. The key in the film is that he never does conform, and that for all his obvious faults (racism and rebellion, it seems, a product of a right-wing and suppressive society) he retains the courage to stick to what he believes in. Rather than an anti-hero, Tim Roth's character seems to be more of a anarchist anti-authoritarian (rather like Alan Clarke himself) who is locked away for admitting to what he believes in.

So if you're in the mood, settle back and watch a film that packs a powerful punch. Probably most enjoyable if you're a little bit of an anarchist yourself (everyone else will most likely just be offended by it). Damned authority.

This is a TV film by Alan Clarke but is just as good, if not better, than for example "The Firm" or "Scum" (I know many people might not agree on that)

You can sense from the start that it's a film by Alan Clarke and like Mike Leigh, the actors always seems to be at their best when working with Alan Clarke. This is true especially for Tim Roth in this film (his first role by the way) who has never been better. In fact I don't think I have seen a better performance by any other actor in any other film than Tim Roth´s acting here. This is partly due to the demanding role where he can show off his skills (a lot of anger) and because of Alan Clarke`s directing I suppose. After first seeing the film I thought that Tim Roth really was like this and that was the reason for his amazing performance. After seeing "Meantime" (by Mike Leigh) where he plays a quiet retard I realized that it wasn't so...

And for the film´s sake it's lucky that Tim Roth did as well as he did because this film had never worked without a good actor to portray Trevor. The whole film evolves around him and there is no real plot. It sometimes feels more like a documentary than a film and the one thing I can complain about is that there is no real story. But still it must be a good film since I still remember it this strongly.

The film is about the angry Skinhead teenager Trevor who seems to be in war with the world and hates everything - authorities, school, Pakis...

After throwing a brick through some poor Pakistani shop´s window he is sent to an assessment center, and it's here the film begins.

I'm not sure what to give this film. A part of me wants to give it 10/10 because I have seen it ten times and are still fascinated by it, but when I think and compare it to other good films I notice its lack of story and feel it might only deserve 5-6/10.

I can also feel like it romanticizes racists and racism but I guess that is only in the eye of the beholder...

I'll give it 9/10

Most commonly reviewed on the basis that it represents '80's Britain' and is 'Britain how I remembered it' this is a story of Trevor the 16 year old skinhead who has no respect for authority, anarchistic tendencies as a result of a misspent youth with no father figure, and a mean racist streak. This is supposed to be Britain in the 80's? well if that's the case I think it's a very tunnelled view.

I don't see all this as the main drive behind the film. I see it as more a story of what can happen to kids who stray from the path and get thrown into the system and struggle to get out. The impressive (what seemed like 15 minute)scene in the assessment centre where the officer chalks out Trevors options on the blackboard was really sad and made you realise how difficult he had made things for himself and how he was close to the point of no return. In this sense the film isn't stuck in the 80's and that's why I feel it is still relevant today.

Tim Roth was excellent and you can see why such a performance got him noticed.

It's not a long film, but doesn't need to be. They could've quite easily added an extra 20 minutes onto the end of the film to make it feature length, but the way it ended was a great example of letting the viewers make up their own mind about what was eventually going to happen to Trevor.

As much of a despicable character Trevor is you do feel sorry for him. Actually it's more like pity and you really are left thinking that, like many other nut cases on the street, he's going to end up a victim of the system because of his behaviour at such a young and vulnerable age