The Greatest British Films [My personal Top 5]
Being from the UK myself, I thought I would compile my personal favourite Top 5 British films. Hopefully this will serve as an introduction to British film for anyone who has yet to delve into what 'we' have to offer.
In my opinion the finest films that have come out of the UK tend to be fairly raw and often bleak representations of working class Britain. So if you are a fan of character driven, honest dramas this list will definitely appeal to you.
Anyone with any films they would have added to this list I'd love to hear from you in the comments!
Top 5 British Films [ by @jonboka ]
This Is England (2006)
Directed by Shane Meadows. Starring Thomas Turgoose, Stephen Graham, Jo Hartley.
"A young boy becomes friends with a gang of skinheads. Friends soon become like family, and relationships will be pushed to the very limit". [Credit IMDB]
A superb film, and one that made Shane Meadows a household name. Also launched the careers for the likes of Vicky McClure and Thomas Turgoose. Such an honest portrayal of working class Britain during the Thatcher era and the struggles faced by the youth at that time as they navigate through the political turmoil of that period. As an off-shoot to this film a series of TV series were created - This is England 86, 88 & 90, which were some of the finest TV series ever to grace a television in my opinion.
Fish Tank (2009)
Directed by Andrea Arnold. Starring Katie Jarvis, Michael Fassbender, Kierston Wareing.
"Everything changes for 15-year-old Mia when her mum brings home a new boyfriend" [Credit IMDB]
A raw coming of age drama, and an early film from Andrea Arnold (who recently directed American Honey which appeared to heavily divide opinion), amazing performances from Katie Jarvis (this being her debut) and Michael Fassbender. Another dive into working class Britain focussing on Katie's character as she struggles to make her way in the World and build relationships with people.
Wonderland (1999)
Directed by Michael Winterbottom. Starring Shirley Henderson, Gina McKee.
"There's little wonder in the working-class lives of Bill, Eileen, and their three grown daughters. They're lonely Londoners. Nadia, a cafe waitress, places personal ads, looking for love; Debbie, a single mom, entertains men at the hair salon after hours; her son spends part of the weekend with her ex, a man with a hair-trigger temper. Molly is expecting her first baby and its father acts as if the responsibility is too much for him. Eileen is bitter, complaining about her husband and the dog next door; Bill's a doormat. His West Indian neighbour offers him a drink; her own grown son locks himself in his room most of the time. Will anyone connect during this Guy Fawkes weekend?" [Credit IMDB]
Such an underrated film. Following the lives of families and siblings, set in London, as they look for love, connections and stability. Few people credit this film as a classic of British cinema but this one has to be up there imo.
Dead Man's Shoes (2004)
Directed by Shane Meadows. Starring Paddy Considine (also with a writing credit), Gary Stretch.
"A disaffected soldier returns to his hometown to get even with the thugs who brutalized his mentally-challenged brother years ago".
A fairly brutal film and a true classic of British Cinema. Still talked about and hailed to this day with regular re-screenings and plays on Film4 in the UK. One of Paddy Considine's finest performances as he fights for (street) justice for his brother.
Tyrannosaur (2011)
Directed by Paddy Considine. Starring Olivia Coleman, Eddie Marsan, Peter Mullan.
"Joseph, a man plagued by violence and a rage that is driving him to self-destruction, earns a chance of redemption that appears in the form of Hannah, a Christian charity shop worker".
A heart-warming if not often brutal portrayal of Joseph, with amazing performances (as ever) from Olivia Coleman and Eddie Marsan. A tale of abuse, death and the battle to avoid falling into despair. Not for the faint hearted by truly one of the finest films to come out of the UK.
Thanks for checking out my Top 5 British films and I welcome any thoughts for additional films that you consider worthy of adding to a future extended list!
Thank you.
Thanks for the list. The only picture I've seen is This is England. I'll be sure to watch the rest>
No worries! This Is England was an obvious choice tbh, but it's hard to look past as one of the greats. Let me know what you think of the other films if you get round to watching any ;)
Great list! I like british movies so much! These are my two favorite comedy movies:
Death at a Funeral
Four Lions
Four Lions is a great shout, quality film. Thanks for the 'Death at a Funeral' tip, never seen that one, adding it to the list! I secretly hoped that there would be some good additional recommendations in the comments, thank you!
Enjoy watching it! You just need to look for the 2007 version, because there is a 2010 US remake, which not nearly as good as the original :)
Ha thanks, the remakes are never as good eh ;) I'll be on the lookout for this one, thanks again!
Hiya, im surprised not to see trainspotting in here!
Yes, probably a surprising exclusion from many peoples perspective. I guess limiting myself to a top 5 was fairly difficult, it would certainly be in my top 10! Thanks for your feedback @mrmatt83
How about "Shaun of the Dead"? o.O
Hey @pezzy good shout, although not my cup of tea personally. As you can tell from my list, I tend to go for the more gritty, dark films! ;)
This is an interesting list. I haven´t seen any of them, so have some catching up to do :) Your list seems to be focused on films made in the last two decades...All of my suggestions are much older...