Whether it be an eccentric British comedy with oodles of charm, or a gritty, thought-provoking social-realism drama, offering an insight into life in Great Britain, there is a fantastic British movie out there that will appeal to any mood you are in. Our favourite British actors are also likely to appear in one or more of these brilliant films.
Dunkirk (2017)
This Christopher Nolan flick has an entirely British ensemble cast, depicting the WWII Dunkirk evacuation between 26 May and 4 June 1940. Showing the evacuation from the perspectives of land, air and sea, Dunkirk completely encapsulates the spirit and determination of the British people during difficult and dangerous situations. It won Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing and Best Film Editing at the Academy Awards and is all-round a stellar British film to watch.
Love Actually (2003)
Directed by Richard Curtis, Love Actually epitomises the British rom-com genre and is loved (and sometimes hated) by the people of Britain. Similar to Dunkirk, the charm of Love Actually is its ensemble cast, featuring some of the finest actors Britain has produced (although that’s where the similarities end!). Love Actually is a true British Christmas classic.
Trainspotting (1996)
This Danny Boyle film looks further north to the country of Scotland, specifically the city of Edinburgh. Starring Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle, Ewen Bremner and Kevin McKidd, Trainspotting details their turbulent friendship, as well as run ins with the law and the temptation of drugs. This film shows a different side of Britain than the family-friendly London suburbs that features in Love Actually – Trainspottingshows a life on the margins of society.
Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)
Any Monty Python comedy is a British classic, and Life of Brian is certainly no exception. Born on the same day as Jesus, in the next-door stable, this Terry Jones film follows Brian Cohen, who cannot escape from being mistaken for a messiah his entire life. Banned in many countries and territories for being blasphemous, although this worked in their favour as they used it as an unconventional marketing tactic.
Paddington (2014)
Paddington Bear is an iconic figure in British culture. Created by Michael Bond and first appearing in the children’s book ‘A Bear Called Paddington’, this adorable creature’s first expedition into film was in this 2014 flick. We follow Paddington, voice by Ben Whishaw, and his adventures in London, being taken in by the Brown family, then subsequently has to escape the clutches of a mad taxidermist. Both adults and children alike will adore the wonderful icon that is Paddington Bear.
The King’s Speech (2010)
Directed by Tom Hooper, starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter, The King’s Speech won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film tells the story of King George VI and his stammer, as well as the friendship that develops between him and his unconventional speech therapist. The King’s Speech takes place during a major time in British history, as the speech King George VI is set to deliver is Britain’s declaration of war on Germany.
Billy Elliot (2000)
Set in County Durham, Billy Elliot narrates the story of a young working-class boy, played by Jamie Bell, with a talent for ballet, despite his father and brother’s objections. The film not only deals with issues of class, especially the 1984 miner’s strike, but also challenges conventional gender stereotypes. Billy Elliot is a heart-warming British classic that earned three Academy Awards, and still feels original, fresh and unique, even twenty years later.
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