Top 10 British Movies

Posted on 29. Nov, 2009 by admin in Entertainment, Film & TV

We have taken it upon ourselves to journey the stretches of the earth (or at least to the DVD holder in our lounges) to give you our top 10 favourite British movies of all time. This was no easy feat; Britain has produced a wide collection of memorable and inspiring films, actors and directors.

Such was the difficulty in choosing the best movies we have not included classics such as Lawrence of Arabia, Alfie, Brief Encounters or Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Nevertheless, the entertainment committee proudly presents to you our top 10 favourite British Movies of all time. Countdown from 10-1

10. Doctor No (1962)

Directed by Terence Young

This film is legendary for so many reasons, none more so than being the first ever bond film. A special mention must go to Maurice Binder who created title sequence that we all have become accustomed to when watching a Bond Movie. Doctor No is known for implementing Sean Connery’s status as an International Star and instilled a certain woman by the name of Ursula as an icon. As pioneer of the “film series” genre, Doctor No is rightfully positioned at No. 10

————————————————–

9. The Crying Game (1992)

Directed by Neil Jordan

Academy Award Winning film about an IRA Man who befriends a captured British solider. He then heads to London and inadvertently (or advertently…depending on opinion) gets involved with the soldier’s lover. The film was an instant classic and its academy award adds testament to that claim. It is widely regarded as one of the best ever British Movies. Stars Forest Whitaker and Jaye Davidson.

————————————————–

8. Henry V (1944)

Directed by Laurence Olivier

Olivier Directs and stars in this cult classic made during the First World War, Henry V tells the story of the king who at the tender age of 27 defeated the armies of France. Olivier was praised on his directorial debut not just for the film or his acting portrayal as King Henry. He was also praised for making a film to cheer up the solemn British citizens during the tragedies of the World War.

————————————————–

7. A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

One word, Controversial. This Novel adaptation is famed for its underground popularity after being axed from TV and theatres for a resounding amount of time. Since then it has returned to TV and still shows at theatres 37 years after its release. The film staring the brilliant Malcolm Macdowell centres on sadistic Alex who along with his gang frolic around town tormenting people and performing violent acts. Macdowell as Alex is so evil that he alone is worth watching.

————————————————–

6. The Full Monty (1997)

Directed by Peter Cattaneo

This hilarious comedy works so well as it tackles serious social issues in a very funny way. Four unemployed (out-of-work sounds better) Sheffield steelworkers decide to become male strippers so as to earn extra cash for themselves and their families. This light hearted comedy-drama is highly-regarded in the UK and overseas and received 4 Oscar Nominations. Robert Carlyle stars in the UK and US smash hit.

————————————————–

5. Get Carter (1971)

Directed by Mike Hodges

Get Carter circles around a London based villain who returns to his native city of Newcastle to bury his father. He also has something else on his agenda; to find out who the murderer of his father is. He makes an example of many local gangsters on his quest to find the killer. Michael Caine is brilliant in this gangster flick and provides some brilliant one-liners.

————————————————–

4. Trainspotting (1996)

Directed By Danny Boyle

This film pushed British cinema to the forefront after a long barren spell of uninspiring British movies. A band of Scottish junkies journey to London with a bag of money and are caught up in drugs (well they are junkies) and a whole load of stupid decisions. The film is remembered for a toilet scene that I really don’t want to describe. The controversial film launched the careers of a Mr Ewan Mcgregor, Robert Carlyle and Jonny Lee Miller.

————————————————–

3. Great Expectations (1946)

Directed by David Lean

This adaptation of the Charles Dickens Novel is remembered for its brilliant blend of suspense, emotion and experiment. The opening scene in which a young man named Pip played by John Mills has a meeting in a graveyard with Magwitch is said to be one of the best movie scenes ever. The film, also starring Jean Simmons, won an Oscar for David Lean’s camerawork as well as scooping an award for art direction.

————————————————–

2. Snatch (2000)

Directed by Guy Ritchie

Boxing promoters, diamond thieves, Irish gypsies, pawn shop owners-turned-petty thugs, evil Russian gangsters, bullet-proof strong-arms, bad boy yardies, diamond brokers, man-eating pigs, squeaky dogs, and a whole bunch more. All of these elements intertwined in a storyline surrounding a diamond make for a funny, gripping and overall entertaining watch. The Lock, Stock and Two Smoking barrels similar style film stars Britain’s Vinnie Jones and Jason Statham as well as Academy award inductees Brad Pitt & Benicio Del Toro. A modern classic.

————————————————–

1. The Third Man (1949)

Directed by Carol Read

There may be arguments for where some films are positioned in the list but nobody will argue with this film being firmly at number 1. It has great performances, superb cinematography (Oscar winning cinematography may I add) and strong suspense. The Oscar winning film starring Orson Welles tells the story of a man who travels to post-war Vienna to visit a friend only to discover he has died. Unravelling the truth the American ends up involved in the corrupt world in which his friend existed. If you haven’t seen this film I very much recommend you do.