Not many countries have made movies earning appreciation of Britain. Since the 1970’s, stories of British people have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s prejudiced lovers, leaders or troubled soldiers, the country has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies made in the country, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite British films that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Pride & Prejudice
Jane Austen is a legendary British author that always earned my mother’s appreciation. I remember bonding with a mother being a fan of the author in English literature. A fan of Jane Austen, she loved discussing a legendary author earning appreciation. She was always drawn towards sense and sensibility of an author impacting her identity. My mother would value books written from a feminist point-of-view. Few films I’ve ever seen have honoured an author publishing timeless stories without prejudice as powerfully as “Pride & Prejudice”. Ever since its release in 2005, Joe Wright’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest British film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Wright did extraordinary jobs of adapting Jane Austen’s most beloved literary classic about the lives of sisters facing despair. Wright has often had an aptitude for making great movies about Britain on the big-screen, and “Pride & Prejudice” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Wright effectively used montages capturing the lives of women with pride in romantic relationships causing prejudice. For instance, the scene in which Elizabeth angrily confronts Mr. Darcy in the rain about ruining her sister’s chances of marriage causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Keira Knightley, who embodied an iconic heroine in literary history. Ultimately, what makes “Pride & Prejudice” my favourite British film of all-time is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Jane Austen’s literature to appreciate it. It delivers a groundbreaking message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Centuries following the publication of a book about prejudiced women developing romance facing destruction, it’s a captivating reminder of a breathtaking genre that have manufactured unforgettable movies about a legendary nation that definitely deserves immense appreciation.
2. The Remains of the Day
Housekeepers are powerful figures impacting families. At an early age, I formed relationships with a housekeeper that delivered an inspiring message. A housekeeper dedicated towards performing every chore, he was a person my family came to adore. As someone reminiscing memories of a housekeeper that changed my family in a way, I adored “The Remains of the Day”. Released in 1993, James Ivory’s movie celebrated a beloved book about housekeepers that shape families’ destinies. Ivory used captivating montages capturing hardships that British butlers in households are facing. For instance, the scene in which Stevens seeks to prepare his staff for a big dinner causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Anthony Hopkins, who portrayed a British butler facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “The Remains of the Day” a masterpiece is its commemorated appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. A brilliant adaptation of a celebrated book about committed butlers recalling the remains of the day, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced movies about Britain that deserve to be celebrated today.
3. The King’s Speech
King George VI is a legendary figure of the royal family that impressed my father. At an early age, I formed strong relationships with a father appreciating a king with speech impediments causing damage. My father was inspired by how the king overcame speech disabilities to guide Britain towards victory. In 2010, Tom Hooper honoured the iconic king with a speech impediment in his movie “The King’s Speech”. Hooper used captivating production-design capturing the life of a disabled king that experienced a mental decline. For instance, the scene in which King George VI seeks help from his therapist to prepare his speech causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Colin Firth, who embodied a legendary king in British history. Ultimately, what makes “The King’s Speech” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the royal family targeted towards a limited audience, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about disability which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular portrait of a king that suffered from frightening speech disability causing life to deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that manufactured unforgettable movies about a celebrated nation which audiences appreciate.
4. Gandhi
Gandhi is a great historical figure that shaped my grandfather’s identity. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that loved a leader with courage. I recall with nostalgia that my grandfather spoke fondly about a political leader in Britain. My grandfather praised a political leader that changed India forever. In 1982, Richard Attenborough honoured the iconic political figure that changed Indian in his movie “Gandhi”. Attenborough used captivating montages capturing an Indian politician that changed history. For instance, the scene in which Gandhi delivers an inspirational speech towards a crowd of spectators during a political rally taking place in India is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary role by Ben Kingsley, who embodied the iconic Indian politician that changed history. Ultimately, what makes “Gandhi” a historical masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies about political figures, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with British history to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. An incredible tribute towards an iconic Indian political leader, it’s an inspiring reminder of a commemorated country that has produced memorable movies that audiences commonly treasure.
5. Bright Star
Writing is a passion that I’ve always enjoyed pursuing. As far back as I remember, I have always wanted to become a famous writer. At an early age, I was drawn towards the art of words written on the page. During childhood, I developed lifelong passions for writing about the art of filmmaking. Despite facing cyberbullying, nothing has stopped me from pursuing my passion for writing. As someone that has sought to become a writer reaching a high bar, I adored “Bright Star”. Released in 2009, Jane Campion’s movie captured the life of a legendary poet in British history. Campion successfully used montages capturing the struggles of a British poet with a lifelong love for writing. For instance, the scene in which John Keats first meets Fanny beginning their lifelong romantic affair in a bygone era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ben Whishaw, who played a British poet inspiring awe. Ultimately, what makes “Bright Star” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike commemorated movies about poets, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about illness which would resonate with everyone. A portrait of a British poet that had timeless stories to publish, it’s a powerful reminder of a genre made unforgettable movies which audiences cherish.
6. Skyfall
James Bond is a legendary British spy that has built a lasting legacy. Since his creation in the 1950’s, Ian Fleming’s spy has earned a huge audience. With his charming personality, stylish gadgetry and commanding presence, Bond has earned a huge following. In 2012, Sam Mendes honoured the spy with abilities to enthral in his movie “Skyfall”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Skyfall” stand out is its depiction of British spies. Mendes uses captivating action sequences capturing hardships that a British spy on a dangerous mission is facing. Assisted by Daniel Craig who is extraordinary in the lead role, Mendes created a compelling espionage movie. A spectacular tribute towards a commemorated British spy, it’s a sensational reminder of a genre manufacturing great movies that have never lost abilities to tremendously satisfy.
7. The Personal History of David Copperfield
Charles Dickens is a legendary English author that penned timeless literature. During the 1800’s, Dickens was a legendary poet that penned timeless stories. In 2019, Armando Iannucci honoured the legendary poet in his movie “The Personal History of David Copperfield”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Personal History of David Copperfield” stand out is its satire. Iannucci effectively uses satire to honour a legendary poet that created stories readers admire. Assisted by Dev Patel who is phenomenal in the lead role, Iannucci honoured Charles Dickens’ legendary legacy. A spectacular tribute towards a legendary English author that penned timeless literature, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about a celebrated country that audiences treasure.
8. Darkest Hour
Winston Churchill is a commemorated prime minister that guided Britain. During WWII, Churchill became a prime minister that citizens of Britain would value. In 2017, Joe Wright honoured the iconic political leader facing his darkest hour in his movie “Darkest Hour”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Darkest Hour” stand out is depiction of politicians. Wright uses captivating makeup to recreate a president that guided his country in ways that are inspiring. Assisted by Gary Oldman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Wright honoured Winston Churchill’s legacy. Nearly 90 years after Winston Churchill became a minister changing history forever, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a celebrated genre that manufactured unforgettable films about a legendary country that have never lost their abilities to constantly thrill.
9. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Narnia is a beloved British book series that shaped my persona. I grew up to adore a book series about magical lions caring for orphans with a loud roar. The setting of Britain has always played a pivotal role in the book series. In 2005, Andrew Adamson honoured the series about a magical wardrobe in his movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Chronicles of Narnia” stand out is its depiction of siblings. Adamson used captivating montages capturing hardships that orphaned siblings in a magical world are experiencing. Assisted by Tilda Swinton who is amazing in the lead role, Adamson honoured a beloved children’s book about orphans. As strong as Aslan’s roar, it’s a riveting reminder of commemorated genre making movies which audiences adore.
10. Chariots of Fire
Few movies ever made about British athletes people admire are as beloved as “Chariots of Fire”. Since its release in 1981, Hugh Hudson’s movie has stood the test of time as a British classic. Hudson used captivating montages capturing British runners training for competitions that are frightening. Assisted by Ben Cross who is amazing in the lead role, Hudson created a compelling sports drama. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of British runners that isn’t true to history has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Harold’s love for running, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured engaging movies celebrating the history of a legendary country which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking.
The Film Buff 