Not many actors in Hollywood are as beloved as Jim Broadbent. Since the 1990’s, Broadbent has become a celebrated icon. Whether it’s French nightclub singers, magical teachers or concerned fathers, Broadbent has portrayed several strong characters. Given the number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter is a magical book series that shaped my identity. The story about misunderstood boys who lived has always been part of my childhood. I recall memories of reading J.K. Rowling’s book series during my childhood influencing my identity. I instantly fell in love with a book series about strong wizards casting powerful spells with timeless stories to tell. In 2009, Jim Broadbent honoured the magical book series about bold wizards in his movie “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”. In the greatest role of his career, Broadbent portrayed a magical school teacher that seeks to prepare students for warfare. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. Broadbent has spent most of his career playing comedic characters in British period pieces. With “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”, however, the actor took steps out of his comfort zone by playing a legendary literary character. As Professor Horace Slughorn, Broadbent did an extraordinary job of portraying a beloved literary character. Working alongside Emma Watson who is also amazing, Broadbent honoured an iconic book series. For instance, the scene in which Horace Slughorn becomes aware that Harry wants to learn about the frightening Horcruxes causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” Jim Broadbent’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the Harry Potter series, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. A fantastic farewell to a magical franchise with timeless stories to tell, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor whose unforgettable movies cast a powerful spell.
2. Moulin Rouge!
The Moulin Rouge is a famous French nightclub that impressed my father. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of a father that appreciated old nightclubs in Paris. Fond of Paris, he would always praise famous French nightclubs that he considered precious. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father that adored the Moulin Rouge, I appreciated “Moulin Rouge!”. Released in 2001, Jim Broadbent’s musical offered a captivating tribute to a famous nightclub in Paris. In the most theatrical role of his career, Broadbent portrayed the manager of a famous nightclub facing despair. With “Moulin Rouge!”, the actor showcased rare aptitude for singing melodies that he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Nicole Kidman who is also outstanding, Broadbent created a musical that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Zidler becomes aware that Satine is having a secret affair causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Moulin Rouge!” a masterpiece is its message. It delivers a meaningful message about the importance of finding one’s identity which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Christian’s love for Satine, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies which demand to be seen on the big-screen.
3. Gangs of New York
Gangsters are great figures that always fascinated my grandfather. I remember a grandfather that was fascinated with the lives of gangsters engaging in criminal behaviour. He was interested in the stories of gangs that shaped American history. As someone treasuring memories of a grandfather that adored gangs in New York, I loved “Gangs of New York”. Released in 2002, Jim Broadbent’s movie depicted gangs in American history. In the most violent role of his career, Broadbent portrayed a mob boss that engages in warfare causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Despite appearing in the film for limited screen-time, Broadbent manages to leave a strong impression. Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio who is also amazing, Broadbent honoured gangs that fought centuries ago. For instance, the scene in which Tweed seeks to prepare for gang warfare causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Gangs of New York” a great period piece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about historic gangs, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of hardships gangs in New York faced causing lives to crumble, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor making movies which audiences consider special.
4. Bridget Jones’s Diary
Girls with diaries that seek love have shaped my identity. I remember forming friendships with a bold girl in school that used a diary to keep track of lovers. She would often enjoy discussing feelings about various boys in her diary which she valued highly. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a girl with a diary, I admired “Bridget Jones’s Diary”. Released in 2001, Jim Broadbent’s movie offered a captivating romantic comedy about diaries. In the most romantic role of his career, Broadbent portrayed the father of a woman with love diaries facing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase flair for comedy he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Renee Zellweger who is also amazing, Firth created a romance that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Colin becomes aware that his daughter has fallen in love is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Bridget Jones’s Diary” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most romantic comedies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a heartwarming message about romance which resonates with everyone. As precious as diaries Bridget Jones seeks to publish, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor producing movies which audiences cherish.
5. Brooklyn
Immigration is an intense process that impacted my identity. Several years ago, my life forever changed when my family immigrated to Toronto. I recall with nostalgia memories of the time when my family migrated to Canada. The decision to immigrate forced me to separate from beloved companions that I had grown to appreciate. As someone impacted by immigration, I adored “Brooklyn”. Released in 2015, Jim Broadbent’s movie celebrated a beloved book about Irish immigration. In the most thoughtful role of his career, Broadbent portrayed a caring priest seeking to assist Irish immigrants in America facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his strength for playing likeable characters with a kind nature. Working alongside Saoirse Ronan who is also amazing, Broadbent created a portrait of immigration that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Father Flood consoles Ellis following the devastating loss of her sister causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Brooklyn” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about immigration which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be Irish to relate to its universal themes. A powerful portrait of frightening hardships which are experienced by Irish women that immigrate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a multi-talented actor producing commemorated movies which audiences appreciate.
6. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Narnia is a beloved book series that shaped my persona. I grew up to adore a book series about magical lions with a loud roar. In 2005, Jim Broadbent honoured the book series about a magical wardrobe in his movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. In the most magical role of his career, Broadbent portrayed a senior author that invites children to stay at his commemorated home causing despair. It’s a commemorated role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Despite having only a few scenes in the movie with limited screen-time, Broadbent left a strong impression. As precious as the world of Narnia, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with charisma that has made unforgettable movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
7. Iris
Dementia is a devastating disease rarely depicted accurately in movies. I remember witnessing my grandmother becoming forgetful suffering from a disease that caused disaster. She would struggle to remember places, events and things in her life. Few films I’ve seen have depicted Dementia as accurately as “Iris”. Released in 2001, Jim Broadbent’s movie captured memory loss. In the most compassionate role of his career, Broadbent portrayed an author facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing warm-hearted characters. Working alongside Judi Dench who is also amazing, Broadbent created a portrait of memory that’s compelling. As strong as Iris’ passion to write, it’s a fantastic reminder about an actress that thrives making movies shining light on issues hidden in plain sight.
8. The Iron Lady
When it comes to the most inspirational figures in British history, it’s worth discussing Margaret Thatcher. During the 1970’s, Thatcher was a leader that guided her country. Known as the Iron Lady, Thatcher left behind a legacy. In 2012, Jim Broadbent honoured Margaret Thatcher in his biopic “The Iron Lady”. In the most political role of his career, Broadbent portrayed a politician that assisted Margaret Thatcher. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone playing a politician that’s well-known. Working alongside Meryl Streep who is also amazing, Broadbent created a politician that’s compelling. Nearly 30 years after Margaret Thatcher became a powerful figure, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that thrives portraying real-life figures in unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.
9. Paddington
Few characters in British literature have built a career as strong as the Paddington Bear. Since his creation in 1958, Michael Bond’s bear has been loved by children. In 2014, Jim Broadbent honoured the bear with affection in her movie “Paddington”. In the most family-friendly role of her career, Broadbent portrayed a conflicted owner of a commemorated store whose family adopts a talking bear causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing comical characters with a sharp sense of humour. Working alongside Sally Hawkins who is also amazing, Broadbent honoured a commemorated bear. A captivating tribute towards a bear cartoon, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies which definitely won’t be forgotten soon.
10. Dolittle
Jim Broadbent hasn’t always made great entertainment. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Dolittle” falls into the latter category. Released in 2020, Stephen Gaghan’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Broadbent portrayed a Lord seeking to care for animals in a household facing despair. Broadbent brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Dolittle” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Broadbent’s legacy. As strong as Dolittle’s desire to tame animals that are rowdy, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy making memorable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 
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