Not many countries have made movies earning appreciation of England. 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. 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 a strong relationship with a father that admired a king with grim speech impediments causing damage. Fascinated with British history, he would always speak fondly about a big king that shaped his identity. My father was always inspired by how the king overcame a dark debilitating speech disability to guide Britain towards victory. Few films I have ever seen have honoured the legendary British king that overcame a speech disability as powerfully as “The King’s Speech”. Ever since its release in 2010, Tom Hooper’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about England. With the greatest film of his career, Hooper used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a king with speech impediments facing despair. Hooper used captivating montages capturing hardships a king with frightening speech disabilities is facing. For instance, the scene in which King George VI has a dark breakdown questioning whether he will be ever able to prepare a big 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 the personality of a legendary British king in history. Ultimately, what makes “The King’s Speech” my favourite film about England of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about the royal family that are targeted to a small audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about disability which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 20 years after the release of a classic film about a majestic king seeking to fight a life-threatening speech disability that’s tragic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre manufacturing movies about a commemorated country that’s iconic.
2. The Remains of the Day
Housekeepers are powerful figures impacting families. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a great housekeeper that delivered an inspiring message. A housekeeper dedicated towards performing every single chore, he was a person that my family came to adore. As someone reminiscing memories of a housekeeper that affected my family in a positive 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. It delivers a meaningful message about social class which would resonate with everyone. 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 England that deserve to be celebrated today.
3. 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.
4. The English Patient
Historical movies are a genre of film that my uncle has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with an uncle that loved movies about historical events. Fascinated by WWII, he enjoyed watching hardships that soldiers went through. One of my uncle’s favourite historical films that gave him excitement was “The English Patient”. Released in 1996, Anthony Minghella’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about Britain. Minghella used captivating voice-over narration to capture the lives of English soldiers engaging in doomed romantic relationships facing destruction. For instance, the scene in which Almasy first meets Katharine on his voyage setting the stage for their romance causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ralph Fiennes, who portrayed an English soldier facing declines. Ultimately, what makes “The English Patient” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. The film delivers a profound message about war resonating with everyone. 30 years following the publication of a book about about English soldiers in a doomed affair, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about which audiences commonly undeniably care.
5. Darkest Hour
Winston Churchill is a great historical figure that inspired my grandfather. At an early age, I bonded with a grandfather had knowledge about a historical figure with courage. Fascinated with WWII, he grew up to value a historic figure making his dreams come true. In 2017, Joe Wright honoured the iconic prime minister during his darkest hour in his movie “Darkest Hour”. Wright used captivating montages capturing a prime minister that sought to rescue England from wars that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Winston Churchill delivers a speech to encourage followers facing a dilemma during the WWII era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Gary Oldman, who embodied a legendary British prime minister seeking recognition. Ultimately, what makes “Darkest Hour” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most historical biopics, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with WWII history to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after Winston Churchill became a prime minister changing history forever, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies capturing the beauty of a country audiences treasure.
6. The Queen
Queen Elizabeth is a legendary figure of the royal family that I have always loved dearly. With her commanding presence, charismatic personality and strong nature, Elizabeth guided England. An inspiring political leader, Elizabeth built a legacy that’s enduring. In 2006, Stephen Frears honoured the iconic queen in his movie “The Queen”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Queen” stand out is its depiction of politics in England. Frears uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a Queen seeking to guide her nation was facing. Assisted by Helen Mirren who is amazing in the lead role, Frears created a captivating movie about the royal family. A breathtaking tribute towards a beloved British queen, it’s a brilliant reminder of a genre making commemorated movies that deserve to be seen on the cinematic big-screen.
7. Skyfall
James Bond is a legendary English 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.
8. Gosford Park
Social class has often been a common tradition in England. England has built an image of being a country that follows a social divide between rich and poor members of society. Social inequality often determines destinies of housekeepers in the country. The crucial role the social class plays in Britain leaving a lasting mark is beautifully depicted in the movie “Gosford Park”. Released in 2001, Robert Altman’s movie captured social inequality in Britain. Altman used captivating production-design to capture social inequality in a family facing a decline. Assisted by Michael Gambon who is extraordinary in the lead role, Altman created a captivating British social class drama. As precious as the estate of Gosford Park, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies about a legendary country leaving lasting mark.
9. Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey is a legendary television show about England that has built a lasting legacy. With its timeless themes, strong storytelling and powerful acting, the show earned a huge following. In 2019, Michael Engler honoured the iconic television series in his movie “Downton Abbey”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Downton Abbey” stand out is its depiction of housekeepers. Engler uses captivating set-design to capture the differences in ways of living between wealthy owners and housekeepers. Assisted by Maggie Smith who is magnificent in the lead role, Engler created a captivating adaptation of the television series. A breathtaking adaptation of a beloved television series, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about a country that faces social inequalities.
10. Chariots of Fire
Few movies ever made about athletes in England that people admire are as beloved “Chariots of Fire”. Released in 1981, Hugh Hudson’s movie honoured marathon runners in England. 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 depiction of runners in England that isn’t true to history has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Harold’s desire to achieve Olympics victory, it’s a rousing reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies honouring a country which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 