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 that acknowledged the author in English literature. A fan of Jane Austen, she loved discussing a legendary author earning appreciation. She was drawn towards sense and sensibility of an author impacting identity. My mother appreciated books written from feminist point-of-views. Few films I’ve seen honoured an author publishing timeless stories without prejudice as powerfully as “Pride & Prejudice”. Following its release in 2005, Joe Wright’s movie has stood test of time as the greatest film made about Britain. 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 aptitude producing great movies about Britain on the big-screen, and “Pride & Prejudice” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Wright effectively used montages capturing lives of women with pride in romantic relationships causing prejudice. For instance, the scene in which Elizabeth angrily confronts Mr. Darcy in 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 commemorated literature to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Centuries following the publication of groundbreaking books about prejudiced women developing romance facing destruction, it’s a captivating reminder of a breathtaking genre that has 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. His dedication towards putting food on the table made him a person my family considered special. 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. It delivers a meaningful message about housekeepers 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 Britain that deserve to be celebrated absolutely 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. 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.
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 social inequality in Britain 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 great genre that has manufactured memorable movies about Britain facing social inequalities.
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 desire to achieve Olympics victory, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies about a commemorated country which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 