GREATbritishFILMS

Celebrating 25 years of exceptional

by Rae Delanie Passfield

TEN

British filmmaking

“British filmshave grit and depthin them that Hollywood

just cannotmanufacture”

What’s your favourite British film? Think about why that film means so much to you. Is it the story, the characters, or the script that you love?

Film resonates within us individually, each of us gaining a different experience from the same 90 minute motion picture. The craft of filmmaking is so important to our society, its evolution from the first commercial films made in 1895, to the powerful and beautiful box office hit’s of today, is proof that our hunger for cinema is insatiable.

At it’s simplest film serves to entertain us. Each has been designed to make us laugh, or to cry, or to shriek with terror. It’s an integral part of our social lives, sharing the story of a film with your family, a friend or butterfly- bellied first date.

More than just entertainment, film provides an escape. Removing us from our limited and, sometimes mundane lives and making us believe that we are saving the world, getting the girl or, in fact, being the girl. An escape from the everyday problems you might face, a chance to unwind and become lost in a fantasy world where anything is possible.

Film can remind us of our childhood, create nostalgia for times forgotten, give us characters to fall in love with, identify with and learn with. It can teach us about morals, ideas, language and give us challenges and lessons in right and wrong.

In the same way books and plays gave us this wonderful distraction, media has evolved and film is now our favourite dose for this craving. Story-telling has always been part of human lives, but has never been as extraordinary as it is today.

Filmmaking in Britain has a wonderful ability to speak to audiences in a human and compassionate way that silver screen blockbusters do not. These films portray our culture, our history, our music, our struggles and our souls. Especially in recent times, British writers and directors have an unflinching resolve to take on taboo and gritty subjects, to break boundaries and challenge.

Danny Boyle said, “The holy grail of filmmaking is when your own people go to watch their own films”. As one of our most successful directors, he knows the feeling well. Boyle also points out that British films are especially adored when they’ve made no concessions to America and instead, “keep the feel that made them uniquely British.”

Previous polls created by film companies, magazines and industry experts suggest that British filmmaking had its heyday during the 1940’s to the 1960’s. This is not necessarily to be disagreed with; it certainly was a great time for British cinema. However, to define our nation’s ability to produce spine-tingling good films as “over”, is to severely overlook public opinion, box office takings and the talent and hard work of our generation of filmmakers. In 2012 British films led the UK box office - our time is far from over.

Investment into British film has never been as generous. Last year, through the BFI’s Film Fund, nine of the top twenty independent films were co-funded by the Lottery, and the BFI Film Forever plan for 2012-2017 strategises ways to strengthen the education, heritage and future of the British film industry.

But are there enough aspiring filmmakers in Britain today? It does seem as if the same Brits are involved in many of the best modern films. Maybe it’s because of the enormous shadow cast by Hollywood. Maybe attitudes simply aren’t ambitious enough. So let’s celebrate our nation’s creative and visual success and inspire the next generation of Danny Boyle’s and Shane Meadow’s to follow in their footsteps of making resonating, touching and definably British films.

Testament to the survival of excellence in British filmmaking, this list ranks ten great British films made in the last 25 years, as voted for by the real critics – you. With information and detail about each film, quotes from the voters reasoning why that film is great, and accompanying artwork to capture the beauty of the storylines, characters and scripts of these films.

So, without further ado, here are your winners. Ten modern, British films to be proud of. Stories that move us through time, while giving us time out.

“Beautifully crafted, told with depth and sincerety. A quality cast which brought the film to life”

10.Four Wedding’s and a Funeral, 1994, Mike NewellAt the time of its release, Four Weddings and a Funeral was the highest-grossing British film in cinema history. Not bad for a low budget rom-com, full of posh halfwits and floppy haircuts. Despite the fact the characters are almost always at a wedding, the story does not become dull or repetitive. We immediately become interested in these quirky English people, their sharp wit, drunken shenanigans and relationships with one another.This interest is undoubtedly gained through it being both well written and well acted. Screenwriter Richard Curtis has done a wonderful job at writing dialogue that manages to be both sweet and genuinely touching at times, while also, understatedly very funny. Hugh Grant is perfect in his role as Charles, the serial monogamist who, as all his friends get married around him, secretly hopes to fall in love but can’t quite manage it. As do all of the cast play their parts brilliantly, with flamboyance and honesty. Nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, Four Weddings is a feel-good, delight of a film that set the bar for the British rom-com for years to follow.

“Tense, exciting, great cinematography with iconic London scene. Redefined the zombie genre”

9.28 Day’s Later, 2002, Danny BoyleDanny Boyle returned in 2002 with a powerful reinvention of the zombie thriller up his sleeve. The film begins twenty-eight days after a highly contagious virus has spread through the population as our protagonist, Jim (Cillian Murphy), regains consciousness in an abandoned hospital, seemingly to be the only remaining human survivor.Wandering through a desolate post-apocalyptic London, his isolation and fear is palpable. After joining a few more survivors who are in hiding from the infected, the film follows their fight to stay alive.You quickly become captivated by the suspense and horror of the story and mesmerised by the vision and style of the cinematography. A fresh and stylish horror, 28 Days Later has reinvented the zombie genre. In fact, Boyle’s zombies don’t really qualify as zombies – they are slathering humans infected with “rage”. He has evolved the stumbling, moaning shuffle of the zombies of the past, to a quick and animalistic sub-specie that is truly fearsome. The film was received very well in the UK, with critics praising it as: “Expertly balancing scenes of white-knuckled, hell-for-leather horror with moments of intimate beauty.” An ingenious approach to a zombie horror film - Danny Boyle strikes again!

“Another thrilling Cane performance. A gritty, urban representation of the darker side of modern life”

8.Harry Brown, 2009, Daniel BarberDespite being Michael Caine’s 110th film, his performance as OAP vigilante Harry Brown is thrilling and exciting.It is a compelling story of a rough urban neighbourhood in London and the youth gang culture that terrorises it. When Harry Brown, a widowed ex-marine, is informed of the senseless and brutal murder of his closest friend at the hands of the local hoodies, he is spurred into becoming a revengeful killing machine. The film also stars artist and actor Plan B as the arrogant, dangerous and immensely unlikable Noel Winters. His portrayal of a gang leader and son of a known criminal is superb and believable.The out of control anti-social behaviour, set on a housing estate in Elephant & Castle, is sadly a true reflection of parts of modern society and, though vigilante justice is not recommended, the audience can get some satisfaction from Harry’s revenge. Caine is fantastic as Harry Brown, his character’s military background obvious in his quickness to kill and handy-work with guns, but this doesn’t overshadow his performance of a frail man suffering with emphysema. Harry Brown is a gripping contemporary thriller, packed with violence, witty one-liners and great British grit.

“A well made British classic. Great story and quality cast”

7.The Full Monty, 1997, Peter CattaneoIn this comic spin on the grim kitchen-sink drama, a group of unemployed steelworkers struggle in the aftermath of Thatcher’s Britain to earn some money and regain some self-respect. Their solution is to go “The Full Monty” in a male strip tease act.The circumstances faced by these men are a true reflection of the conditions endured by the working-class post-Thatcher. British audiences seemed to be able to relate to the hopelessness and desperation felt by the characters in The Full Monty, and delighted in their tongue-in-cheek solution. The film shows fondness for the characters and in their sincerity, and makes them an ordinary and true reflection of working-class British culture. They are down-to-earth, normal blokes, with insecurities and flabby bellies. It’s a huge distance from the perfect bodies featured in American movies, and is probably why we find it so endearing. Despite its playful comedy, the film also deals with serious issues like father’s rights, depression, suicide and working-class culture. It’s a wonderful, life-affirming film that will have you giggling and singing along to classics like “Hot Stuff” and “You Sexy Thing”.The Full Monty is a full-fronted, blue-collar comedy that leaves you feeling full of hope and pride in the resilience of British people.

“Superb acting showing vulnerability in the Royal family not usually seen. A histroical but untold hero behind a ledgendary pre-war speech”

6.The King’s Speech, 2010, Tom HooperIn this rare and intimate glimpse into the lives of the most mysterious and isolated family in Britain, we are told of the unconventional relationship between King George VI and his speech therapist, Lionel Logue. When George unexpectedly ascends the Throne after his elder brother abdicates, his speech impediment becomes a serious hindrance on his duties as King. Logue’s unorthodox methods of speech therapy initially daunt the King. However their relationship grows and they eventually become great friends. The cinematography of the film works to exaggerate the feeling of constriction, suffered by the King in his struggle to speak. These techniques bring a personal and very real perspective into the humanity of these people, duty-bound to serving their country.Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham-Carter all give sympathetic and acute performances, bringing majesty and charm to historical personalities we know so little about.The King’s Speech was highly commended at award ceremonies, winning four Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and a well-deserved Best Actor for Firth. Truly the most British film that could be made, it really is awf’ly good.

“An uplifting story that had great global impact”

5.Slumdog Millionaire, 2008, Danny Boyle2008 saw the release of universally acclaimed Slumdog Millionaire.Accounting the life story of Jamal Malik, an orphan living in the slums of Mumbai, as he sits on the brink of winning 20 million Rupees on the Indian version of television game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire?His ability to answer each question rouses suspicion of cheating - for how could a ‘slumdog’ know so much. Under interrogation from the police, Jamal recalls the events of his tumultuous and turbulent life that have led him to know the answers.The cinematography, soundtrack and plot are captivating, transcending cultural boundaries and portraying the unforgiving circumstances of the slums with colour and dynamic.Slumdog Millionaire set a UK box office record, grossing £6.1million in its first eleven days of release. In total, the film has grossed an astonishing £31.6million.It also was the big winner at the film awards in 2009, bringing home eight Academy Awards, seven BAFTAs, four Golden Globes and five Critics Choice Awards. It’s success with both critics and crowds were immense.Once again Boyle proves his ability to bring energy and colour to the most dismal of tales. Slumdog inspires us with unfailing optimism and moving events.

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Shaun of the Dead, 2004, Edgar WrightTagged as “a romantic comedy…with zombies”, Shaun of the Dead has a perfect balance of gore and gags. Starring co-writer Simon Pegg as the likeable loser Shaun, who slacks through life, continually disappointing himself and others – particularly his long-suffering girlfriend, Liz.In a heroic turnaround of character, when he awakes to find an apocalyptic zombie uprising outside his apartment, he resolves to save the lives of his girlfriend, mother and friends, and with minimal fuss.Destined to be a cult classic, charming performances are given from a cast that has been pulled almost entirely from cult British shows (Dylan Moran - Black Books, Matt Lucas - Little Britain, and nearly everyone from Spaced). Original and packed with one-liners, it runs with a witty script and lovable, silly characters, making the film hilarious, thrilling, touching and gory all at the same time. Nominated for two BAFTAs in 2005, and winner of Best Screenplay at the British Independent Film Awards, it satisfies both horror fans and the less bloodthirsty viewers amongst us. Breathing life into the well-trodden genre of the undead, Shaun of the Dead, is simply unmissable.

“In this most apocalyptic of genres, Shaun of the Dead is not unlike a ray of unexpected sunshine - even if it has a little red on it.”

4.

“Shane Meadows is an incredible director who perfectly captures the disenfranchised youth of this time”

3.This Is England, 2006, Shane MeadowsShane Meadows captures a whole generation’s attitude and tells it in a way that is both warming and ruthless in his first period-drama, This Is England.Giving us a bleak 1980s backdrop of youth culture and social poverty, and a gang of skinheads to laugh, cry and identify with.Set in a time when frustration polluted the streets of England, when unemployment, social angst and a “pointless war” in the Falkland’s bore into the lives of the working-class British people, This Is England tells the story of young Shaun, a vulnerable but spirited lad, sick of being picked on and oppressed. After finding friendship in a group of skinheads, Shaun grows in confidence and happiness. Their unity and companionship becomes threatened though, by the arrival of racist sociopath, Combo. He introduces Shaun to the National Front following that is swelling within the Skinhead community and sets him on a destructive and hateful path.This Is England is a portrayal of boredom and hostility within society, the frustration felt by the overlooked and undervalued members of the community, and the rebellion and defiance that often follows this kind of collective frustration. Meadows reminds us of the fashion, the friendship and the way British people stick together in the hardest of times.

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, 1998, Guy RitchieGuy Ritchie made his directorial debut in 1998 with this fast-paced gangster heist film. Relaying the tale of four East End lads who find themselves owinga great amount of money - £500, 000to be precise – to the kind of bloke you don’t want to owe a thing to. In an attempt to save their skin the lads comprise a plan. A plan that involvesa shipment of drugs, a recording device, three hippy dealers, a whole lot of killing and two antique shotguns…what could possibly go wrong? The clever, stylish story is laced with black humour that pours over the brutal content like treacle. Ritchie’s Tarantino-esque script will baffle and amuse you, and leaving you quoting ‘til the cows come home. The film received a nomination for Outstanding British Film of the Year at the the BAFTAs, with critics applauding it’s energetic, uncompromising plot.Performances from faces such as Vinnie Jones and Sting bring a familiar and amusing touch, but it’s the friendship between the hopeless four misfourtunes that really bring it home - only a British film could have such loveable rouges.Backed by another booming British soundtrack, Lock Stock is a perfect London gangster film.

“Distinct for it’s genre and enjoyable. British at its best”

2.

1.Trainspotting, 1996, Danny BoyleBased on Irvine Welsh’s cult classic novel, Danny Boyle’s adaptation of Trainspotting gives a harrowing insight into the life of an addict. The provocative content tapped into the youth subculture of its time, and yet remains current today, tantalising new audiences with its style, script and satire.Ewan McGregor gives a sublime performance as Mark Renton, a young man, who, in attempt to shed his life of all mundane problems, fills it with a “sincere and truthful junk habit.”The cast’s overall performance has been recognised for “blowing away the final traces of the Thatcher era and restoring a sense of pride in British cinema”. Boyle’s stunning Britpop soundtrack effectively frames the Scottish underclass portrayed in the film while encapsulating the cultural angst of the time.Trainspotting was the highest-grossing British film of 1996, and at its release, was the fourth highest-grossing British film in history with Empire Magazine crediting it as: “Something Britain can be proud of and Hollywood must be afraid of.” The way in which it captured and thrilled audiences has resonated through the years and remains one of the greatest British films of all time.

“Real, raw and terrifying. Trainspotting captured a moment in British cultural history”

With special thanks to:-Dan Bailey, Cathy Pavitt, Helen Hewland, Jenny Carrington, Rob Tripp & Group B,for your support, patience and friendship

“In their own way, these films redefined something in British cinema”