We want to see drama told in a cathartic way...
Danny Boyle
Director Danny Boyle exploded onto our screens in 1994, with his comedy crime film, Shallow Grave. He's since directed some of the best thriller films (Sunshine, 127 Hours) in British cinema. When he's not busy directing crime films, musicals, and thrillers, he likes to dabble in drama. In short, he knows what he's on about.
British cinema isn't as old or renowned as studios from other parts of the world, particularly those across the pond. We may go so far as to say that our television series - Dr Who and The Crown, are more popular. Still, our film studios have been turning out gems for nearly 70 years. In this article, we have a look at the best of them.
Four Generations of British Films
- The Golden Era of Cinema: the 50s through the 70s
- Wild Times in British Cinema: the 80s and 90s
- The Best British Films of the 2000s
- New British Films: Looking to the Future of British Cinema
👑Films from Britain's Golden Cinema Era
Post-war Britain was no place to envision epic cinematic fare. Much of those early days' film efforts sought to restore social order and keep people motivated. Humour is one technique studios used to help maintain that 'keep calm and carry on' attitude.
Indeed, the British film industry produced some of the best comedies of all time during this period. Titles like Genevieve (1953) and Brothers in Law (1957) had audiences roaring with laughter. However, British cinema also had a sober side.
During this time, emotions were still raw. People had much trauma to process; an evening of screwball comedy didn't always help. British studios thus offered war dramas - minus traumatic scenes, of course. Such fare included The Dam Busters (1954) and Reach for the Sky (1956). The titles we review in this section his the middle ground, when studios and directors got a little more ambitious.
Peeping Tom - 1960
An aspiring filmmaker indulges in sadistic passions while posing as a mild-mannered studio hand. He aims to film the most shocking 'documentary', focused on victims' reactions as he kills them.
His plan comes undone when a neighbour kid sneaks into his flat and sees his raw footage. Upon release, this shocking story ruffled all the feathers but today, critics praise it as one of this genre's best films of all time.
💻Where to watch: ITVX, Apple Store
🍅Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
🍿Audience rating: 8.5/10
Peeping Tom is decidedly a step away from what average film-goers consider classic fare. An intense study in twisted human psychology, it outshines (and predates) Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. Public outcry over this film ended this director's career.
A Taste of Honey - 1961
A single mum and her daughter (Jo) have a tough life, which doesn't make their relationship easy. Each finds a new partner, which leaves Jo on her own.
She finds a job and a new housemate, who helps her through her unexpected pregnancy. Her lovely setup is ruined when her mother returns.
💻Where to watch: Prime (rentals)
🍅Rotten Tomatoes: 86
🍿Audience rating: 8.6
This film reflects Britain in the throes of social upheaval. Jo's baby is half black and her roommate is gay - two unusual conditions in those days. Rather daring to put all that on-screen, and include abuse and an alcoholic parent, too.
Other Great Films from Britain's Golden Age of Cinema
| 🏆Film Title | 📆Year | 🎬Director | 🤼Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence of Arabia | 1962 | David Lean | Alec Guinness Anthony Quinn Jack Hawkins |
| Alfie | 1966 | Lewis Gilbert | Michael Caine Millicent Martin Julia Foster |
| Georgie Girl | 1966 | Silvio Narizzano | James Mason Alan Bates Lynn Redgrave |
| Women in Love | 1969 | Ken Russell | Alan Bates Oliver Reed Glenda Jackson |
| A Clockwork Orange | 1971 | Stanley Kubrick | Malcolm McDowell Patrick Magee Adrienne Corri |
| Monty Python films | 1975, 1979 | The Pythons | The Pythons |
🤪British Cinema: The Wild 80s
In the early 80s, the British film industry was on the wane. Studios collectively put out only 31 films in 1980, and just 26 the next year. It seemed people were not interested in movie trends at that time. Audience numbers fell to their lowest-ever in 1984.
Furthermore, the government ended a concession the film industry had received since the 50s. Suddenly, studios were in a budget crunch and had to find alternate funding. Luckily, they soon found their (cash) footing, and began filming with renewed ardour.
Lush dramas like Chariots of Fire (1981) and The Mission (1986) gained international acclaim. At home, comedies filled box office coffers. Oddly enough, despite Dr Who's wild success, no British studio had ventured to make any great science fiction films. Perhaps it was because the 'main' genres were so popular, as our title selections reflect.
The Killing Fields - 1984
It's 1973 in Cambodia, and civil war rages between the Khmer Rouge and the National Army. An American journalist is flying in, but his local contact leaves the airport suddenly.
They connect later, and discuss the bombing that caused the local man to leave. Over the next two years, they forge an unbreakable bond.
💻Where to watch: Prime, Google Movies
🍅Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
🍿Audience rating: 9.1/10
A rather long film, especially for those times, but well worth every minute. Fields is based on a true story; many of the twists and turns aren't just plot points. One of the main characters was himself a Khmer Rouge prisoner. He's one of two non-actors to ever win an Academy Award.
My Beautiful Laundrette - 1985
A young man gets his share of family wealth: a run-down laundrette in a bad part of London.
He does his utmost to make a go of it, but a gang of thugs enters, intent on wrecking his work. That is, until the owner recognises his past crush, and they rekindle their romance. Together, they make their enterprise a success.
💻Where to watch: Apple TV
🍅Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
🍿Audience rating: 7.4/10
From the start, British cinema was far more progressive than American movies. A film about immigrant family dynamics, gang violence turned lovely, and gay romance? Too bad the rest of the world was enamoured with American blockbusters.
More Wild Films to Add to Your Watchlist
| 🏆Film Title | 📆Year | 🎬Director | 🤼Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Bandits | 1981 | Terry Gilliam | John Cleese Sean Connery Shelley Duvall |
| Withnail & I | 1987 | Bruce Robinson | Paul McGann Richard E. Grant Richard Griffiths |
| A Fish Called Wanda | 1988 | Charles Chriton | John Cleese Jamie Lee Curtis Kevin Kline |
| Henry V | 1989 | Kenneth Branagh | Kenneth Branagh Paul Scofield Derek Jacobi |
| Notting Hill | 1999 | Roger Mitchell | Julia Roberts Hugh Grant Hugh Bonneville |
🥇Best British Films of the 2000s
Finally, the British Film industry hits its stride! We have romance (Bridget Jones, Love Actually), fantasy (Harry Potter), and musicals (Mamma Mia!). And, we have animation - at last! Nick Park made his directorial debut with Chicken Run, one of the best animated films of 2000. As Wallace and Gromit's creator, he knows a bit about good animation.
However, box office receipts show that British audiences were still keen on dramatic fare. The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2003) and In This World (2006) earned critical praise and awards. Two such films, in particular, rocked audiences worldwide.
Slumdog Millionaire - 2008
An 18-year-old becomes a game show contestant, hoping to win his way out of the Mumbai slums.
Throughout the challenges, he reflects on his life and hardships, and the girl he loves. When he wins the contest, the show's organisers accuse him of cheating, and try to deny him his prize.
💻Where to watch: Netflix, Prime
🍅Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
🍿Audience rating: 9.0/10
Dev Patel excels in his first major film role, and director Danny Boyle knows just where to lead him. Some of the scenes are tough to watch; this film can be brutal, sometimes. In an odd twist, this movie was made on location, in Mumbai, with an Indian cast - but a British director.
The King's Speech - 2010
King Edward has abdicated; it's now on his younger brother to rule. Unfortunately, he was in no way prepared, and the stress made his mild speech impediment worse.
Before addressing the public, the new king must learn how to speak to an audience. A wise teacher guides him, and becomes a lifelong friend in the process.
💻Where to watch: Max, Apple TV
🍅Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
🍿Audience rating: 9.2
A well-paced historical drama with occasional light-hearted touches. It would be hard to picture anyone other than Colin Firth as the king.
Watch more Films From This Period
| 🏆Film Title | 📆Year | 🎬Director | 🤼Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Potter films | 2001-2011 | Multiple directors | Daniel Radcliffe Rupert Grint Emma Watson |
| Captain Corelli's Mandolin | 2001 | John Madden | Nicolas Cage Penélope Cruz John Hurt |
| Love Actually | 2003 | Richard Curtis | Hugh Grant Liam Neeson Colin Firth |
| Vera Drake | 2004 | Mike Leigh | Imelda Staunton Eddie Marsan Daniel Mays |
| Best Exotic Marigold Hotel | 2012 | John Madden | Judi Dench Bill Nighy Penelope Wilton |
😃New British Films to Look Forward To
The 2008 financial crash and COVID hit the British film industry hard. The pandemic put a pause on all film production, which gave one of Britain's most prolific directors time to think.
Danny Boyle emerged from isolation to assert that Brits, in general, are not good at filmmaking. He insists that music and theatre are British mainstays; he's got a point. However, such thoughts didn't keep him from directing one of the best films of the past five years (according to audiences).
Yesterday - 2019
Jacks dreams of music superstardom are fading, despite his super-supportive partner's encouragement. One day, the whole world goes black and, during that 12-second blackout, he's hit by a bus.
When he wakes up, he discovers the Beatles never existed - but he remembers all their tunes. Suddenly, his road to fame is wide open.
💻Where to watch: YouTube, Apple, Amazon Video
🍅Rotten Tomatoes: 63%
🍿Audience rating: 8.9/10
How prescient of our director to anticipate a global event that would result in injury and catastrophic loss! Danny Boyle gives us a new take on the Back to the Future premise. Only, he does it with flair, and he makes the story relatable. Too relatable, in hindsight.
Discover More New British Films to Look Forward to
| 🏆Film Title | 📆Year | 🎬Director | 🤼Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Souvenir | 2019 | Joanna Hogg | Honor Swinton Byrne Tom Burke Tilda Swinton |
| His House | 2020 | Remi Weekes | Wunmi Mosaku Sope Dirisu Matt Smith |
| Wolfwalkers | 2020 | Tomm Moore Ross Stewart | Honor Kneafsey Eva Whittaker Sean Bean |
| Belfast | 2021 | Kenneth Branagh | Caitríona Balfe Judi Dench Jamie Dornan |
| Aftersun | 2022 | Charlotte Wells | Paul Mescal Frankie Corio Celia Rowlson-Hall |
Which British Film Era do you Like?
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