British Invasion - Movies

The other night I was sitting watching a movie and I thought to myself British films just don't get enough praise. There are some great British actors and Directors that make some brilliant films but always get under looked by massive American blockbusters.
So this is my list of my favourite Top 10 British Movies;

10) Sweet Sixteen
Haven't seen this film in a long time but its a great film that portrays the hard hitting lives of British teenagers, living on a grimy estate trying to make a living by selling drugs. Ken Loach directs this slightly grim and depressing British beaut.

9) Blow-up
This 60's film is one to watch, they say it was loosely based on the life of David Bailey (one of my favourite photographers). Story is based on this sex romping fashion photographer who unwittingly photographs a murder. If your into 60's London then you'll love this film.

8) This is England
Shane Meadows directs this amazing film. Set in 1980's England, around the time skinheads were popular and racism was popularly preached. This film as well as the TV shows 86 & 88 have a great sound track, which you'll want to purchase after watching it.

7) Full Monty
Set in Sheffield and the height of unemployment in England, this is a great light hearted film with some very recognisable faces. The dance sequences will have you creasing up and the soundtrack has been perfectly chosen.

6) Control
Brilliantly acted Sam Riley (Brighton Rock) portrays Joy Divisions frontman Ian Curtis, filmed in black and white it really brings out the sadness and lack of control he had on his life. All the important moments in Curtis' life and the bands have been touched on in this film, featuring all the great Joy Division songs we all know and love.

5) Quadrophenia
Brighton, Mods, Rockers, Scooters and fight scenes. What more could you want from a film, as well as a great and well thought about soundtrack. This is what I class as a 'Coming of age' film, based around teenagers and their problems with the boring day to day working life. High lights; 60's fashion, scooters, music and fights.

4) Trainspotting
You have to have a hard stomach to watch this film, there are some horrible moments but its enough to put anyone (with a brain) off of drugs for life. Im not a fan of Ewan Macgregor but he is great in this film, based around him, his friends and there massive drug problems this is an eye opener. You might only watch this film once but that's enough to really appreciate the greatness of British films.

3) Educating Rita
Most of you will be thinking, why do you not have a film with Michael Caine in it so here it is. Very well acted on both parts Julie Walters who is getting taught by her alcoholic teacher Michael Caine, a funny and light hearted film.  

2) Monty Python's - Life of Brian
This is my favourite of all the Monty Python films, such a funny and silly film. You'll be telling these jokes to people until you die, you wont ever forget them even if you just watch it once. You are going to need a job sense of humour to understand a lot of these jokes, if you don't then stay well clear (you won't get it!)

1) Saturday night, Sunday morning
Albert Finney plays a hard living factory worker who juggles a relationship with two woman one who's married to another man but pregnant with his child. Some great subjects are touched on a cheating wife and a baby out of wedlock, for a 1960s film I can imagine this was a big shock for the majority of this audience.

Albert Finney & Shirley Anne Field, Saturday night, Sunday morning