British Invasion

Re:Favorites

JimBell — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 05:33:42 GMT

Huge topic--because it's not as if Hollywood produces most of hte good films and a few other countries like Great Britain chip in occasionally. So you can chooses from directors such as Christopher Nolan (e.g., Memento) and Mike Leigh (most recently Happy-Go-Lucky) and Kenneth Branagh (huge in the Shakespeare revival e.g., Much Ado About Nothing). Then there's superb made-for-tv movies such as Langford (2-part) as well as great series such as Foyle's War.

Cheers,

Re:Favorites

Risselada — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:05:39 GMT

indieabby88:

Riz, have you seen the new "Sleuth" yet? I've seen only the first couple of minutes, but it looks like the tone has drastically changed, which I wasn't keen on.

Nope, I haven't seen it. Do you know if they are still using the exact same script?

Re:Favorites

indieabby88 — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:15:30 GMT

Riz, have you seen the new "Sleuth" yet? I've seen only the first couple of minutes, but it looks like the tone has drastically changed, which I wasn't keen on.

Re:Re:Favorites

Risselada — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:39:30 GMT

pippin06:
If it was Brits doing the voting, I don't think they're as down on Four Weddings as you might think...

If it were real Brits doing the voting, I think Get Carter would have been in there somewhere.

Re:Re:Favorites

magrebi — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:28:01 GMT

I agree completely! There always seems to be a good UK film out there--- I saw "This is England" recently. It was excelent!

Re:Re:Favorites

pippin06 — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:02:12 GMT

Here's something in keeping with this little group, from imdb.com. It doesn't cite the source of this magic list, so I'm wondering who was doing the voting. Anyone have any details or hear about it?

If it was Brits doing the voting, I don't think they're as down on Four Weddings as you might think...

Grant Film Tops Movie Poll

30 June 2008 9:07 AM, PDT

Hugh Grant's beloved film favourite Four Weddings And A Funeral has topped a new internet poll to find the best British movie of all time.

The 1994 film, which launched Grant's Hollywood career, topped the poll, closely followed by Monty Python's religious satire Life Of Brian.

The romantic comedy saw off competition from cult favourites such as Trainspotting and the Bond blockbuster Casino Royale, which were awarded third and fourth places respectively.

The top five was rounded out by Guy Ritchie's gangster directorial debut film Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Also in the film poll, conducted by Virgin Media, Sir Anthony Hopkins shared the title of Britain's favourite actor with Sir Sean Connery and Dame Judi Dench was given the gong for best actress.

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Re:Re:Favorites

joem18b — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 21:16:20 GMT

Seems like there is always a good UK film waiting to be watched. Just finished Keeping Mum, which I found very entertaining. Maggie Smith as Serial Mom and Rowan Atkinson keeping it toned down a notch.

Re:Favorites

El_Aaron — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 10:30:40 GMT

Made in Britain, starring Reservoir Dog's Tim Roth, is a real British-made classic! It follows Trevor, a young juvenile offender, who is warned by everyone around him that if he doesn't start obiding the law, he will end up in prison. There is violence, swearing, and racism in this drama set in the punk rock era.

Re: Favorites

indieabby88 — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 23:04:34 GMT

I love "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead." I used to own it, but the former friend who borrowed the thing is impossible to contact, and I haven't seen her in months. Sad. Factoid: Tom Stoppard, who wrote "R&G" also was a co-writer for "Brazil" with Gilliam, another of my favorites.

Re: Favorites

wonga — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:25:58 GMT

i saw Breaking And Entering this week and i have to add it to my favorites list. like lots of British movies it's set in London but it's current and shows more of the cross-cultural thing, not just the "upper crust." i was surprised that it got such a low score on Rotten Tomatoes as i really liked it but it might just be that i was blinded by Jude Law (as usual). has anyone else seen it?

Re: Favorites

Risselada — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:47:16 GMT

Ok, good to hear it from someone I trust. I'll probabaly switch some things around then, and see one of those first.

Re: Favorites

Jymkata — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 23:07:12 GMT

Risselada:
Well I've been doing this thing where I'm queing up my Netflix queue so that I watch one movie that was released each year. So you see I started watching a movie from 2006, then one from 2005, then 2004, then on and on and on. I've got them queued up through 1919 actually. I was wanting to fit a Powell Pressburger movie in there somewhere. At one point I had Black Narcissus, but then because I realized certain movies weren't available on Netflix I had to move things around and now Colonel Blimp is on there. But maybe I'll retool it again to see if I can get A Matter of Life and Death or Black Narcissus. Unless you think starting with Blimp wouldn't be such a bad idea.

It's a cool idea - I've always thought of watching recommended movies chronologically, but it seems like a lot of work. I like Colonel Blimp, but I will say the first couple of times I rented it from the library I fell asleep during it. Once I commited to really concentrating on it, I liked it a lot. I'd start with The Red Shoes, Black Narcissus, or A Matter of Life and Death depending on availability.

Re: Favorites

Risselada — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 16:10:27 GMT

Well I've been doing this thing where I'm queing up my Netflix queue so that I watch one movie that was released each year. So you see I started watching a movie from 2006, then one from 2005, then 2004, then on and on and on. I've got them queued up through 1919 actually. I was wanting to fit a Powell Pressburger movie in there somewhere. At one point I had Black Narcissus, but then because I realized certain movies weren't available on Netflix I had to move things around and now Colonel Blimp is on there. But maybe I'll retool it again to see if I can get A Matter of Life and Death or Black Narcissus. Unless you think starting with Blimp wouldn't be such a bad idea.

Re: Favorites

Jymkata — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:07:27 GMT

I just had to see one and I became an instant fan!

I believe my first was The Red Shoes and I think it is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. It is so creative in concept and execution, but I will say that a movie about a ballerina may not sound too exciting to start out with.

A Matter of Life and Death would be my recommendation. I think it's safe to say that if you hate it you probably won't like many of their others. Again, the creativity in concept is unlike anything I've ever seen in film - it feels like you are watching someone's imagination at work.

Black Narcissus is also a great one to start with because it has excellent acting (I'm a Deborah Kerr fan anyway) , lush cinematography, and a very psychologically complex plot.

The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, Peeping Tom, and I Know Where I'm Going! have admirers that would say to start with them, but they take a little more work to appreciate. I admired them all, but the three above took my breath away.

Brian, let me know if you see one and like it!

Re: Favorites

Risselada — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 16:38:21 GMT

pippin06:
I can't think of an American comparison, but pick a movie that takes perceived stereotypes of all Americans and exaggerates them for effect and then consider the general reaction.

I actually just saw Short Cuts for the first time two nights ago. I don't think it is at all exaggerating or exploiting what is fundamentally American, but I do think it may come close to genuinely capturing it.

Re: Favorites

Risselada — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 16:35:15 GMT

I really need to see one of those Powell and Pressburger movies. Jason, which one would you recommend I start with?

Re: Favorites

pippin06 — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:50:02 GMT

Jymkata:

[I was in London last summer studying film journalism at BFI and I had the chance to go out a few times with my classmates and talk film. You would be amazed at the hatred the average Brit has for Four Weddings.. , I liked it when I saw it in 1994, but there were audible groans whenever anyone mentioned it in the UK. I asked why and the answer I got was that it is so stereotypically British that it almost comes off as an insult to their culture. It was so odd to see that seemingly innocuous romantic comedy being used as a lightning rod for their anger at British comedies.

On the one hand, I can actually see that. It is very stereotypical or plays up the stereotypes. I can't think of an American comparison, but pick a movie that takes perceived stereotypes of all Americans and exaggerates them for effect and then consider the general reaction. Then again, our sense of national pride is less consistent and changes with the changes in politics and overall culture. Maybe there is no film, but I can accept that reaction. On the other hand, I don't appreciate the movie necessarily for its quality of "Britishness." I think it's just quirky with interesting characters, and the commentary seems to be more about the quest for marriage and love and what situations people find themselves in rather than a reflection of culture. That's interesting that you say that, though. I wonder if there are other films that are perceived in that context: as a cartoonish summary of the overall culture. Any thoughts?

Re: Favorites

Jymkata — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 01:31:41 GMT

My UK Favorites:I'm not sure if you're only looking for movies set in the UK (with stiff upper lips & veddy,veddy Brittish accents), but these are my favorite productions made in the UK

Television: The Office, The Singing Detective, Yes, Minister, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, and Smiley's People

I'm All Right Jack

Brazil

The Bridge on the River Kwai

The Red Shoes

A Matter of Life and Death (Stairway to Heaven)

Layer Cake

Bloody Sunday

Enigma

The General (Boorman)

The Cook, the Thief, his Wife, and her Lover

The Draughtman's Contract

The Killing Fields

The Great Train Robbery

Sleuth

Bedazzled (1967)

The Hill

The Spy who Came in From The Cold

Goldfinger

The Masque of the Red Death

The Importance of Being Earnest

The Lavender Hill Mob

The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp

The 39 Steps

Stage Fright

Re: Favorites

Jymkata — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 23:13:19 GMT

pippin06:
I'll add one that sucks me in every time...Four Weddings and a Funeral. It's Hugh Grant at his foppishly best, and there's something so stereotypical and yet offbeat about it all at the same time.

I was in London last summer studying film journalism at BFI and I had the chance to go out a few times with my classmates and talk film. You would be amazed at the hatred the average Brit has for Four Weddings.. , I liked it when I saw it in 1994, but there were audible groans whenever anyone mentioned it in the UK. I asked why and the answer I got was that it is so stereotypically British that it almost comes off as an insult to their culture. It was so odd to see that seemingly innocuous romantic comedy being used as a lightning rod for their anger at British comedies.

Re: Favorites

QFLW — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 15:01:51 GMT

But getting back to British favorites. The ones that first spring to my mind are

Monty Python & the Holy Grail

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead

Truly, Madly, Deeply

Gosford Park (er, I wonder if that counts, since it's directed by an American)

and all of the Kenneth Branagh Shakespeares.

Their best are often better than our best, but their worst are worse than ours, too, methinks. One of the worst that comes to mind is Ken Russell's Lisztomania...

Re: Favorites

QFLW — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 14:39:13 GMT

and I should've read all the posts firsts, I now see. Sorry!

Re: Favorites

QFLW — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 14:37:46 GMT

Hmm, the term "British" isn't strictly a synonym for "English." "British" includes Scottish and Welsh, though I'm not sure about "Irish," since technically someone or something British is from the island of Great Britain. So Trainspotting could certainly apply. ;-)

Re: Favorites

pippin06 — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 20:31:47 GMT

I'll add one that sucks me in every time...Four Weddings and a Funeral. It's Hugh Grant at his foppishly best, and there's something so stereotypical and yet offbeat about it all at the same time.

Re: Favorites

Risselada — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 16:09:02 GMT

pippin06:

Technically, Risselada, Scotland is part of Great Britian and falls under the Union Jack. I would count Trainspotting as "British" so long as any Scotspeople don't mind.
For reference, if I remember correctly, Great Britain is the island comprised of England, Scotland, and Wales. The United Kingdom adds Northern Ireland.

Sure enough, that sounds correct to me! It get's so confusing though. Oh bother.

Re: Favorites

pippin06 — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:19:49 GMT

Very good lists all. Want to join the group? I can't promise you a spot of tea, but we can share some love for the mother country and practice our slang. :-)

Re: Favorites

pippin06 — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:17:43 GMT

Technically, Risselada, Scotland is part of Great Britian and falls under the Union Jack. I would count Trainspotting as "British" so long as any Scotspeople don't mind.

For reference, if I remember correctly, Great Britain is the island comprised of England, Scotland, and Wales. The United Kingdom adds Northern Ireland.

Re: Favorites

wonga — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 21:00:20 GMT

you're right of course. i was thinking about Local Hero too but that's probably Scottish as well.

Re: Favorites

Risselada — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 20:15:21 GMT

wonga:

Trainspotting

Very nice list. Although I don't know if Trainspotting would apply. That is pretty much strictly Scottish.

Re: Favorites

wonga — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 18:07:34 GMT

i wanna play! i agree with all the movies so far (especially the Bridgets) but have some i would add. it seems a lot of these star Gwyneth Paltrow for some reason :)

Lock, Stock, And 2 Smoking Barrels
Emma
Maybe Baby
Billy Elliott
Calendar Girls
Kinky Boots
Trainspotting
The History Boys
Starter For 10
Shakespeare In Love
Sliding Doors
Tristam Shandy: A *** And Bull Story
Backbeat
The Snapper
Impromptu
anything and everything having to do with Wallace & Gromit

Re: Favorites

Risselada — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 17:04:32 GMT

Alright here's a few British gems that do good things for me. I believe these are all British in some way. Please correct me if otherwise:

Two Bruce Robinson classics:
Withnail & I
How to Get Ahead in Advertising

The Ruling Class

Sleuth

A Clockwork Orange

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

Dirty Pretty Things

Kind Hearts and Coronets

The Homecoming

A Christmas Carol (1951)

Snatch.

The Third Man

The Elephant Man

Following

A Zed & Two Noughts

Brazil

Oliver Twist

The Pink Panther

A Shot in the Dark

I hear that Kenneth Branaugh is supposedly directing a new film of Sleuth. It looks as though Michael Caine will be taking the other role in this one. What do people think about this?

Re: Favorites

Puhnner — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 13:17:50 GMT

Here are 5, ok 6, not in any particular order that I find quite amazing:

The Servant

Gangster No.1

The Fallen Idol

The Quiet American ( I have not seen the original, although the director for this version, Philip Noyce is Australian, still imparts the very Graham Greene/English/British sensibility )

and of course,

The Third Man

and

The Spy who came in from the Cold

Now please don't ask me to define the 'English/ British Sensibility'; I do not have a clue. I think that I have been so completely bamboozled by a huge diet of PBS and Master Piece Theater, that these films define it for me. I would love to hear someone from England say ' you have got to be kidding, this stuff is tripe, now this is the real deal...' and then go on and list the ones...

Favorites

pippin06 — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:48:08 GMT

Here's an easy question just to get some activity going in this group for a change - and sorry about that, but I haven't seen much released lately in the States lately, and I haven't been able to watch many movies in general lately (hence my lack of activity) so we have to look back: what's your favorite British or Britain-inspired film? It can be anything so long as the accent's included, hee hee.

I'd say my two favorites are two of my honestly favorite movies of all time: Bridget Jones' Diary (ok, so Renee Zellweger is from Texas, but you don't even notice, most of the time) and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Are they cliche? Maybe, but I watch and quote these repeatedly. I've got loads of others, but these jump to mind. Though I've kind of stopped identifying them as "British" only because I really have seen them so much and so often. Plus, I identify with good ole Bridge, and while I don't identify with the crazy English k-nig-its of Holy Grail, I quote it in conversation quite a bit. You'd be amazed at how many uses there are for lines from this movie.

Anyways, discuss your favorites here!