From Across the Pond: My Top 10 British Films

This is the third and last post honoring British entertainment (check out my favorite novels and TV series). Without further ado, I humbly present to you my favorite British films.

1. A Man for All Seasons (1966)

Based on Robert Bolt’s play of the same name, this movie is about the life and (spoiler alert) martyrdom of St. Thomas More. We first watched it when I was pregnant with my first baby, and we were so moved by it that we decided to name our first son Thomas. It’s not very often that a movie about a saint wins six Academy Awards, including Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture. That says something!

2. Billy Elliot (2000)

A tear-jerker of a tale, this one features Jamie Bell in his debut role as a young boy with a passion for dancing. As the son and brother of struggling coal miners, this is not a terribly popular choice of vocation. It’s set during the North England 1984-85 coal mining strike, so Billy’s family is much more concerned with putting food on the table than encouraging the boy’s dancing aspirations. There are so many affirming elements in this movie: pursuing a dream against all odds, the importance of a good mentor, and the unconditional love of a father. Look for the best cinematographic use of the iconic song London Calling by The Clash.

3. Jane Eyre (2011)

Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte, is one of my favorite novels – the kind I read over and over again. I loved this adaptation the best, with newcomer Mia Wasikowska in the title role, Michael Fassbender as the melancholic Mr. Rochester, and the ever-excellent Dame Judi Dench as Mrs. Fairfax. Jamie Bell of Billy Elliot fame makes an appearance as well. Due to time restrictions, there is so much good stuff that the film omitted, especially the ending. This is why it’s always best to read the book!

4. The King’s Speech (2010)

Based on true events, I loved this movie about King George VI (Queen Elizabeth II’s father) as the reluctant king with a serious stammering problem. The poor man is thrust into the limelight on the eve of the Second World War when his older brother abdicates the throne. As Britain prepares to declare war on Germany, how will he get through his first radio broadcast? Enter Lionel Logue as the unorthodox speech therapist who helps King George overcome his debilitating speech impediment. The cast is stellar, with Colin Firth as King George, Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue, and Helena Bonham-Carter as the devoted and steadfast Queen Elizabeth (and unusual role for her but she smashed it).

5. The Light Between Oceans (2016)

Based on the novel by M.L Stedman, this is a story about Tom Sherbourne (Michael Fassbender), a WWI veteran who becomes the keeper of a lighthouse on an isolated rock off the coast of Australia. A young woman named Lucy (Alicia Vikander) eventually captures his heart, they marry, and he brings his new bride to live at the lighthouse. Their marriage soon experiences incredible heartbreak, followed by an equally incredible chance at happiness. But fate has other plans and what follows is the greatest moral trial of their lives. What impressed me most is the unconditional love that Tom has for his wife, in the best and worst times, even unto death. It is a painfully beautiful portrayal of married love.

6. Persuasion (2007)

I’m a sucker for chick flicks, but they have to be good; most of them really, really stink. This film adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel (which I wrote about here) is as romantic as it gets. Missed chances, misunderstandings, broken but never forgotten hearts; and all played out on the English countryside and elegant Bath. Sally Hawkins is well cast as the unassuming but noble Anne Elliot and Rupert Penry-Jones is quite dashing as the jilted lover, Captain Wentworth.

7. Pride and Prejudice (2005)

This adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel has a ton of energy; the depiction of the Bennet family is vibrant and chaotic; it makes me want to hang out with those girls. I’m not sure if it’s true to the reserved spirit of the Regency era, but it’s highly entertaining. Keira Knightley stars as Elizabeth Bennet, the feisty and favored daughter who refuses to marry out of duty. Matthew Macfadyen does a great turn as the taciturn Mr. Darcy. The scene at dawn is swoooon.

8. Sense and Sensibility (1995)

This is the film adaptation to Jane Austen’s novel of the same name, which I wrote about here. It’s neat to see Kate Winslet at the beginning of her career, before Titanic skyrocketed her onto the global stage. Here she plays the emotionally mercurial Marianne, opposite her sensible older sister Elinor. Elinor is well portrayed by Emma Thompson, who also wrote the screenplay. Hugh Grant, the late Alan Rickman, and Greg Wise round out the cast. Another interesting tidbit is that this was director Ang Lee’s first feature film outside of Asia. Well done.

9. Testament of Youth (2014)

It’s good and necessary to watch movies about the horrors of war, lest we forget. Based on the memoirs of Vera Brittain, a young nurse during the First World War, this film tells the stories of a few young people caught in these terrible times. It stars Alicia Vikander as Vera and Kit Harrington (of Game of Thrones fame) as her fiance. The movie is partly set in Oxford, UK, which holds a dear place in my heart.

10. Young Victoria (2009)

Queen Victoria fascinates me. She reigned for 63 years, oversaw incredible change in England, and significantly expanded the British Empire. During all this she bore and raised nine children. And she married for love! What a woman. Before she was Queen of the British Empire, Queen Victoria was a young girl eager for independence and in desperate need of guidance. This film focuses on the tumultuous early years of her reign and stars the phenomenal Emily Blunt as Victoria. Rupert Friend plays Prince Albert, the cousin who eventually becomes her beloved husband and devoted partner in life. Watch this movie before embarking on the current TV series Victoria starring Jenna Coleman.

That’s all for now, my friends. Do let me know what other British gems have captured your heart. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support!