10 Great British Films in the Criterion Collection

As a nonnegligible force in world cinema history,British cinema had impressed audiences worldwide by supplying some of the greatest directors and actors.Look at those names,Alfred Hitchcock,David Lean,Charlie Chaplin,Michael Powell,Carol Reed,Christopher Nolan,each of them is standout in his niche.Performers like Vivien Leigh,Laurence Olivier,Peter Sellers,Alec Guinness,Antony Hopkins,Kate Winslate had charmed the world with their unique acting styles.And also you should not forget two of the most successful commercial movie series James Bond and Harry Potter are both born in the hands of British.Their Ealing Studio  is marked as the oldest studio ever in the world.As you can see in the BFI top 100 British films,there is no doubt this land never lacks great cinema,so what happens when Criterion meets British cinema? Here is Angelina’s pick of 10 great British Films in the Collection.

Kes

The British Film Institute says it’s one of 10 best British films of the century. Featuring non-professional actors, young Billy avoids his life by bonding with a wild kestrel. This brilliant work from Ken Loach is considered the quintessential film about working class Northern England.

This Sporting Life

During the wave of kitchen sink realism that emerged in the 60s, this film is supercharged by almost frightening performances from the great Richard Harris and Rachel Roberts as housemates at odds in Yorkshire

Ratcatcher

In Lynne Ramsey’s stunning debut feature, a young boy struggles in a depressing, defeating 70s environment. Poetic and raw, beautiful and elusive, startling and funny.And in the end, unshakeable. Yet this film still manages to capture hope.

The Lady Vanishes

How to pick one Hitchcock film? Let’s go with this for its comedic elements. People went to the box office for stunning suspense films from Hitchcock. Discovering he had a sense of humor gave him a whole new talent.

The Third Man

Directed by Carol Reed, this may be one of the greatest films ever made. Joseph Cotton investigates the death of an old friend. Amid the shadowy streets of Vienna, he encounters love, deception and Orson Welles.

A Canterbury Tale

One of the most beloved films of all time. Produced by Michael Powell and EmericPressburger, it’s an ode to English character. While a “mystery” story, it’s also a look at a countryside life and customs that even then was thought swept away.

The League of Gentlemen

The heist movie wouldn’t be where it is today if not for this film. Jack Hawkins plays a retired British colonel after a million pound payday. The popular story is filled with the multi-layered plot twists that are almost de rigueur now.

Fish Tank

Director Andrea Arnold wowed the London theatre with this intoxicating tale of teenage Mia living with her family in Essex’s housing projects. Mia’s having a hard time dealing with her sexuality. Enter Mum’s new boyfriend.

Green for Danger

With the Nazi air raids as a backdrop, writer/director Sidney Gilliat draws you into a fascinating murder mystery. Alastair Sim plays Inspector Cockrill, Trevor Howard and Sally Gray are doctors. Was the patient a victim of murder? Find out.

Jericho

A ground breaking achievement, Paul Robeson headlines as a World War I officer. He escapes social restrictions and racism by going to Africa. There he creates a new world for himself. Directed by Thornton Freeland, it made Robeson something rare: a black film star.

This guest post is written by Angelina Lawson, a Content writer and her interests are Films, Travel & Technology and Eco living. Catch her @BoxOfficeltd on Twitter.

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