My Top Five Quintessential .
Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy.
Based on the gripping spy thriller by John Le Carre, this film ultimately summed up the art of the British mentality. Set in the tensions of the 1970's Cold War Britain, expert spy George Smiley (Gary Oldman) is forced out of retirement to uncover a mole right at the the heart of MI6.
Not only is this a terrific period piece capturing the gloom of the Cold War mentality, but a tense slow burning thriller. Leading the charge is Gary Oldman's understated and underrated role as George Smiley, personifying the stiff British upper lip. But, Oldman is just the first of many as Tinker, Taylor, Soldier Spy also contains one of the most expansive and talented assortment of British actors. Such as, John Hurt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong, Colin Firth and Toby Jones who all portray their roles with expert precision.
No doubt set to feature in a future Throwback Thursday, Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy portrays the work of Le Carrre with enough vigour to ensure that audience members stay entrenched in the over arching narrative. And along with its terrific cast the film encapsulates the best aspects of British Cinema.
Shawn Of The Dead.
Comedy has been an area that has distinguished Britain from the rest of the world. The British sense of humour can be seen as unique from its counterparts across the pond. This ultimately distinct nature of comedy is perfectly portrayed in Edgar Wright's Cornetto Trilogy, especially the iconic first instalment that is Shawn Of The Dead.
Shawn (Simon Pegg) is the definition of a contempt slob, not going anywhere, until his borough of England becomes infested by flesh eating zombies. Provoked into a new found sense of responsibility Shawn leads a charge to save his recently made ex-girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield), and his best friend Ed (Nick Frost). What unfolds is a perfect comedy caper that has became a cult classic over recent years.
The whole concept of turning the zombie apocalypse flick into a comedy, could have ended up a terrible spoof. However, what is most impressive about Shawn Of The Dead is it succeeds on both levels. There are moments of action that are thrilling, and most notably, brilliant dialogue/writing that ensures that Shawn Of The Dead is considered a comical masterpiece.
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban.
Any list considering the most iconic British anything has to contain Harry Potter in there somewhere. And although Prisoner Of Azkaban isn't necessarily the most British instalment in the franchise it is my favourite, so you guys are just going to have to deal with that as we discuss a brilliant film.
The third feature in the massively successful series, sees Harry (as ever) return to Hogwarts to discover that the deadly criminal Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped. After the previous two Chris Columbus directed pictures the franchise was calling out for a new prospective on J.K Rowlings beloved stories. Thankfully, Alfonso Cuaron (now famous for the Academy Award winning Gravity) dawned the mantle with brilliant results. It is often said that the Potter films have 'grew-up' with their audience, and Azkaban signalled the progression away from childhood joy toward a more threatening darkness that, in my opinion, is more rewarding.
Prisoner Of Azkaban speaks to all demographics and is a triumph of British cinema. This does not just refer to the origins of the iconic tales, but also a credit to the film-making industry itself with all 15 filming locations based within the UK. The Potter franchise is an important part of British culture, and this my favourite instalment, helped ensure the success of the series.
Skyfall.
Speaking of movie franchises that are an important part of the United Kingdom's culture none, including our wizarding friends, have contributed as much as Mr Bond... James Bond. The extensive spy series that first hit the silver screens in 1962, culminated in 2012's Skyfall.
As revealed by me in previous instalments of The Reel Film Blog, Skyfall is my all-time favourite Bond picture, and it is its quintessential British attributes that for me has made it a instant classic. The themes of unity and patriotic undertones are apparent throughout the picture. From long shots of London to that bloody Union Jack bulldog on M's desk, Sam Mendes' picture has its roots firmly entrenched in British culture and what separates us from the rest of the world.
As the film comes to a climax in the Scottish Highlands, after a journey involving the iconic DB5 and a action scene in the heart of London, it isn't hard to notice how much this film pays homage to its heritage. And as well as being a all out Brit fest, the film ain't half bad either.
Monty Python And The Holy Grail.
The craze that was Monty Python came to summarise the best and most silly aspects of British comedy genius. Somewhat of a spoof of the classic tale of King Arthur's quest to find the Holy Grail, the Python gang ensure that this film contains all the madness, blended with the right amount of comic intelligence, to create what is now a cult classic.
Monty Python And The Holy Grail has became a world renown treat, that resonates to many demographics around the globe. It seems that when you watch this picture you are being seamlessly taken from iconic sketch to iconic sketch without fault. From the laugh out loud moments of the Black Knight to the side splitting encounter with the Bridgekeeper. Monty Python's take on a noble fable, is very far from noble, but so immersed in British wit that you can't help but be charmed.
The best quality of The Holy Grail is its wonderfully quotable dialogue. This, of course, can be said about any Python film, but what sets this film aside in terms of it's British nature from the legendary Life Of Brian is how it handles the classic representation of Uk tradition that is King Arthur. Therefore, Holy Grail has to be considered a prime example of the wonderful nature of British cinema.
Based on the gripping spy thriller by John Le Carre, this film ultimately summed up the art of the British mentality. Set in the tensions of the 1970's Cold War Britain, expert spy George Smiley (Gary Oldman) is forced out of retirement to uncover a mole right at the the heart of MI6.Not only is this a terrific period piece capturing the gloom of the Cold War mentality, but a tense slow burning thriller. Leading the charge is Gary Oldman's understated and underrated role as George Smiley, personifying the stiff British upper lip. But, Oldman is just the first of many as Tinker, Taylor, Soldier Spy also contains one of the most expansive and talented assortment of British actors. Such as, John Hurt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong, Colin Firth and Toby Jones who all portray their roles with expert precision.
No doubt set to feature in a future Throwback Thursday, Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy portrays the work of Le Carrre with enough vigour to ensure that audience members stay entrenched in the over arching narrative. And along with its terrific cast the film encapsulates the best aspects of British Cinema.
Shawn Of The Dead.
Comedy has been an area that has distinguished Britain from the rest of the world. The British sense of humour can be seen as unique from its counterparts across the pond. This ultimately distinct nature of comedy is perfectly portrayed in Edgar Wright's Cornetto Trilogy, especially the iconic first instalment that is Shawn Of The Dead.
Shawn (Simon Pegg) is the definition of a contempt slob, not going anywhere, until his borough of England becomes infested by flesh eating zombies. Provoked into a new found sense of responsibility Shawn leads a charge to save his recently made ex-girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield), and his best friend Ed (Nick Frost). What unfolds is a perfect comedy caper that has became a cult classic over recent years.
The whole concept of turning the zombie apocalypse flick into a comedy, could have ended up a terrible spoof. However, what is most impressive about Shawn Of The Dead is it succeeds on both levels. There are moments of action that are thrilling, and most notably, brilliant dialogue/writing that ensures that Shawn Of The Dead is considered a comical masterpiece.
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban.
Any list considering the most iconic British anything has to contain Harry Potter in there somewhere. And although Prisoner Of Azkaban isn't necessarily the most British instalment in the franchise it is my favourite, so you guys are just going to have to deal with that as we discuss a brilliant film.The third feature in the massively successful series, sees Harry (as ever) return to Hogwarts to discover that the deadly criminal Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped. After the previous two Chris Columbus directed pictures the franchise was calling out for a new prospective on J.K Rowlings beloved stories. Thankfully, Alfonso Cuaron (now famous for the Academy Award winning Gravity) dawned the mantle with brilliant results. It is often said that the Potter films have 'grew-up' with their audience, and Azkaban signalled the progression away from childhood joy toward a more threatening darkness that, in my opinion, is more rewarding.
Prisoner Of Azkaban speaks to all demographics and is a triumph of British cinema. This does not just refer to the origins of the iconic tales, but also a credit to the film-making industry itself with all 15 filming locations based within the UK. The Potter franchise is an important part of British culture, and this my favourite instalment, helped ensure the success of the series.
Skyfall.Speaking of movie franchises that are an important part of the United Kingdom's culture none, including our wizarding friends, have contributed as much as Mr Bond... James Bond. The extensive spy series that first hit the silver screens in 1962, culminated in 2012's Skyfall.
As revealed by me in previous instalments of The Reel Film Blog, Skyfall is my all-time favourite Bond picture, and it is its quintessential British attributes that for me has made it a instant classic. The themes of unity and patriotic undertones are apparent throughout the picture. From long shots of London to that bloody Union Jack bulldog on M's desk, Sam Mendes' picture has its roots firmly entrenched in British culture and what separates us from the rest of the world.
As the film comes to a climax in the Scottish Highlands, after a journey involving the iconic DB5 and a action scene in the heart of London, it isn't hard to notice how much this film pays homage to its heritage. And as well as being a all out Brit fest, the film ain't half bad either.
Monty Python And The Holy Grail.
The craze that was Monty Python came to summarise the best and most silly aspects of British comedy genius. Somewhat of a spoof of the classic tale of King Arthur's quest to find the Holy Grail, the Python gang ensure that this film contains all the madness, blended with the right amount of comic intelligence, to create what is now a cult classic.Monty Python And The Holy Grail has became a world renown treat, that resonates to many demographics around the globe. It seems that when you watch this picture you are being seamlessly taken from iconic sketch to iconic sketch without fault. From the laugh out loud moments of the Black Knight to the side splitting encounter with the Bridgekeeper. Monty Python's take on a noble fable, is very far from noble, but so immersed in British wit that you can't help but be charmed.
The best quality of The Holy Grail is its wonderfully quotable dialogue. This, of course, can be said about any Python film, but what sets this film aside in terms of it's British nature from the legendary Life Of Brian is how it handles the classic representation of Uk tradition that is King Arthur. Therefore, Holy Grail has to be considered a prime example of the wonderful nature of British cinema.
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