My Top 10: British Films

It is amazing what films are officially British. A lot more seem to associate a country with a film on its tone and story. However, the official way to assign a nation with a film is which production company has contributed the most to the making of the film. So just because some of the particular scenes might have been filmed in one country, doesn't mean that it is a film represented by that same country. One example, is that I know a lot of the Star Wars films have been filmed in London studios. But sadly, the production company making them have always been American.
Another bit of bad news is that while The Great Escape has a British vibe about it, the production company was American.

So with all that information now discovered, here are my top 10 British films:

10) In Bruges - Martin McDonagh's masterful black comedy sees two hit-men going into hiding after a botched up. They are ordered to go to Bruges and wait for further instructions.

Instead, our two main characters get involved with many unexpected activities. The writing sharp, hilarious and mixes the dark content so well.

9) Casino Royale - You can't not have a Bond in your top 10 British films list. This is mine and many peoples favourite of the franchise, and it is the one that ignited the current era of the British secret agent.

The action is thrilling, the story is exciting and the characters are entertaining. This one will never get old.

8) Alien - Yes, this a British film. It may have been funded by an American studio. But it was made by their subsidiary production crew, who were British.

This broke the ground for sci-fi films, by adding in a horror angle and giving the cinematography a claustrophobic vibe.

7) Great Expectations - Produced by Cineguild, who made some of the most iconic British films of the 1940's, and this is one of their most successful.

Based on the Charles Dickens, it sees an orphan embark of a journey to eventually become a gentleman. It is also directed by the master that is David Lean.

6) This Is England - Director Shane Meadows' dark and haunting portrayal of England in the early 1980's.

Based on Meadows own up-bringing, this is one of the most powerful indie films to have come from these shores.

Its content is strong, its characters are strong and it will never leave your memory.

5) The Boy In The Striped Pyajamas - A highly emotional war drama that sees a young Germany boy experience form a relationship with a Jewish boy who lives in a concentration camp.

The way director Mark Herman shows war from a child's eyes is unforgettable. It also started the career of the highly talented Asa Butterfield.

4) Gravity - Thanks to Heyday Films and visual effects company Framestore, this classifies as a British film.

It sees two astronauts working together after an accident leaves them stranded in space.

It is a wonderful thrill-ride with some of the best visual effects I have ever seen. It is also wonderfully enhanced in 3D.

3) Slumdog Millionaire - Danny Boyle's story of destiny. It sees a teen from Mumbai take part in 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?', and see that the questions reflect many integral moments of his life.

While it may be about Indian culture, the majority of this Best Picture winner is made by a British production.

2) Shaun Of The Dead - This cult hit from 2003 became one of the most influential films of the 21st century.

It saw a breakthrough for many people that are now Hollywood a-listers such as director Edgar Wright and actor Simon Pegg.

Whilst dealing with the living dead, a London resident is looking to turn his mundane life around. This is pure comedy gold.

1) 2001: A Space Odyssey - This epic adventure tale of exploration and evolution is seen by many as Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece.

It broke ground in its visuals and its symbolic style of story-telling has been discussed for decades since its released in 1968.