The Guardian picked top 25 British movies of the last 25 years.  They asked just about everyone – except me. No, not really, they just asked a panel of ‘cinema experts’. I am, obviously, not an ‘expert’. I am, however, a foreigner, 20% qualified and 80% self proclaimed social scientist and a movie buff who spent 4 out of these 25 years living in UK and trying to understand the country based on these films (though not exclusively). Therefore I felt entitled to my own list (reason good as any other).

I am pleased to say that my list is not far off the list compiled from opinions of the experts. This is probably as close to an ‘expert’ as I will ever get too:

1. Trainspotting (imdb)

2. This is England (imdb)

3. Withnail and I (imdb)

4. Boy A – I still feel the 2007 production went relatively unnoticed. It’s a gripping film, about as ruthless to the viewers well being as Hunger… The poster is great in its own right. (imdb)

5. Control – and this is not only because I have a version of teenage crush on Sam Riley! I was close to doing one of my major researches about importance of biopics based on this film, but actually found it too heavy to watch over so many times. (imbd)

6. My Summer of Love – not only because I have a crush on Emily Blunt. Don’t know what Pawlikowski has been doing since this last production in 2004, but unfortunately it wasn’t movies. Shame. (imbd)

7. Nil by mouth – this is a movie one of my English friends, a visual artist, told me to watch if I want to know shit about shit. (imdb)

8. Shaun of the Dead – credit where it’s due, that is to Edgard Wright. If I could, I would put in ‘Spaced’. I actually watched this while still in Poland. Also ended up living close to the original pub where it was shot, which unfortunately is no more. I have spent better part of my time in London in my local and I’m pretty positive I run into many a relationship  trouble because of it. (imdb)

9. 24 hours party people – yes, this has taught me (imdb)

10.  Human Traffic – and I stick by it! And you would understand if you were there many a nights when we were celebrating our heritage as party goers. Also +10 points for one of the best movie titles in history. (imdb)

honorary mention: Rain in my heart – which is a documentary, but hands down one of the British best – ever.

honorary mention 2: Moon – I saw Moon lured in solely by its amazing poster – yes I have a thing for movie posters. It wouldn’t maybe make this list, but I consider it to be the best of the future of British film-making. (imdb)

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