The 1980s were a transformative decade for British cinema, marked by a diverse array of films that not only captured the essence of the era but also pushed the boundaries of storytelling. This period saw a blend of genres, from hard-hitting social commentaries and dystopian visions to innovative comedies and profound dramas. British filmmakers, leveraging both traditional and avant-garde approaches, crafted narratives that reflected the changing cultural and political landscape of the time. From the darkly humorous to the deeply introspective, these films stand as testaments to the artistic and narrative strengths of British cinema, leaving a lasting mark on global film history. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best British films of the 80s.
10. The Falls – Peter Greenaway (1980)
“The Falls” is an experimental mock-documentary directed by Peter Greenaway, exploring a peculiar world affected by a fictional ‘Violent Unknown Event’ (VUE). The film presents a series of accounts detailing the lives of 92 victims whose last names begin with ‘Fall’. Each victim is afflicted in unique ways, ranging from physical mutations to the development of new languages. These individuals are connected by their shared experience of the VUE, with each story revealing another layer of this complex and mysterious event. The film combines surreal narrative elements with an encyclopedic structure, creating a bizarre yet intriguing cinematic experience.
Greenaway’s film stands out for its ambitious scope and its unconventional approach to storytelling. The intertwining stories create an experience that is both perplexing and captivating, showcasing Greenaway’s flair for blending the absurd with the intellectual. The director’s use of archival footage, fictional biographies, and absurd humor crafts a distinctly imaginative world. “The Falls” challenges traditional narrative formats, inviting viewers into a detailed universe that blends fantasy with mockumentary style. Its peculiar charm lies in its ability to keep audiences engaged and guessing, despite its esoteric nature.
9. Withnail & I – Bruce Robinson (1987)
“Withnail & I,” directed by Bruce Robinson, is a cult classic comedy-drama set in 1969. The story follows two unemployed actors, Withnail and “I” (Marwood), living in a squalid flat in London. Desperate for a change, they decide to vacation in a cottage owned by Withnail’s eccentric uncle Monty. However, their holiday turns into a series of comedic misadventures, amplified by their lack of preparation for rural life and Monty’s unexpected arrival. Reflecting the end of an era and the uncertainty of their future, the film explores the bittersweet transition from youth to adulthood.
The film is noted for its witty script, memorable performances, and its portrayal of the end of the swinging sixties. The dialogue, full of sharp and biting humor, has become quotable among its fans. Richard E. Grant’s portrayal of Withnail is particularly iconic, embodying the flamboyant and tragicomic nature of his character. “Withnail & I” has garnered a devoted following for its dark humor, poignant moments, and the underlying themes of friendship and change. Its ability to evoke both laughter and a sense of melancholy has contributed to its enduring appeal, making it one of the best British films of the 80s.
8. An American Werewolf in London – John Landis (1981)
John Landis’s “An American Werewolf in London” blends horror and comedy to tell the story of two American backpackers, David and Jack, who are attacked by a werewolf while traveling in England. After the attack, which leaves Jack dead and David injured, David is plagued by nightmares and gruesome visions. As David’s transformations begin, he becomes entangled in a tragic love affair with a nurse, further complicating his already tormented existence. He soon realizes he is now a werewolf, facing a horrifying transformation. The film is famous for its groundbreaking makeup effects and the blend of horror with sardonic humor.
This film stands out for its innovative special effects, particularly the transformation scene, which has become iconic in the horror genre. The effects, created by makeup artist Rick Baker, earned the film an Academy Award, setting a new standard for prosthetic makeup in cinema, while Landis’s direction successfully balanced the terror of the werewolf legend with witty and self-aware humor. “An American Werewolf in London” is not only a horror classic but also a culturally significant film, influential in its visual style and its ability to mix genres. The film’s unique combination of horror, comedy, and romance, along with its unforgettable soundtrack, has ensured its lasting popularity.
7. The Long Good Friday – John Mackenzie (1980)
“The Long Good Friday,” directed by John Mackenzie, is a groundbreaking British gangster film. It follows Harold Shand, a London gangster aspiring to legitimize his criminal empire. His plans for redevelopment are jeopardized by a series of violent attacks against his organization. These attacks coincide with a potential partnership with the American Mafia, further complicating the situation, and as Harold investigates the source of these attacks, he confronts the shifting sands of loyalty and the emerging challenges of a new criminal landscape.
Bob Hoskins delivers a standout performance as Harold Shand, capturing the complexity of a man trying to navigate the underworld and the corporate world simultaneously. His character’s intensity and vulnerability are pivotal to the film’s gripping narrative. The film is noted for its gritty realism, sharp dialogue, and its exploration of the intersection between crime and business. It also delves into the themes of urban regeneration and the evolving face of crime in the late 20th century. “The Long Good Friday” is a critical examination of the criminal underbelly of London, and it stands as one of the best British films of the 80s.
6. The Plague Dogs – Martin Rosen (1982)
“The Plague Dogs,” directed by Martin Rosen, is an animated adventure film adapted from Richard Adams’ novel. It tells the harrowing tale of two dogs, Snitter and Rowf, who escape from a research laboratory in the Lake District. Pursued by the government and the media, who falsely believe the dogs carry a deadly plague, their journey for survival becomes a desperate fight against both nature and mankind. Their adventure leads them through various challenges, highlighting the resilience and camaraderie of the two dogs. The film explores themes of animal rights, ethics in scientific research, and the bond between the two dogs.
Rosen’s film is notable for its dark tone and emotional depth, uncommon in animated features. The voice acting, particularly by John Hurt and Christopher Benjamin, adds a poignant layer to the characters of Snitter and Rowf, while the animation style complements the story’s serious themes, depicting the bleak and often harsh realities the dogs face. “The Plague Dogs” challenges viewers with its thought-provoking content and its stark portrayal of the struggles of its canine protagonists. The film is a testament to Rosen’s skill in creating animated works that resonate with both adult and younger audiences, recognized for its narrative intensity and its commentary on human cruelty and compassion.
5. Distant Voices, Still Lives – Terence Davies (1988)
“Distant Voices, Still Lives” is a family drama directed by Terence Davies, set in post-war Liverpool. The film is split into two parts: ‘Distant Voices’, which focuses on the harsh and often violent upbringing of a working-class family under a domineering father, and ‘Still Lives’, which moves forward in time to explore the siblings’ lives as adults. This duality allows for a profound exploration of the effects of childhood experiences on adult life. Each segment is punctuated by popular songs of the era, which serve as emotional landmarks within the story. The film’s distinctive structure offers a reflective look at the impact of family relationships over time.
Terence Davies utilizes a combination of music, memory, and evocative imagery to explore themes of resilience, nostalgia, and the enduring impact of the past. The film’s pace is deliberate, inviting the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the emotional landscape of the characters. The unique approach to storytelling and its intimate portrayal of family dynamics have made it one of the best British films of the 80s. “Distant Voices, Still Lives” is noted for its emotional depth and the authenticity of its depiction of post-war Britain, with its portrayal of the often unspoken emotional undercurrents within a family distinguishing it as an emotional and insightful film.
4. When the Wind Blows – Jimmy T. Murakami (1986)
“When the Wind Blows,” directed by Jimmy T. Murakami, is an animated film that combines traditional and stop-motion animation to tell a powerful story of an elderly couple, James and Hilda Bloggs, as they cope with the aftermath of a nuclear war. Living in rural Sussex, they naively believe that life will continue as normal after a nuclear strike, following government-issued advice that proves tragically insufficient. Their experience highlights the fragility of ordinary lives in the face of global politics and war. Their journey is a heart-wrenching portrayal of innocence, love, and the devastating consequences of war.
Murakami’s film stands out for its critique of nuclear warfare and government propaganda. It uses its animation medium to contrast the simple, everyday life of the couple with the incomprehensible horror of nuclear fallout. The animation style brings a gentle, almost storybook quality to the narrative, contrasting sharply with the grim reality of the film’s subject matter. “When the Wind Blows” is a unique and moving piece of cinema that combines emotional storytelling with political commentary. Its simplicity and directness in storytelling deliver a powerful message about the human cost of political decisions and warfare. Its impact lies in its ability to convey the human cost of war through the lens of two relatable and deeply sympathetic characters.
3. Brazil – Terry Gilliam (1985)
“Brazil,” directed by Terry Gilliam, is a dystopian science fiction film known for its surreal imagery and satirical tone. The story follows Sam Lowry, a low-level government employee in a retro-futuristic world filled with bureaucratic inefficiency and technological malfunctions. As Sam becomes entangled in an administrative error that leads to the wrongful arrest and death of an innocent man, he embarks on a journey that challenges his perceptions and leads him to question the very fabric of his reality. He finds himself on a quest for freedom and love, challenging the oppressive system.
The film is a critique of modern bureaucracy and the loss of individuality in a technologically driven society, artfully combining elements of comedy and tragedy to paint a vivid picture of a society overwhelmed by its own complexity. Gilliam’s distinctive visual style and the elaborate set design contribute to its otherworldly atmosphere. “Brazil” is celebrated for its imaginative approach to storytelling and its biting social commentary. Its legacy endures, influencing filmmakers and audiences with its bold narrative and visual techniques to this day, making it one of the best British films of the 80s. It remains a standout work in the science fiction genre, lauded for its originality, wit, and its prescient portrayal of a dystopian future.
2. Threads – Mick Jackson (1984)
“Threads,” directed by Mick Jackson, is a harrowing docudrama that depicts the effects of a nuclear war on the city of Sheffield, England. The film follows two families as their lives are irrevocably changed by a global nuclear conflict. Through a blend of drama and documentary-style footage, “Threads” portrays the immediate impact of the bombing, the long-term effects of nuclear fallout, and the breakdown of society in a chillingly realistic manner. It unflinchingly shows the collapse of infrastructure, the desperation for survival, and the erosion of human values in the face of catastrophe. The film is noted for its graphic depiction of the horrors of nuclear war and its aftermath.
“Threads” is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and realistic portrayals of nuclear war ever made. The film’s realistic depiction of the aftermath, including the struggles with food shortages, medical crises, and the psychological toll, is particularly striking. It serves as a stark warning about the dangers of nuclear conflict, leaving a lasting impression on its viewers. Its educational value is reinforced by its inclusion in various academic and military studies on nuclear war. “Threads” remains a significant and influential work, praised for its uncompromising approach to a difficult subject and its ability to provoke thought and discussion about global issues.
1. The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover – Peter Greenaway (1989)
“The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover,” directed by Peter Greenaway, is a visually striking and provocative film set predominantly in a lavish restaurant. The narrative revolves around the brutish criminal Albert Spica, who frequently dines at the restaurant with his wife Georgina and his gang. Georgina begins a passionate affair with a quiet diner, Michael, under the nose of her abusive husband. As the affair intensifies, the restaurant becomes a stage for a deadly game of cat and mouse. The film blends elements of black comedy, drama, and tragedy, creating a stylized and allegorical narrative that explores themes of barbarism, sexuality, and revenge.
Greenaway’s film is known for its set design, sumptuous costumes, and its use of color to signify different spaces within the restaurant. Each color shift underlines the emotional and thematic changes in the story, creating a rich tapestry that complements the narrative’s intensity. The film’s graphic content and bold storytelling make it a controversial yet critically acclaimed work. “The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover” is a unique cinematic experience, celebrated for its artistic ambition and its unflinching exploration of human behaviour, making it one of the best British films of the 80s. The film has gained a cult following for its distinct visual style and its fearless approach to storytelling.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best British films of the 80s:
- The Falls – Peter Greenaway (1980)
- Withnail & I – Bruce Robinson (1987)
- An American Werewolf in London – John Landis (1981)
- The Long Good Friday – John Mackenzie (1980)
- The Plague Dogs – Martin Rosen (1982)
- Distant Voices, Still Lives – Terence Davies (1988)
- When the Wind Blows – Jimmy T. Murakami (1986)
- Brazil – Terry Gilliam (1985)
- Threads – Mick Jackson (1984)
- The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover – Peter Greenaway (1989)
