Reel Movie Poster Sales

BLOW-UP (1966)

Michelangelo Antonioni's 1966 mystery thriller was (and still is) ground-breaking for the British public. Set in the heart of London, a successful photographer is living his dream life, full of career success and sex. However, he unknowingly captures the death of one half of a passionate couple he was following in a park, throwing him down an unexpected path. 

Starring David Hemmings and Vanessa Redgrave, this X-rated film hit the cinemas with a 110minute run-time and is an excellent example of Antonioni's interest in sensuality and sexuality. In the late '60s (as well as today), there are strict Production Codes that prohibit and enforce what production crews can film for an audience, especially in terms of sex scenes. Antonioni disregarded this and wanted to capture human sexuality as he saw it; raw and passionate, and went against the MPAA system to the point that the film was released without Production Code approval. 

To this day, Antonioni's Blow-Up has inspired a new generation of creators and filmmakers to break tradition and try new things, questioning why certain things are the way they are and trying to subvert their audience's expectations. 

A HARD DAY'S NIGHT (1964)

Focused around the lives of the Beatles, this 1964 comedy musical paved the way for future British comedies and music videos in a strange blend of reality and surrealism with this comedic spoof. 

Richard Lester, easily one of the most influential directors of the late 20th century, brought John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr to the big screen in a way that no one had seen them before. The film follows the four boys as they prepare for a live television performance, in which the build-up proves difficult whilst McCartney's grandfather wrecks havoc. Already a huge success in the UK and throughout the world, the Beatles and A Hard Day's Night brought Beatlemania to a new level and to new audiences. 

THE LADYKILLERS (1955)

This oddball comedy has proven to be one of the most popular British comedies, coming at a time where dark humour was beginning to summarise English comedy. Following five criminals who are plotting a bank robbery, they take refuge in a cul-de-sac, renting rooms from a widow. Lying to her that they are classical musicians, their problems rise, and hilarity ensues. 

American-born yet Scottish-raised director Alexander Mackendrick was the creative mind behind this success. Bringing stars such as Alec Guinness, Peter Sellers, and Cecil Parker to the screen, the comedic writing and actor chemistry was second-to-none. Due to all these elements, the film is still a major success today, and the comedy within is memorable. 

HAMLET (1948)

Shakespeare is almost synonymous with British culture, and his plays have been adapted a multitude of times over the decades. However, Laurence Olivier's 1948 Hamlet is unlike any other, to be watched over and over again even today. The plot, as many know, follows Prince Hamlet, who struggles with the decision to kill his uncle or not, as he blames him for the death of his father, the former king. 

Olivier himself played the titular role of Hamlet, with Jean Simmons as Ophelia and John Laurie as Francisco. This film, despite being a Shakespearan classic, is a masterpiece by itself and was the first British film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. This adaptation lay the groundwork for future Shakespeare adaptations, for which there are now many. 

DR. NO (1962)

There's little conversation you can have about British cinema without mentioning James Bond, especially Sean Connery. Now a multi-million-pound industry, the spy thriller was thrust into the spotlight by films such as Dr.No and director Terence Young. 

The film follows James Bond, a secret agent for Britain's Mi6 organisation. Going by the codename 007, Bond embarks on a murder mystery of a fellow agent, which sends him to Jamaica on a quest alongside the C.I.A. This, of course, has spiralled into the global sensation that many know today, with actors such as Pierce Brosnan, Roger Moore, and most recently Daniel Craig taking up the mantle role. 

Terence Young's Dr.No still stands as one of the most influential British films and most influential Bond films and showed that despite the decade, a high-quality spy narrative was possible. 

THE THIRD MAN (1949)

Orson Welles is perhaps one of the most famous actors of the 20th century, if not ever. The Third Man by Carol Reeds is a perfect showcase of talent, bringing other stars such as Joseph Cotten and Alida Valli to the big screen. 

Following Cotten's character of Holly Martins, a pulp fiction novelist, as he travels to post-war Vienna via an old friend's invitation, he is shocked to realise that the friend has recently died in a strange traffic accident. After questioning locals and friends, he begins to realise there's a lot of uncertainty and lying around the cause of death, and he gets to the bottom of what really happened. 

Film noir, still a popular genre to date, is arguably inspired by this film right here. A mystery thriller that is still streamed and watched by young and old viewers alike, Carol Reed made a film to be loved for decades. 

BRIEF ENCOUNTER (1945)

This Romance-Drama from David Lean is one that many will know, as it stands strong even in the 21st century. One of the writers behind this classic is Sir Noël Coward, a famous playwright and actor, and the characterisation behind the titular roles is what you'd expect. 

When Laura Jesson and Dr. Alec Harvey meet in a train station, they immediately connect. They're both married and committed, but love begins to form. Every Thursday, they meet in the same railway cafe, as they begin to get closer and question cheating on their marriages.

This film brought actors Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard together in an unforgettable drama, causing tension at a time where monogamy was the norm. Falling at only 86minutes, you'll wish there was much more to this British classic. 

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962)

From the same brilliant mind of David Lean, Lawrence of Arabia tells the tale of T.E. Lawrence, an English officer who acts as a liaison between the Arabs and British and led the Arab tribes during World War I against the Turks. 

Inspired by real-life events, this story has become one of the most successful films in cinema history and most celebrated. Seven Academy Awards under its belt meant that director David Lean and star Peter O'Toole were shot into fame. When it comes to Biopics with Adventure and Drama thrown into the mix, there is little that can beat Lawrence of Arabia.

THE 39 STEPS (1935)

British director Alfred Hitchcock is not only a household name for many but one of the most influential directors of all time. His work is studied by future filmmakers, and he offered high-quality drama and thrillers at a time where it was much more difficult. 

Following the death of a counter-espionage agent, a man in London is the prime suspect. To survive, he flees and attempts to save himself from a spy ring that wants classified information. Adapted from John Buchan's novel of the same name, this film was one of the most successful of the late 30s. Robert Donat and Madeleine Carroll star in this crime thriller and is a prime example of how Hitchcock achieved his level of success. 

GREAT EXPECTATIONS (1946)

David Lean provided the British public with another classic, one which is streamed annually across the isles. 

Adapted from the wonderful Charles Dicken's novel, this 1946 film follows a young orphan who is transformed into a gentleman through unforeseen events of escaped galley convicts and a mysterious benefactor. 

John Mills and Valeria Hobson star as orphan Pip and arrogantly wealthy Estella in the narrative that has inspired generations for decades. Many directors have attempted to adapt Dickens into cinema, but many have failed. 

Lean's adaptation of Great Expectations is a daunting figure to be judged by but sets the standard for how this must be done. This film is beautifully atmospheric, faithful to the source text, and sets a wonderfully dreamy tone. 

KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS (1949)

This 1949 crime-comedy was brought to cinemas by director Robert Hamer and follows the hilarious attempt of a poor relative of Duke D'Ascoyne who plans to inherit the said title by murdering the other eight heirs. 

Dennis Price plays the titular role of Louis Mazzini, who is cut off from the family fortune and wants a proper resting place for his recently deceased mother. His plan to murder the heirs with higher ranking succession to the title is torn between love and being outed. 

What is truly comedic about this film is that Alec Guinness plays the entire family (but in different costumes), and this only leads to further hilarity. This film was based on Roy Horniman's novel and came at a time where dark humour was emerging in the UK. 

KES (1969)

Anyone who is even mildly interested in British cinema will have heard of director and writer Ken Loach. His classic adaptation of Barry Hines' A Kestrel for a Knave' has warmed the hearts of families for decades. 

Following young English boy Billy, who is bullied and ridiculed both at school and home, spends his free time caring and training his pet Kestrel. A deep and meaningful drama about family and finding your passion, this film starring David Bradley, Brian Glover, and Freddie Fletcher is not one to be missed.