Actor Jim Broadbent (1949)

Stephen Gaghan directed the American fantasy adventure film, Dolittle (2020). The screenplay was co-written by Gaghan, Dan Gregor, and Doug Mand, based on a story by Thomas Shepherd. Set in Victorian era Britain, the film follows Dr. John Dolittle, a Welsh veterinarian with the unique ability to communicate with animals. After his wife Lily’s death at sea, Dolittle isolates himself from human society and focuses solely on ...

Directed by James Marsh, King of Thieves (2018) is a British heist film that revolves around the infamous Hatton Garden safe deposit burglary of 2015. The main character, Brian Reader, is a retired thief who reunites with old criminal acquaintances at his wife’s funeral. During their brief conversation, they all express interest in carrying out one final heist – targeting the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit. With plans set in motion after the funeral, Brian and his cohorts, all in their 60s and 70s except for one young alarms expert named Basil, gather to meticulously plan their robbery. To minimize the risk of ...

The comedy film, Paddington 2 (2017), directed and written by Paul King and Simon Farnaby respectively, is a live-action animated sequel to the 2014 movie Paddington. Produced by Heyday Films and StudioCanal UK, it is based on the beloved stories of Paddington Bear by Michael Bond. The lovable bear, now living with the Browns in Windsor Gardens, offers his support to his neighbors in various ways. In order to purchase a special pop-up book of London for his aunt Lucy’s milestone birthday from Samuel Gruber’s antique shop, Paddington takes on odd jobs ...

Eddie the Eagle (2015), directed by Dexter Fletcher, is a biographical film that follows the story of young Michael Edwards. Despite facing difficulties with walking and undergoing medical treatment, ten-year-old Eddie sets his sights on Olympic glory. With the support of his mother, he tries different Olympic events but fails. However, his father does not share the same enthusiasm. As a teenager, Eddie remains determined to achieve his dream and first attempts to qualify for the Summer Games before turning to skiing in the Winter Games. Despite showing skill in the sport, British Olympic officials reject him for being ...

Paddington (2014), a live-action animated comedy film, was written and directed by Paul King. Based on Michael Bond’s beloved character Paddington Bear, the story was developed by King and Hamish McColl. In the depths of the Peruvian jungle, a British explorer comes across a group of bears with a love for marmalade. He dubs them Lucy and Pastuzo before bidding them farewell with an invitation to London. Forty years later, after their home is destroyed in an ...

The British TV movie, The Great Train Robbery (2013), is a two-part miniseries written by Chris Chibnall and aired on BBC One in December 2013. It depicts the infamous event that occurred on August 8th, 1963, through the eyes of both the robbers and the police. In the first episode, A Robber’s Tale, we witness the meticulous planning and successful execution of the robbery. The second episode, A Copper’s Tale, focuses on the law enforcement’s investigation and arrest of most of the robbers. Interestingly enough, A Robber’s Tale premiered on the same day as Ronnie Biggs’ passing.

Cloud Atlas (2012) is an epic science fiction film helmed by the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer. Adapted from David Mitchell’s 2004 novel, it tells a complex story with multiple plots taking place across six different time periods. As the narrative jumps between these eras, spanning centuries, each storyline gradually reaches a resolution. Interestingly, we see characters from previous eras appear in future ones through their writings. These recurring characters often have changed relationships with one another, with ...

The animated Christmas comedy film, Arthur Christmas (2011), was co-produced by Sony Pictures Animation and Aardman Animations. Instead of a single individual, the title of Santa Claus has been passed down for generations to gift-givers. Currently on his seventieth mission, the current Santa, Malcolm Claus, holds more of a ceremonial role. The traditional sleigh and reindeer have been replaced by the S-1, a state-of-the-art vessel operated by hundreds of elves who use advanced equipment and military precision to deliver presents. All the intricate details of Christmas are meticulously managed from Mission Control at the North Pole by Malcolm’s eldest son, Steve. ...

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010) is a fantasy film directed by David Yates and written by Steve Kloves. Based on J. K. Rowling’s novel of the same name, it is the first of two cinematic installments. At Malfoy Manor, Severus Snape meets with Lord Voldemort and his followers to report that Harry Potter will be moved to a safe location by the Order of the Phoenix. Voldemort takes Lucius Malfoy’s wand since his own is powerless against Harry’s, as they both share a phoenix feather core. ...

The fantasy film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), was directed by David Yates and written by Steve Kloves based on J. K. Rowling’s novel of the same name. Lord Voldemort continues to tighten his grip on both the wizarding and Muggle worlds in the film: his Death Eaters abduct Mr Ollivander and cause destruction to London’s Millennium Bridge. As Lucius Malfoy remains imprisoned in Azkaban, Voldemort assigns his son, Draco Malfoy, with a secret mission at Hogwarts. To ensure Draco’s safety, ...

Directed by Iain Softley, Inkheart (2008) is a fantasy adventure film that follows the Folchart family. Mo and Resa read a fairy tale to their daughter, Meggie, when a red velvet hood appears mysteriously. Twelve years later, while on a trip to Europe with her father, Meggie finds herself in an old book shop. Little does she know, Mo is secretly searching for a specific copy of Inkheart. As he finds the book, Meggie has an encounter with a horned marten that tries to attack her fingers. A familiar man comes to her rescue, claiming to be an old friend. Recognizing him as Dustfinger, Mo quickly seeks refuge with Meggie. ...

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) is a American action adventure film helmed by Steven Spielberg, with a screenplay by David Koepp based on a story by George Lucas and Jeff Nathanson. In 1957, Soviet agents, led by Colonel Doctor Irina Spalko, abduct beloved archaeologist Indiana Jones along with his partner, George ‘Mac’ McHale. They infiltrate Hangar 51 in Nevada to coerce Jones into locating a mummified alien from Roswell. Despite being ...

Hot Fuzz (2007) is an action-packed buddy cop comedy directed by Edgar Wright and co-written by Wright and Simon Pegg. Pegg also takes on the lead role alongside Nick Frost. After his promotion to Sergeant in the Metropolitan Police Service, highly capable constable Nicholas Angel is transferred to Sandford, Gloucestershire – a quaint town that regularly wins the title of ‘Village of the Year’. Meanwhile, ...

Robots (2005) is an American animated sci-fi adventure comedy film set in a world inhabited by sentient beings made of metal. The story follows the journey of Rodney Copperbottom, a young and ambitious inventor who looks up to Bigweld – a renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of Bigweld Industries. The company not only employs other inventors but also provides spare parts for robots in need. Inspired by Bigweld’s motto of ‘seeing a need and filling it’, Rodney creates his own flying robot named Wonderbot to help his father Herb, who works as a dishwasher at a local restaurant. However, when Herb’s boss catches them in the act, ...

Gangs of New York (2002) is an American historical drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on Herbert Asbury’s book, The Gangs of New York. Set in the slum of Five Points in 1846, the story follows two rival gangs. The Anglo-Protestant Confederation of American Natives, led by William ‘Bill the Butcher’ Cutting, and the Irish Catholic Dead Rabbits, led by ‘Priest’ Vallon, engage in their final battle for control of the territory. After Bill kills Vallon and declares the Dead Rabbits outlaws, Vallon’s young son witnesses it all and is sent to an orphanage on Blackwell’s ...

Moulin Rouge! (2001) is a jukebox musical romantic drama film helmed by Baz Luhrmann. Set in 1900 Paris, the story follows Christian, a young writer mourning the loss of his beloved. He takes to his typewriter to pen their love story. In the Montmartre district, he joins the Bohemian movement and meets Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and his troupe who are working on a play called Spectacular Spectacular. With Christian’s help, they finish the play and head to the Moulin Rouge in hopes that Satine, the star performer and courtesan, will be impressed by Christian’s talents and convince Harold Zidler, the proprietor ...

The Secret Agent (1996), a British drama-thriller film written and directed by Christopher Hampton, is set in London during the late 19th century. This bustling city serves as a refuge for various political exiles, including refugees, partisans, and anarchists. One such exile is Verloc, who earns his living as a spy for the Russian government. In addition to this role, he also provides information to Chief Inspector Heat of the London police force. However, when the new Russian ambassador challenges Verloc to prove his loyalty or lose his salary, he sets in motion a tragic series of events involving his alluring wife ...

Richard III (1995), a British Technicolor film based on William Shakespeare’s play of the same name, depicts King Edward IV’s ascension to the throne with the aid of his brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Following Edward’s coronation in the Great Hall, where his siblings George and Richard bear witness, he departs alongside his wife and children. Meanwhile, Richard gazes upon the throne with contemplation before turning towards the audience and delivering a speech detailing his physical deformities – a hunched back and withered arm. He confesses to harboring envy towards his brother’s ...

The American historical comedy-drama film, Princess Caraboo (1994), tells the story of a woman who deceives Regency England by posing as an exotic princess speaking an unknown language. Directed and written by Michael Austin and John Wells respectively, the movie is based on a true 19th-century character. When she is discovered in the fields, dressed extravagantly and speaking unintelligibly, the Worrall family takes her in. However, their Greek butler Frixos immediately suspects her to be a fraud. While Mr. Worrall sends her to face charges of vagrancy, Mrs. Worrall ...

Bullets Over Broadway (1994) is a comedic, crime-themed film helmed by acclaimed director Woody Allen. It tells the story of David Shayne, an aspiring playwright who moves to New York City in 1928 with high hopes for his newest work, God of Our Fathers. In his search for financial backing, he is persuaded by producer Julian Marx to hire Olive Neal, the girlfriend of notorious gangster Nick Valenti, for a minor role. Despite Olive’s lack of talent and Shayne’s mounting frustration, he finds solace in casting faded star Helen Sinclair as the lead and dieting British actor Warner Purcell. However, complications ...