TOP 5: LONDON MOVIES

By Sabina  Manolescu

Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001)

The guilty pleasure of women, and men, across the nation, and rightly so. Renee Zellweger, the neurotic heroine, embodies the role of modern Britain’s icon of female angst. We see her embarrassed, humiliated, dealing with the collapse of her parent’s marriage and most of all, we see her as a hilarious hopeless romantic.  Colin Firth, who recycles his portrayal of the aloof Darcy, battles Hugh Grant, the archetypal bad-boy and womanizer for Bridge’s affections. Cue “ It’s Raining Men”. An absolute treasure.

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Robert Downey Jr adopts a comical and winning take on Holmes. Sherlock has been reinvented with fighting skill as acute as his intellectual acumen, an energy that his loyal side kick Watson often tries, but fails, to tame. Together they strive to unravel the dark web of conspiracy that is rife in Victorian England. Action, comedy, romance and most importantly two beautiful men that you can stare at for a whole 90 minutes and not feel embarrassed. The film has it all.

The King’s Speech (2010)

A film based on the true story of the Queen’s father and his remarkable friendship with his Australian speech therapist, who together overcome the stuttering and timid nature of George VI and mold him into King. The film is a heart felt study on the shading and development of courage. A film about loyalty, friendship and most importantly, hope. Colin Firth delivers an inspirational Oscar-winning performance. Britain loves him even more than we did when he played Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. Who would have thought it possible?

Love Actually (2003)

The ultimate romantic comedy captures all of London longing to be in love at Christmas. A vision of a romantic London gridlock, the film cleverly deals with numerous different interwoven relationships, capturing the theme of love in all its varying shades. If Bill Nighy, as aged rock legend Billy Mack, can find love, love clearly is all around.

Notting Hill (1999)

The deceptively simple plot of this film is propelled as Londoner Will (Hugh Grant) spills orange juice on film star Anna (Julia Roberts). An affair ensues – if only real life was as easy. The overall result is a romantic comedy that indulges fantasies, soothes insecurities and is guaranteed to cheer you up. However, a word of warning to you guys out there, investing in one of Spike’s (Rhys Ifans) legendary t-shirts…well, it’s not a wise move.  It won’t secure you a night of passion.