If you want to know something about British life, their spirit, and even their humor, watching some classic British films will certainly help. Here are some recommended to you.

Notting Hill

After the success of his film Four Weddings and a Funeral, writer and producer Richard Curtis captured the essence of being British in 1999’s Notting Hill. Set against the background of West London, the film became popular for its charming and funny portrayal (刻画) of a British nobody trying to impress a Hollywood star.

The Full Monty

This 1997 film is a Sheffield-based comedy about six unemployed men who form a group to make money for a better life. Despite its humor, the film dives deeper into some serious issues surrounding working-class culture. The Full Monty is an uplifting film that gives an insight into the work and life of the working class in Britain.

Trainspotting

Danny Boyle’s 1996 comedy-drama Trainspotting is about a group of Scots in the 1980s, based on the book by Irvine Welsh. With a cast of truly great actors including Ewan McGregor, the tale impressed the audience globally. It rapidly became a critical success.

Monty Python’s Life of Brian

Featuring a jam-packed cast of comedic stars. Monty Python’s Life of Brian tells the story of a young man who is in a case of mistaken identity. The film reflects the unusual and wonderful British sense of humor. As a film guaranteed to entertain, Monty Python’s Life of Brian is not to be missed by those looking for an insight into what makes the British laugh.

Soaps are television serial (连续的) dramas of a highly dramatic and sentimental (情感的) nature. They are called soaps because many of them were originally funded by soap companies. They were appealing to an audience primarily made up of house wives. Soaps tell us a lot about the viewers they are produced for. These long-running serials, with potentially endless episodes (集), are concerned with everyday life. They are generally aimed at the lower classes in a country.

In the US, the most popular soaps usually feature the lives of the rich, the charming and the beautiful. Their houses are always beautiful, big and well decorated. The characters lead exciting lives. Most of these characters are very ambitious. One of the most popular soaps is The bold and the Beautiful. The name says it all really! It is set in Los Angeles and centred on the attractive and wealthy Forrester family and their impossibly gorgeous fashion house business. It is probably the most watched soap in the world.

The British prefer to see ordinary characters rather than the gorgeous high-flyers of the US soaps. They prefer to view on TV what they have experienced personally and what they actually see around them. They believe that one should accept one’s station in life and not attempt to be more than one actually is.

Coronation Street, first shown in 1960, is the longest-running British TV soap opera. It is watched by about one-third of the British population, more often by women, by older people, and especially by people from lower socio-economic groups. EastEnders is another popular British show, though it appeals to a younger generation. Again the characters tend to be working class. In addition to women, young people and men are also given strong roles in order to reach a wider audience.

Thus the soaps can teach us a lot about the audience that they are intended for. The characters, settings and even the story lines can show us what appeals to British and American people.

Cinderella

23 November—31 December

Description

Welcome to Brixton Lane! Forget the glass slipper or the pumpkin carriage this Christmas; join Sindi-Ella in this reimagined tale of Cinderella full of magic, music… and home-grown vegetables!

Just like her Dad, Brixton’s most beloved greengrocer, Sindi-Ella will do anything to keep the family business open… including growing her own produce. It’s a welcome distraction from the disorder of growing up and feeling sad for the loss of her father… not that Sindi wants to talk about that…

Stuck with her stepmom and her hating stepsister, Sindi’s only got her trusty plant to talk to. Until a chance meeting with Charmz, Brixton’s biggest influencer, sparks something unexpected…Charmz is sick of living the life online and is looking for a meaningful connection. What better way than to host a party? When Sindi and Charmz meet, the spark is immediate. But with trouble at home, can Sindi make it to the ball? Perhaps her loyal houseplants can help.

Family Ticket Deal

Get 15% off a family ticket deal when booking a minimum of 1 adult and 2 children and a maximum of 5 child tickets. Simply add your tickets to the basket when booking online, and your discount will be automatically applied.