Top 10 Awesome British Movies You Missed in 2017

Focussing on the dramatic Iranian Embassy siege in London back in 1980, this high-tension thriller is all about rigorous terrorist negotiation and meticulous planning, to pull off a rescue. With hostages under threat and time running out, the SAS swoops in to take charge. Starring Jamie Bell and Mark Strong, it gives us a rare insight into the sophisticated tactics of one of the most efficient groups in the British Army.

On the surface, this looks like your typical manor house romance. An unhappy wife is left to explore the grounds while her husband is away on business, and as a result she meets a new lover. Well, that is until the husband returns, realises what’s been going on and things get messy. Challenging the overused lovey dovey drama format, “Lady Macbeth” trades in period subtlety for murderous conspiracies and grace and decorum for a spot of grave-digging.

Ever noticed that Geoffrey Rush looks a lot like Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti? Apparently Stanley Tucci did, casting him as the famed sculptor and painter in this biopic. When Giacometti bumps into his old friend, American writer James Lord, the author agrees to pose for a painting. But what should be a simple arrangement within hours, turns into days of sitting. The two disagree, bicker and question each other's creative approach, to hilarious ends. The chemistry between Rush and Armie Hammer is clear, and it’s a must watch for any art fan.

Another biopic, this time based on Robin Cavendish, who was an instrumental spokesperson for disabled people. Starring Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy and Hugh Bonneville, it tells of Cavendish’s brave fight with polio and his endless efforts to better the lives of others in a similar position to himself. From giving patients hope to helping develop new medical devices, Cavendish was a seriously determined guy, and this film shines light on his story brilliantly. With multiple stand out performances, it’s as entertaining as it is insightful.

Undoubtedly the best known title on this list, we wanted to include “T2” as some may have skipped it - predicting a subpar sequel. Well, it isn’t. A follow-up to 1996’s “Trainspotting”, we pick up 20 years later, jumping back into the lives of our degenerate crew. Featuring the original cast with familiar traits, it’s packed full of memorable monologues, vivid visuals and cracking confrontations, without relying too heavily on audience nostalgia. And with Danny Boyle once again at the helm, you know you’re in good hands.

A simple celebration turns into utter madness in this Sally Potter black comedy. After a series of awkward events - including a hijacked pregnancy announcement, a terminal illness revelation and a divorce proclamation - everything goes pear-shaped. People lock themselves in bathrooms, a lot of cocaine is taken and a loaded gun goes astray. Grounded enough to be relatable yet outrageous enough to be hilarious, it’s all presented in crisp black and white and is crammed full of clever dialogue. And the cast’s not half bad either.

Do you ever feel like films about love and relationships are way off the mark? Well, then you’ll probably enjoy “Daphne”. A self-centered single woman who enjoys drugs, alcohol and one stand stands, Daphne is forced to reevaluate her life following a traumatic event. Giving us a flawed, cynical - and at times totally unlikeable hero - this film tears up the rulebook for coming-of-age stories, ultimately giving us something more unique and relatable. If you’re bored of the run of the mill rom coms, then give this a whirl.

Time for some old school, gritty British filmmaking next, and a Rocky-esque tale that sees a washed up boxer return to the ring. Along with its dust-covered aesthetic and violent undertones, “Jawbone” also brings some stellar individual performances from the likes of Johnny Harris, Ian McShane and the great Ray Winstone. Offering a similar feel to Guy Ritchie’s unpolished early work, you don’t necessarily have to like boxing to appreciate this one - but it does help.

If executed correctly, a simple idea can deliver outstanding cinematic results. Enter “Free Fire”. After a black-market deal goes south, each party is left to fend for themselves in an epic shootout. Crawling, limping and blasting their way around a warehouse battlefield, it’s a film filled with a surprising amount of dramatic moments and superb one-liners. If you’ve ever wanted to watch Cillian Murphy, Sharlto Copley, Armie Hammer and Brie Larson fight to the death, well, ta da!

A captivating debut from the part-Welsh, part-Zambian director Rungano Nyoni, this film has the most original plot on this list, hands down. After a child in Zambia is labelled a witch, they’re exiled to a ruthless ‘witch camp’ - and we watch as they are brutally mistreated. Undeniably unique, terrifyingly bleak and at times daringly funny, the movie features an almost completely unknown cast, which only adds to its realism and authenticity. Looking for something completely new? Look no further.