Best of British cinema.

Granted, us Brits have our questionable habits, we spend the majority of our time drinking tea, our humour is as dry as an unseasoned Ryvita and we queue like our lives depend on it; but by Jove do we make some good films!

1. Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) ÔÇô A bespectacled Hugh Grant takes the lead in this quintessentially British rom-com. Its us Brits doing what we do best, drinking copious amounts of wine and throwing some dubious shapes on the dance floor; get ready to laugh whilst crying and feel a sudden, inexplicable urge to wear a suit.

2. This is England (2006) ÔÇôShane Meadows provides a raw, unforgiving view of 1980ÔÇÖs England, itÔÇÖs an interesting mix of childish humour and gritty realism; whether you like it or not, this one will definitely stick in your mind.

3. Trainspotting (1996)– Contrary to what you may assume, this isnÔÇÖt actually a film about the humble observational hobby which provides its title, but the story of Renton (Ewan McGregor) and his plight to escape the Edinburgh drug scene. So if you envisaged an elderly man tallying up railway traffic then sadly, you are mistaken

4. Billy Elliot (2000)– This toe tapping, tight wearing young Geordie goes against his fathers wishes and pursues his dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer. Set against the backdrop of the 1984 UK miners strike, this film truly embraces the idea of performing arts as a form of escapism.

5. Snatch (2000) ÔÇô Brad Pitt plays a comically inaudible Irish traveller picked to take part in illegal boxing matches, its brit-com meets Hollywood shoot-out, with many a hilarious criminal blunder.

Becky Johnson