Cultural Matters: British films

For me, nothing gets me into to the mood to travel more than a good film. Below are links to clips from several popular British films. (Scotland-specific films will featured in a later post).

Love Actually (2003)

While a bit silly and contrived, this fun romantic-comedy from Richard Curtis is a postcard perfect view in British culture, from its stellar cast of British stars, its fun soundtrack, and a mix of silly and dry British wit, its great introduction to British culture (although not the most realistic portrayal of the lives of most British.) Stars Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Rowan Atkinson, and Kiera Knightley, among many others.

Here is the first two minutes of Love Actually featuring the wonderful Bill Nighy as washed-up rocker Billy Mack.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-aMV2xXdps

And here is the trailer for the film:

Full Monty (1997)

Starring Scottish actor Robert Carlyle, this comedy is about six out of work men who decide to strip (ala Chippendales) in order to help one of the worker's sons.

Here is the trailer for the film (poor quality)

King's Speech (2010)

Nominated fore a record 12 Oscars this year, this is the story of King George VI (Played by the brilliant Colin Firth, also nominated for an Oscar) who suffered from a severe stutter. Crowned King of Britain when his brother Edward abdicated to marry an American, George was thrust upon the world stage just as World War II was heating up. His wife Elizabeth, played by Helena Bonham Carter, spent much of her childhood in Scotland (and was the mother to the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II).

The official trailer:

Thunderball (1965)

It wouldn't be a list of British films without at least one James Bond flick. Below is the trailer for the fourth Bond film starring the first (and best) Bond, Scottish actor Sean Connery.



And here is the title song, sung by Wlesh singer Tom Jones:

Sense of Sensibility (1995)

The film, written by and starring Emma Thompson, that started the whole Jane Austen craze of the past 15 years (which has seen all her books filmed numerous times for screen and television, inspired writers to pen sequels, prequels and re-imaginings in novels, and even one Zombie-theme novel: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.) And in my opinion, it's the best of the lot.

Trailer:

Cultural matters: Common British names

Some common British names not often heard in the U.S.

Nigel
Siobhan
Rhys
Angus (Scottish)
Hamish (Scottish)
Alistair (Scottish)
Emma
Imogen
Imelda
Rupert
Graham
Gavin

More British-American words

BRITISH                          AMERICAN

Close (Scottish)                Alley or side street

Hogmanay (Scottish)         New Year's
Glen (Scottish)                  Valley
Burgh (Scottish)                Town (pronounced 'burrow')
Queue                               Line up (e.g. bus queue)
Stone                                14 pounds (used in weight, e.g. I weigh 10 stone)
Sleeping suit                       Pajamas
Punter                                Customer (often derogatory)
Oi                                      Hey!
Chuffed                              Happy
Nappy                               Diaper
Trousers                            Pants
Pants                                 Underwear
Candy floss                       Cotton candy
Cuppa                               Cup of tea
Bog, wc, toilet                    Bathroom/restroom
Naughts & Crosses            Tic tac toe

Cultural Matters: British Food

One of the joys of traveling is discovering new foods and treats. In Britain -- and especially Scotland -- there are plenty of opportunities. From snacks to meals to tea to desserts, we will discover all types of culinary delights. Below are few of the classic foods to expect while traveling in Great Britain.

Fish and Chips

The classic British meal. Usually made from cod (though sometimes other white-fleshed fish such as haddock or whiting), it is traditionally served wrapped in paper (newsprint in the past) with fries (chips in Britain). Although served in many pubs and restaurants, the best come from the traditional "chip shop", which are becoming increasingly rare to find.

Bangers and mash

My personal favorite, this dish is a pub staple. (The above was my lunch at the Queen's Head Pub back in June 2010 in Downe, England). Basically it is mashed potatoes, Cumberland sausages, and gravy.

Steak and Ale Pie