Last week, I posted a few of my favorite French films, and this week I thought I'd share some of my favorite films set in London.

Click on the film title to request material from the Free Library.
Click on the trailer link to watch the film's trailer or a scene from the film.

Closer - This film is based on the play by the same name, which won the 1998 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play. It chronicles the beginnings and endings of the relationships of two cosmopolitan couples. Closer is a dialogue-heavy film, full of rather intense and often cringeworthy exchanges, but it's also refreshingly blunt. (Rated R) trailer

Bridget Jones's Diary - Adapted from the popular novel by Helen Fielding--which was loosely based on the themes of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice--the film follows the crazy love life of thirtysomething singleton Bridget Jones. (Rated R) trailer

Croupier - This was the breakout film for British actor Clive Owen. It follows the main character Jack as he deals with being a struggling writer and eventually finds his muse by being a croupier. The movie is well written and shows a different side of London. (Rated R) trailer

Love Actually - This is a feel-good movie full of charm and romance that has something for everyone. It focuses on the relationships of various characters during the Christmas holiday and how their lives intersect. (Rated R) trailer

About A Boy - We follow the unusual friendship of Marcus (a teenager) and Will (an unemployed bachelor) and how they end up changing each other's lives. About a Boy is a very cute film based on Nick Hornby's novel. (Rated PG-13) trailer

Children of Men - In a world where women stop having babies, Clive Owen must save the human race! This is an interesting dystopia film which tactles the question: what happens if we stop reproducing? The film contains some well-directed action scenes, and it is loosely based on the novel by P. D. James. (Rated R) trailer

Dirty Pretty Things - Now, this is a side of London we rarely see on film. The film focuses on illegal immigrants and what they have to deal with while trying to make new lives in England. Dirty Pretty Things is a rather good film which was nominated for an Academy Award for original screenplay. (Rated R) trailer

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels - This is a funny and entertaining British crime film chock full of tough guys, gambling, drugs, guns, and intermingled story lines. (Rated R) trailer

Layer Cake - When I first saw this gangster flick starring Daniel Craig, I immediately thought he was channeling James Bond--who he ended up playing two years later! (Rated R) trailer

Scoop - This is a quirky and fun murder mystery directed by Woody Allen and starring Scarlett Johansson and Hugh Jackson that showcases the upper crust of British society. (Rated PG-13) trailer