Research: Social Realism

Social Realist films are what British cinema is known for. Here the gritty social life of Britain is depicted from a working class point of view. These films deliver a powerful story depicting social and racial injustice and economic hardship, the like of which had not been seen before the 1960's, where the only films shown were from the Hollywood studios.

Notable directors include: Ken Loach, Mike Leigh, and more recently Shane Meadows

Ken Loach

Ken Loach employs a variety of techniques in his films, in order to keep up the verisimilitude. This includes shooting the scenes in a linear order, and hiring local unknown actors who may have experience the problems they face in the film first hand.