10 patriotic films to watch this weekend

The Oxford English Dictionary defines patriotism as ‘the quality of being patriotic; devotion to and vigorous support for one’s country.’ Which is fine as far as it goes, but (at least to me), there is a uniquely ‘English’ kind of patriotism, one which I like to believe is not overtly jingoistic or nationalist in tone.

This expanded characterisation of the word in relation to the Land of the Angles represents what may be thought as typically ‘English’ values, those of fair play, decency, hope, eccentricity, collegiality, individuality, humour, grace under pressure, courage and standing up for the persecuted.

Whether we always conform to or live up to these ideals is another matter, but the England football team are certainly giving it a try.

Before Sunday’s England vs Italy UEFA European Championship final, here are ten films that reflect the many shades of English patriotism.

As you will notice, war movies are included in the list, but despite their eligibility, there would be no room for other titles if the likes of The Battle of Britain (1969), A Bridge Too Far (1977) and Dunkirk (2017) were included.