Top 10 Hard-Hitting Dramas in British English

Description: Stanley Kubrick's controversial masterpiece explores the nature of violence and free will through the eyes of Alex, a charismatic yet vicious gang leader. It's a film that challenges viewers with its disturbing content and philosophical questions.

Fact: The film was banned in several countries due to its graphic violence, and Kubrick himself withdrew it from UK cinemas after receiving death threats.

Description: This epic tale of family, loyalty, and the American Dream through the lens of the Corleone family is as much about the harsh realities of power as it is about the bonds that tie us together.

Fact: Marlon Brando famously stuffed his cheeks with cotton to create the iconic Vito Corleone look, and the film's script was adapted from Mario Puzo's novel.

Description: A haunting study of a Vietnam vet turned taxi driver who descends into madness in the seedy underbelly of New York City. It's a film that captures the essence of urban decay and personal turmoil.

Fact: Robert De Niro famously improvised the "You talkin' to me?" line, and the film was nominated for four Academy Awards.

Description: A raw, unflinching look at the life of Henry Hill, a small-time gangster who rises through the ranks of the mafia. It's a brutal, honest portrayal of the allure and the downfall of a life of crime.

Fact: The film is based on the real-life story of Henry Hill, and the famous "Layla" scene was improvised by Ray Liotta and Lorraine Bracco.

Description: A powerful exploration of racism and redemption, this film follows a former neo-Nazi trying to prevent his younger brother from following in his footsteps. It's a stark reminder of the consequences of hate.

Fact: Edward Norton's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, and the film's black-and-white scenes were shot in color and then converted.

Description: This film is a masterclass in portraying the gritty underworld of crime and corruption. It's about an undercover cop and a mole in the police force, both trying to outwit each other while navigating their treacherous lives.

Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film, and it also won Best Picture at the 79th Academy Awards.

Description: Daniel Day-Lewis delivers a tour de force performance as Daniel Plainview, an oil prospector whose ruthless ambition leads him down a dark path of greed and isolation.

Fact: The film's famous "I drink your milkshake" line was improvised by Day-Lewis, and the movie was inspired by Upton Sinclair's novel "Oil!"

Description: A modern Western that follows a man who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and the relentless killer who pursues him. It's a tense, existential drama about the nature of violence and morality.

Fact: The Coen brothers won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and the film also won Best Picture.

Description: This film tells the true story of Micky Ward, a boxer from a tough Massachusetts family, and his tumultuous relationship with his brother and trainer, Dicky Eklund. It's a gritty tale of family, addiction, and the fight for redemption.

Fact: Both Christian Bale and Melissa Leo won Oscars for their supporting roles, and the film was shot in the real-life locations where the events took place.

Description: Mickey Rourke stars as Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a washed-up professional wrestler trying to reclaim his life. It's a poignant look at the physical and emotional toll of a life in the ring.

Fact: Rourke's performance was widely praised, earning him a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination, and he trained with real wrestlers for authenticity.