Saturday Night and Sunday Morning is a 1960 British film directed by Karel Reisz and based on the novel of the same name by Alan Sillitoe. It is considered one of the first and most influential kitchen sink realism movies, depicting the working-class life in post-war England. The film follows the story of Arthur Seaton, played by Albert Finney, a rebellious young factory worker who spends his weekdays working hard and his weekends drinking, fighting, and having affairs. It is a raw and honest portrayal of a young man trying to break free from the constraints of his working-class background. With its gritty and realistic depiction of working-class life, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning became a groundbreaking film and paved the way for other kitchen sink realism movies to come.Saturday Night and Sunday Morning
Look Back in Anger is a 1959 British drama film directed by Tony Richardson and based on the play of the same name by John Osborne. It is one of the first kitchen sink realism movies and a powerful critique of British society and its class system. The film follows the story of Jimmy Porter, played by Richard Burton, a disillusioned and angry young man who is struggling to find his place in a society that he feels has rejected him. He is married to Alison, played by Mary Ure, a middle-class woman who is constantly at odds with Jimmy's working-class background and ideals. Look Back in Anger is a gritty and intense film that reflects the frustration and disillusionment of the working-class youth in post-war Britain. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in kitchen sink realism movies and the social commentary they provide.Look Back in Anger
A Taste of Honey is a 1961 British film directed by Tony Richardson and based on the play of the same name by Shelagh Delaney. It is a poignant and realistic portrayal of a young working-class girl, Jo, played by Rita Tushingham, and her struggles to find love and acceptance in a society that looks down upon her. The film tackles issues of poverty, teenage pregnancy, and interracial relationships, all through the lens of a working-class family in post-war Salford. It is a moving and honest depiction of the challenges faced by the working-class and the resilience and strength they possess. A Taste of Honey is a beautiful and heartbreaking film that captures the essence of kitchen sink realism and the struggles of the working-class in a changing society.A Taste of Honey
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner is a 1962 British film directed by Tony Richardson and based on the short story of the same name by Alan Sillitoe. It is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of individualism, rebellion, and class divide. The film follows the story of Colin Smith, played by Tom Courtenay, a young working-class man who is sent to a reformatory after committing a petty crime. While there, he discovers his talent for long-distance running, but at the same time, he struggles with the conflicting expectations of his rebellious nature and the reformatory's strict rules. The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner is a poignant and critical look at the impact of the class system on young people and their sense of identity. It is a must-see for any fan of kitchen sink realism movies.The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner
This Sporting Life is a 1963 British film directed by Lindsay Anderson and based on the novel of the same name by David Storey. It is a powerful and emotional film that delves into the life of a young working-class rugby player, Frank Machin, played by Richard Harris, and the struggles he faces in his personal and professional life. The film portrays the harsh and brutal world of rugby and the toll it takes on the players, both physically and mentally. It also tackles issues of class, sexuality, and relationships, making it a complex and multifaceted kitchen sink realism movie. This Sporting Life is a masterpiece of British cinema, and its raw and authentic portrayal of working-class life remains relevant to this day.This Sporting Life
A Kind of Loving is a 1962 British film directed by John Schlesinger and based on the novel of the same name by Stan Barstow. It is a moving and honest portrayal of a young working-class couple, Vic and Ingrid, played by Alan Bates and June Ritchie, and their struggles with love and marriage in a society that expects them to conform to traditional roles. The film deals with issues of class, gender, and societal expectations, all through the lens of a relatable and endearing couple. It is a heartwarming and thought-provoking kitchen sink realism movie that deserves a spot on any must-watch list.A Kind of Loving
The L-Shaped Room is a 1962 British film directed by Bryan Forbes and based on the novel of the same name by Lynne Reid Banks. It is a poignant and powerful film that follows the story of Jane, played by Leslie Caron, a young French woman who becomes pregnant out of wedlock and moves into a rundown boarding house in London. The film explores the struggles of single motherhood, poverty, and societal judgment through the eyes of Jane and the eclectic group of characters living in the boarding house. It is a realistic and emotional portrayal of the challenges faced by working-class women in the 1960s. The L-Shaped Room is a must-see for any fan of kitchen sink realism movies and a testament to the strength and resilience of working-class women.The L-Shaped Room
The Leather Boys is a 1964 British film directed by Sidney J. Furie and based on the novel of the same name by Gillian Freeman. It is a groundbreaking film that tackles issues of homosexuality and gender roles in a working-class setting, a topic rarely seen in mainstream cinema at the time. The film follows the story of Reg and Dot, played by Colin Campbell and Rita Tushingham, a young couple who get married but soon realize they have different expectations for their marriage. When Reg discovers his attraction to his friend, Pete, played by Dudley Sutton, he must confront the societal expectations of masculinity and the consequences of living an authentic life. The Leather Boys is a bold and thought-provoking film that challenges the traditional notions of masculinity and explores the complexities of sexual identity in a working-class context.The Leather Boys
The Entertainer is a 1960 British drama film directed by Tony Richardson and based on the play of the same name by John Osborne. It is a scathing critique of the decline of the British Empire and the fading glory of the music hall tradition, all through the lens of a struggling working-class family. The film stars Laurence Olivier as Archie Rice, a third-rate music hall performer desperately trying to revive his career, and Joan Plowright as his daughter Jean, who is torn between her loyalty to her father and her desire for a better life. It is a powerful and emotional film that captures the struggles of a family and a nation in decline. The Entertainer is a must-watch for anyone interested in kitchen sink realism movies and the social commentary they provide on the changing landscape of Britain.The Entertainer
The Knack...and How to Get It is a 1965 British film directed by Richard Lester and based on the play of the same name by Ann Jellicoe. It is a lighthearted and humorous take on the kitchen sink realism genre, exploring themes of sexual freedom and gender roles in a working-class setting. The film follows the story of Tolen, played by Ray Brooks, a charming and confident young man who teaches his shy and awkward roommate, Colin, played by Michael Crawford, how to be more successful with women. Along the way, they meet Nancy, played by Rita Tushingham, a young woman who challenges their beliefs about relationships and sexuality. The Knack...and How to Get It is a refreshing and entertaining addition to the kitchen sink realism genre, with its witty dialogue and playful take on societal expectations and gender roles.The Knack...and How to Get It