10 Most Controversial British TV Films

With a stunning central performance from Gary Oldman, The Firm is not just one of the best examinations of football hooliganism there is, it's one of the best British films of the 80s and it was a television film to boot.

Depicting the pointless cycles of mindless football hooligan violence, and intersections with class, status, and other social factors, The Firm is another staggering piece of social realism from director Alan Clarke, who will appear again on this list.

From the off, The Firm aroused two main responses, often at the same: shock and controversy surrounding the intense graphic violence of the film, and universal praise of the quality of the filmmaking, especially Gary Oldman's towering performance as head hooligan Bexy. It would perhaps shock some more to discover that the controversial broadcast was actually a somewhat censored version, with for instance a blinding scene receiving extensive cuts.

The Firm is another of the films on this list notable for courting massive outrage which was largely tempered by acknowledgments that the work was daring and of the utmost quality. The consensus upon broadcast was an uncomfortable recognition of both horror and art.