Harry Brown. (no spoilers)
I didn't know much about the film apart from seeing posters around saying it was the best British film of the year and that Michael Caine was in it.
Michael Caine being in was the crucial part to me, not because I'm a particularly big fan of his (although I do think he is a very good actor these days), but because it rang a bell with me. About a year ago I went to a lecture by a screenwriter, it was the best lecture I've ever been too, informative, interesting and amusing. The gentleman mentioned that he'd just been on set of a film from a script he'd written and that Michael Caine was in it. Harry Brown is said film.
The start of the film is very British, I was rolling my eyes at the number of traps it fell into. But from about 15 mins in onwards, it is absolutely superb! Beautiful cinematography, great direction, understated yet excellent acting and a brilliant script! Having met the man that didn't suprise me at all!