There is something quite charming and comforting about period dramas. Maybe it’s the escapism that period dramas offer, reminiscing on an era you don’t live in or an aesthetic completely divergent from your own. Perhaps the lavish exquisite production typically accompanying period pieces offers endless hours of distraction and daydreaming.
All in all, period films are among the best genres. Whichever part appeals to you, these dramas continue to fascinate modern audiences. The 2020 release of Shonda Rhimes’ Bridgeton and the subsequent release of the second season have reminded everyone of this.
Gaming, watching action films, and playing roulette on an online casino are fun ways to kickstart your weekend. However, if you are looking to switch things up and want to watch an excellent periodic movie instead, here are some of the best period dramas of all time.
1. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
This beautiful take on values and love unfolds when Elizabeth Bennet (played by Keira Knightley) meets the rich and proud single man, Mr. Darcy (played by Matthew Macfadyen). The latter finds himself falling in love with a young lady beneath his social class, and Bennett swears to abhor Darcy’s snobbery forever. Can both characters emerge above their pride and prejudice?
Although you’ll be hard-pressed to find a film enthusiast who hasn’t seen this Jane Austen classic yet, there are numerous reasons why it is one of the best motion pictures ever released. For starters, almost everyone adores a great enemies-to-lovers tale, and Pride and Prejudice hits this mark perfectly.
It is also beautifully executed, and the absence of physical contact between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy builds up tension, keeping the audience in suspense. Expect to swoon over the pairing even though they don’t share a single kiss in the film. Many swear that the exhilarating love story of Pride and Prejudice is the epitome of a romance flick.
2. Emma (2020)
Ann Taylor plays the part of Emma Woodhouse perfectly, as a seemingly rich, selfish, but very pretty young lady who, despite having the right intention, cannot stop meddling in her friend’s romantic life. Set in 19th century Highbury, England, Emma is a film centered on Emma’s life and her captivating matchmaking skills.
It is a greatly executed period movie filled with dashing style, vision, and a beautiful framework. The film’s comical storytelling approach delights audiences worldwide, even though the protagonist in this Austen classic is less likable than most of her female protagonists. Jane Austen is quoted to have famously said, “I’m going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like.”
In this friends-to-lovers trope, the captivating love tale centers on Emma’s bond with George Knightley (played by Johnny Flynn), who helps her to flourish into the best version of herself.
3. Maurice (1987)
Although younger generations may not be familiar with this, Maurice is a period cult classic revolving around a recently heartbroken young man (played by Hugh Grant). After facing rejection from his lover, the protagonist, who feels trapped by Edwardian society’s oppression, attempts to understand his sexuality.
Maurice is an exemplary film with beautiful music, making for a great production of a brave and compelling novel. The picture’s relaxing ambiance contrasts with the tension between the film’s characters and will make your heart melt completely. This underrated period drama is as poignant today as it was in the ’80s.
4. The Handmaiden (2016)
Set in the 1930s, during the Japanese occupation of Korea, a young lady (played by Kim-Tae Ri) is hired by a Japanese heiress who lives in the vast countryside with her uncle (played by Kim Min-hee) as a handmaiden. The heiress doesn’t, however, realize that her maiden is a pickpocket hired by a swindler posing as a count.
The goal is for the handmaiden to convince the heiress to elope with this dubious Japanese count so he can steal her entire fortune. Just when everything seems to fall into place, unexpected feelings emerge.
This film is special, and you should watch it at least once in your life. Park Chan-Wook has created a stellar storyline, crafting a visually impressive piece that addresses betrayal, sexual desire, and dark humor. The romantic thriller periodic piece has unexpected twists and tense scenes that will leave a lasting impression.
5. Sense and Sensibility (1995)
If you’ve made it this far, it is easy to notice that Jane Austen’s adaptations are some of the best films of all time. Sense and Sensibility is yet another of her best novels adapted to film. It explores the lives of three daughters, Margaret (played by Emilie Francois), Marianne (played by Kate Winslet), and Elinor (played by Dame Emma Thompson). The death of their father, Mr. Dashwood (Tom Wilkison), leaves them in strained circumstances.
Two of the girls have opposite dispositions, which allows everyone to guide each other in the right direction, supporting each other through friendship, love, death, and hardship. The period film is a more romantic adaptation of the novel and offers a refreshing perspective on love and sisterhood.
Emma Thompson wrote the film, which stays true to the original Austen Novel. The actresses complement each other, one of the reasons why the film adaptation managed to capture the romantics’ hearts to this day.
Conclusion
If you are a period dramas nerd, you have probably watched one or all of these films. If you are just getting into this genre, these are some of the best the entertainment industry offers. Others include Little Women and Atonement.
