Just like fantasy stories can transport us to new worlds, period dramas are one way to get a whole new (er, old) glimpse of the world you wouldn't see otherwise. Just like contemporary films, period dramas have their fair share of relationship drama and scandal, with some amazing outfits to boot. While you wait for season 3 of Bridgerton to drop on Netflix, add one — or better yet, all — of these picks to your watchlist!
Atonement
Every time I talk to my team here at B+C about their favorite period dramas, this one always makes the list. And for good reason! It's an emotional, sweeping piece that feels like different genres as it moves from family drama to romance to a war epic. The cast includes names like Saoirse Ronan, James McAvoy, and Keira Knightley.
Little Women
Everyone can love this story, even if you don't have sisters — although being a sister has definitely enriched my experience with it! There are two versions I would recommend: the 1994 version with Winona Ryder, Christian Bale, and Kirsten Dunst, or Greta Gerwig's 2019 version with Saoirse Ronan, Timothée Chalamet, and Emma Watson.
In my opinion, Greta's version is a little bit more thought-provoking for the viewer, but between both film's arcs, I prefer the 1994 film's linear structure. You can't go wrong with either movie, so why not watch both?
Emily
My Letterboxd review after seeing Emily in theaters basically called this family the English, more tragic version of Little Women's March sisters. The celebration of creativity and identity feel even more powerful against the darker aesthetic and all of the painful experiences Emily Brontë lives through. Plus, it has one of the most emotional scores of 2023.
Pride and Prejudice
Avid fans of Jane Austen's book (myself included) will likely give you two recommendations that each have their own viral scene: you can pick between Colin Firth's lake diving in the 1995 BBC mini series or Matthew MacFadyen's hand flex after he holds Keira Knightley's hand in the 2005 film. All jokes aside, both titles are wonderful celebrations of the story!
Downton Abbey
If you love period pieces but prefer a slower pace, I'd recommend Downton Abbey. The stakes are high and some viewers still haven't gotten over the death of their favorite character (I'm talking about myself here), but I don't think it's as overstimulating as a lot of other dramas involving war, death, and relationships. Plus you literally *cannot* go wrong with Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess.
Belle
In this political, historical romance, Belle is the illegitimate, biracial daughter of a British admiral who's placed in the care of her uncle. As she grows up alongside her cousin, Belle questions her identity as she realizes she belongs with neither the servants nor the family. When she meets John, she becomes in integral part of the abolitionist movement in England.
Becoming Jane
James McAvoy makes the list again with this semi-biographical film on Jane Austen's life. One of the best parts of any historical drama is when the main couple dances at a ball, and Becoming Jane has one of my favorite dance scenes of all time. Fans of the author criticized the film when it came out, but if you go into it with an open mind, it's very enjoyable (and might make you cry).
Marie Antoinette
I finally watched Sofia Coppola's iconic film for the first time this spring, and it was as much a feast for the eyes as I'd hoped. Kirsten Dunst stuns as the infamous queen, and in addition to the textured, maximalist visuals, the story did make me think about Marie Antoinette in a new way. Considering I've been obsessed with her since middle school, that's saying something!
Emma
If you love the visuals in Marie Antoinette, then I'm pretty sure you'll love this 2020 Jane Austen retelling. Every detail of the movie feels like its own piece of art (even the physical blocking and movements of the actors), and they all come together to create something cohesive, beautiful, and fun. You can also go for Gwyneth Paltrow's 1996 version or Clueless, which was inspired by this story.
Sense and Sensibility
With names like Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, and Hugh Grant, this movie has always felt wildly underrated, so consider this my official plea asking you to watch it. It's got everything: Family! Drama! True love prevailing! Taylor Swift also said during her Tribeca Film Festival talk in 2022 that it inspired her album evermore, so there's that.
Let us know what your favorite period dramas are in the comments!
Lead image via Wilson Webb / Sony Pictures
0 Commentaires