20 Best Period Piece Movies Of All Time

Summary

• Period piece movies like ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘Titanic’ capture timeless stories of love and tragedy with historical accuracy and impactful performances.
• Emphasizing themes of societal norms and personal struggle, films like ‘A Room With a View’ and ‘Pride & Prejudice’ depict powerful tales of love and identity.
• Addressing important historical events like the Holocaust and the Civil Rights Movement, movies such as ‘Schindler’s List’ and ‘One Night in Miami’ offer poignant narratives of heroism and activism.

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Warning: This article mentions the topics of racism and slavery.

Period piece movies travel back in time to recount stories of the past, but some titles are more prominent than others, standing the test of time to become truly incomparable classics. Some of the best movies of all time came from the period genre and reignited timeless narratives in eras that many weren’t able to relate to. However, the dramatization of cultural standings, societal expectations, and historical events from long in the past was often the reason why these movies were so successful.

As period piece movies, or period dramas, continued to grow in popularity, the smaller screen followed suit. Over time, titles like Bridgerton and The Great swiftly became some of the best historical TV shows ever. With decades of films to consider, plenty of period piece movies proved themselves to be stand-outs in the genre because of their groundbreaking cast performances, set design, historical accuracy, and overall success.

20 Made In Dagenham (2010)

Made in Dagenham
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Director Nigel Cole Release Date September 20, 2010 Cast Sally Hawkins , Andrea Riseborough , Jaime Winstone , Lorraine Stanley , Nicola Duffett , Geraldine James Runtime 113 minutes

Made in Dagenham was based on a true story and recounted the historical event of the Ford sewing machinists and their strike in 1968, fighting back against sexual discrimination and pushing for equal pay for women. The film received significant praise for its striking balance of humor and drama while still maintaining a strong and investable storyline. Made in Dagenham’s story about a group of ordinary women standing up to large corporations and societal norms was hopeful and heartwarming but didn’t shy away from tackling the topics of gender inequality, workers’ rights, and overall justice.

19 One Night In Miami (2020)

One Night in Miami
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One Night in Miami revolves around Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown, who all join one another in Miami to talk about the Civil Rights Movement of the ’60s. The film was an Amazon Original Movie and was nominated for a total of three Oscars at the 2021 Academy Awards.

Director Regina King Release Date January 15, 2021 Cast Eli Goree , Michael Imperioli , Beau Bridges , Aldis Hodge , Nicolette Robinson , Kingsley Ben-Adir , Derek Roberts , Joaquina Kalukango , Leslie Odom Jr. , Lawrence Gilliard Jr. , Lance Reddick , Christian Magby Runtime 110 minutes

One Night in Miami was based on a true story, but it was told in a fictional account that followed Malcolm X, Jim Brown, Sam Cooke, and Cassius Clay, more commonly known as Muhammad Ali. Although their meeting in 1963 was historically inaccurate, the film highlighted a powerful message about racial identity and activism through their presence. One Night in Miami was the directorial debut of Regina King, who brilliantly translated the original stage play by Kemp Powers to the silver screen. The critically acclaimed film received multiple award nominations, including the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

18 A Room With A View (1985)

A Room with a View (1985)

In A Room with a View, young Lucy Honeychurch, played by Helena Bonham Carter, is on a trip to Italy where she meets the free-spirited George Emerson. Returning to England, Lucy becomes engaged to the repressed Cecil Vyse. As she grapples with societal expectations and her true desires, Lucy must decide between passion and propriety.

Director James Ivory Release Date December 13, 1985 Cast Maggie Smith , Denholm Elliott , judi dench , Simon Callow , Helena Bonham Carter , Julian Sands , daniel day-lewis , Fabia Drake , Patrick Godfrey , Rupert Graves , Joan Henley , Rosemary Leach Runtime 117 Minutes

One of Helena Bonham Carter’s best movies, A Room With a View, focused on Lucy Honechurch’s struggle between her vacation romance and her fiance back in England. Carter’s chemistry with co-star Julian Sands was particularly memorable, which was an impressive skill, considering the actress was only 19 years old in A Room With a View. Themes of conflict, social expectations, and self-awareness were prominent throughout the movie, and Lucy and George’s emotional arc was particularly notable. The film still maintained its classic status because of its beautiful cinematography and stellar costume design, but especially because of Carter’s profound performance.

17 The Lion In Winter (1968)

The Lion in Winter (1968)

The Lion In Winter (1968) is a historical drama that explores the personal and political turmoil of King Henry II of England during Christmas in 1183. Starring Peter O’Toole and Katharine Hepburn, the film delves into the complex intrigues and power struggles within the royal family as they vie for succession and control of the kingdom. Directed by Anthony Harvey, the film is a rich portrayal of medieval court life and familial conflict.

Director Anthony Harvey Release Date October 30, 1968 Cast Peter O’Toole , Katharine Hepburn , Anthony Hopkins , John Castle , Nigel Terry Runtime 134 Minutes

In one of the best medieval movies ever, The Lion in Winter, Peter O’Toole and Katharine Hepburn portrayed King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Set in Christmas 1183, The Lion in Winter focused on Henry’s desperate attempts to cling to power and his estranged wife’s battle for freedom and justice for their three sons. The themes of sibling rivalry and the quest for control were the driving forces of The Lion in Winter, and Henry’s descent into madness was stellar. Hepburn’s performance was especially strong in this film, which resulted in her third Academy Award win for Best Actress.

16 Hidden Figures (2016)

Hidden Figures
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Based on the lives of Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, Hidden Figures tells the untold stories of the three African-American mathematicians and their work at NASA during the Space Race of the 1960s. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe star as Johnson, Vaughan, and Jackson respectively, with a further cast that includes Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, and Mahershala Ali.

Director Theodore Melfi Release Date December 25, 2016 Cast Taraji P. Henson , Octavia Spencer , Janelle Monae , Jim Parsons , Glen Powell , Kirsten Dunst , Aldis Hodge , Kevin Costner , Mahershala Ali Runtime 127 Minutes

Hidden Figures was another film based on a true story, but amazingly recreated an early 1960s setting to tell the tale of three black women who worked at NASA – Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. Hidden Figures highlighted the importance of these women in the early days of the U.S. space program and the pivotal roles they played in getting humanity into space. Hidden Figures’ inspirational story about facing adversity and breaking down societal barriers was made even better by Taraji P. Henson’s performance as Katherine, in an emotional and moving portrayal that encapsulated the film’s important message.

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15 Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Moulin Rouge!
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Moulin Rouge! follows Christian, a young writer in Paris, who falls in love with Satine, the star courtesan of the Moulin Rouge cabaret. As they begin a passionate affair, they must hide their love from the jealous Duke, who is funding Satine’s next show.

Director Baz Luhrmann Release Date June 1, 2001 Cast Nicole Kidman , Ewan McGregor , John Leguizamo , Jim Broadbent , Richard Roxburgh , Garry McDonald Runtime 127 Minutes

Moulin Rouge! amazingly redefined the musical movie genre through a fascinating story about a poet who falls in love with a local cabaret star. Set in Paris at the start of the 20th century, Moulin Rouge! received a huge amount of praise for scoring its tense romantic plot with extravagant modern popular songs, which was a refreshing change of pace and a unique trait that several other movies and TV shows, such as The Great Gatsby and Bridgerton, took inspiration from. Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman both offered brilliant performances and were celebrated for how they portrayed their character’s arcs.

14 The African Queen (1951)

The African Queen
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Director John Huston Release Date January 7, 1952 Cast Humphrey Bogart , Katharine Hepburn , Robert Morley , Peter Bull , Theodore Bikel , Walter Gotell Runtime 105 minutes

The African Queen’s compelling story was led by the classic Hollywood actors Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, as Charlie Allnut and Rose Sayer, respectively. Bogart’s stellar performance earned him his only Academy Award for Best Actor. The film’s classic tale focused on missionary Rose and mechanic Charlie at the outbreak of World War I. Together, the two worked to navigate a treacherous African river on a journey filled with danger and anticipation. The cinematography was astonishing and provided an immersive experience because it was shot in an African landscape, one of the first major films to do so.

13 The Last Of The Mohicans (1992)

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The Last of the Mohicans
R
Action
Adventure
Drama

The Last of the Mohicans is a 1992 historical drama directed by Michael Mann. Set during the French and Indian War, the film follows Hawkeye, a European-raised adoptive son of a Mohican man, as he navigates the complexities of colonial conflicts and personal relationships. Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, the movie intertwines themes of love, loyalty, and survival against the backdrop of early American frontier life.

Director Michael Mann Writers James Fenimore Cooper , John L. Balderston , Paul Perez Cast daniel day-lewis , Madeleine Stowe , Russel Means , Eric Schweig , Jodhi May , Steven Waddington , Wes Studi , Maurice Roëves Runtime 112 Minutes

12 The Favourite (2018)

The Favourite
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Set in Britain in the early 1700s, The Favorite follows Abigail Hill, a young woman who comes to the court of Queen Anne looking for work. Her older cousin, Sarah Churchill, is the queen’s confidante and advisor, a position with Abigail covets. As Abigail begins to vie for the queen’s affections, she and Sarah descend into a bitter rivalry that threatens to destroy both women completely. Emma Stone stars as Abigail, alongside Olivia Coleman and Rachel Weisz.

Director Yorgos Lanthimos Release Date November 23, 2018 Cast Olivia Colman , Emma Stone , Nicholas Hoult , Mark Gatiss , Rachel Weisz Runtime 120 minutes

Olivia Colman’s Oscar-winning performance as Queen Anne in The Favourite was the cherry on top of a brilliant movie. Set during Queen Anne’s reign in the year 1705, her battle with ill health was turned upside down by her budding friendships with Emma Stone’s Abigail and Rachel Weisz’ Sarah. The Favourite’s story highlighted themes of sexuality and the hierarchy within the monarchy, which were even more impactful through Yorgos Lanthimos’ unique directorial style. The black comedy movie was also praised for its incredible but dry humor and sexually charged scenes, which emphasized the cutthroat dynamics of its characters.

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11 My Fair Lady (1964)

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Made in Dagenham
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Director Nigel Cole Release Date September 20, 2010 Cast Sally Hawkins , Andrea Riseborough , Jaime Winstone , Lorraine Stanley , Nicola Duffett , Geraldine James Runtime 113 minutes

The critically acclaimed film My Fair Lady won a mind-blowing eight Academy Awards after its release, which wasn’t a surprise, considering the beautiful performances by Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle and Rex Harrison as Professor Henry Higgins. My Fair Lady was based on the highly successful stage musical of the same name, and the film adaptation became an instant classic upon its release. The story of Eliza’s high-society transformation under the teachings of Higgins was an interesting storyline and tackled themes of class and identity; all wrapped up in a timeless narrative.

However, its most enjoyable moments were made even better by the accompaniment of Alan Jay Lerner’s joyful soundtrack. The elegance of Edwardian London was especially noticeable in the film’s set design, which greatly added to the atmosphere of the musical numbers and resulted in My Fair Lady’s Best Art Director Academy Award win. My Fair Lady’s spectacular musicality, engaging storyline, and lavish production design made it one of the best musical movies of all time.

10 Gone With The Wind (1939)

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Gone With the Wind
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Based on Margaret Mitchell’s classic novel, Gone With the Wind follows Scarlett O’Hara, the daughter of a plantation owner in the American South during the Civil War. Through the hardships of the war and the Reconstruction Era, Scarlett’s intense romantic life is documented, particularly her relationship with two different men Ashley Wilkes and Rhett Butler. Vivien Leigh stars as Scarlett, with Clark Gable as Rhett. 

Director Victor Fleming , George Cukor , Sam Wood Release Date February 16, 1940 Cast Thomas Mitchell , Barbara O’Neil , Vivien Leigh , Evelyn Keyes , Ann Rutherford , George Reeves , Hattie McDaniel Runtime 238 minutes

Gone with the Wind was set in the backdrop of the American Civil War and was extremely popular upon its release in 1939. The film covered themes of passionate love and betrayal in a story of survival, which was demonstrated through the eyes of Scarlett O’Hara, the daughter of a cotton plantation owner who developed feelings for the neighboring Ashley Wilkes. His engagement to her cousin blocked Scarlett’s desire to be with Ashley, and the film followed her journey to get her hands on him. However, its best quality was how it translated multiple historical events to the screen.

Gone with the Wind incredibly demonstrated the struggles of the Civil War, and it was a great way for the film to portray the passing of time. However, one criticism the film faced was the portrayal of slavery. The cast all delivered brilliant performances, with leads Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable being awarded Best Actor and Actress, although the best was from Hattie McDaniel, who became the first black woman to win an Oscar for her role as Mammy. Gone with the Wind broke an Oscar record for receiving an astounding 13 nominations, eight of which were wins.

9 Out Of Africa (1985)

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Out of Africa (1985)
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Out of Africa, directed by Sydney Pollack, is a romantic drama based on the autobiographical novel by Karen Blixen. Set in early 20th-century Kenya, the film stars Meryl Streep as an aristocratic woman who runs a coffee plantation. The narrative explores her romantic entanglements with a big-game hunter, played by Robert Redford, alongside the challenges she faces in a foreign land.

Director Sydney Pollack Release Date December 20, 1985 Cast Robert Redford , Meryl Streep , Klaus Maria Brandauer , Michael Kitchen , Malick Bowens Runtime 161 Minutes

Out Of Africa’s storyline focused on Karen Blixen’s life in Kenya from 1914 to 1931 and delved into her search for love and independence. The film was based on the autobiographical novel of the same name, and Meryl Streep received significant applause for her portrayal of the complex protagonist. Over the years, Karen fell in love with Africa and its inhabitants, which allowed Out Of Africa to highlight the contrasting differences between its culture and hers. The film’s cinematography was incredibly picturesque and showcased the African landscape beautifully, which made Karen’s ever-changing relationship with Denys even more romantic.

The film’s score, composed by John Barry, was one of its most memorable aspects, and every track contributed something to each scene. Its costume design was also notable and accurate to 20th-century colonial Africa, which made Out Of Africa even more authentic. Out Of Africa won seven Academy Awards in 1986, including Best Actress for Streep and Best Picture and Best Director for Sydney Pollack. Although Blixen’s journey of self-discovery and resilience was strong, Out Of Africa’s best aspects were absolutely its stunning visuals and atmospheric music.

8 Amadeus (1984)

Amadeus
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Telling the fictionalized story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s life, Amadeus is adapted by Peter Shaffer from his 1979 stage play of the same name. Set in 18th Century Vienna, Austria, the biopic follows the legendary composer from when he left Salzburg, through his disastrous rivalriy with Antonio Salieri.

Director Milos Forman Release Date September 19, 1984 Cast F. Murray Abraham , Tom Hulce , Elizabeth Berridge , Simon Callow , Roy Dotrice , Christine Ebersole Runtime 160 minutes

1984’s Amadeus dramatized historical elements of the late 18th century and the melodies of Wolfgang Mozart. Through a beautiful fictionalized story about the classical musician’s life, Amadeus’ narrative explored themes of jealousy through Mozart’s rivalry with Italian composer Antonio Salieri. The film featured an incredible soundtrack comprised of Mozart’s compositions, which were beautifully integrated into Amadeus’ scenes. Although Amadeus was brilliantly received and won a spectacular eight Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, and four BAFTAs, it was still greatly underappreciated.

The nature of Mozart’s genius and the destructive powers of envy were translated in a tremendously tense way, but Amadeus’ set and costume design made it even more impactful. The backdrop of 18th-century Vienna was brilliantly replicated, which played into the atmosphere of the societal standards that the titular character faced in Joseph II’s court. However, the stand out in Amadeus was F. Murray Abraham’s portrayal of Salieri, which earned him the Oscar for Best Actor.

7 Sophie’s Choice (1982)

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Sophie’s Choice (1983)
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Sophie’s Choice follows the tragic story of Sophie Zawistowski, a Polish immigrant and Holocaust survivor, as she navigates her traumatic past and present life in Brooklyn. She forms a complex relationship with aspiring writer Stingo and her volatile lover Nathan. Through flashbacks, Sophie reveals her harrowing experiences during World War II, leading to a devastating and haunting revelation.

Director Alan J. Pakula Release Date March 4, 1983 Cast Meryl Streep , Kevin Kline , Peter MacNicol , Rita Karin , Stephen D. Newman , Greta Turken , Josh Mostel , Marcell Rosenblatt Runtime 150 Minutes

Although Sophie’s Choice was one of Meryl Streep’s best movies and a shining addition to her filmography, there were so many other reasons why the film was so amazing. Streep’s career-defining performance as Sophie Zawistowski, a complex and tormented Holocaust survivor, led to her first and only Academy Award for Best Actress. Sophie’s Choice recounted the heartbreaking story of the titular Polish immigrant who constantly looked over her shoulder, horrified by her past with the Gestapo and German work camps and the events that resulted in her daughter’s death.

The devastating storyline of Sophie’s Choice was haunting and painfully accurate of the real-life experiences that Jewish people faced during World War II. Even though the film used a non-linear narrative and jumped back and forth in time, scenes in the present still shared the eerie atmosphere to those set in the past. The poignant exploration of the Holocaust and its devastating aftermath in Sophie’s Choice was a result of Alan J. Pakula’s talented direction, with stellar cinematography that reaffirmed the profound impactfulness of its story. ​​​​​​​

6 Cleopatra (1963)

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Cleopatra (1963)

Cleopatra is a historical epic film directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, based on the life of the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt, Cleopatra VII. The film stars Elizabeth Taylor as the titular character, alongside Richard Burton as Mark Antony and Rex Harrison as Julius Caesar. The film chronicles Cleopatra’s complex relationships with these two powerful Roman leaders.

Director Joseph L. Mankiewicz Release Date June 12, 1963 Cast Elizabeth Taylor , Richard Burton , Rex Harrison , Pamela Brown , George Cole Runtime 248 Minutes

Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s Cleopatra focused on the life of the last ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom. The legendary Elizabeth Taylor portrayed the titular character, and her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony were spectacularly recounted in Cleopatra by delving into the relatively unknown details of their unions. Cleopatra was one of Elizabeth Taylor’s best movies, and the depth she brought to the complex historical figure was simply breathtaking. However, it was also a Golden Age Hollywood movie with a dark story that unfolded behind the scenes, as it launched the beginning of Richard Burton and Taylor’s tumultuous marriage.

Despite the drama with its cast, Cleopatra had plenty of admirable qualities. Its elaborate set design, costuming, and props were all accurate to ancient Egypt, which was very impressive, considering it was released in 1963. At the 1964 Academy Awards, Cleopatra was awarded Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design for these efforts. The film tremendously fictionalized an era of history that not many other titles had attempted or correctly achieved, and Cleopatra VII’s battle with choosing between her heart and her people was a fascinating and relatable story many felt a connection to.

5 Ben-Hur (1959)

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Ben Hur (1959)

Ben Hur is an epic historical drama directed by William Wyler, starring Charlton Heston in the titular role. Set during the time of Christ, the story follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is betrayed and enslaved by his childhood friend. The film is renowned for its chariot race scene and earned eleven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Director William Wyler Release Date November 18, 1959 Cast Charlton Heston , Stephen Boyd , Hugh Griffith , Jack Hawkins , Haya Harareet Runtime 222 Minutes

Ben-Hur was ahead of its time, and its picturesque cinematography and tense action sequences, like the pirate invasion or the chariot race, were groundbreaking in 1959. The film focused on Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish Prince living at the peak of the Roman Empire and in the initial years of the Christian religion. The mix of historically accurate events and a fictional narrative was fascinating and impactful, and every moment that was made up had the potential to be believed as the truth. Charlton Heston’s performance as the titular character was particularly strong and earned him his Oscar for Best Actor.

Out of 12 Academy Award nominations, Ben-Hur took home 11, with the only loss being for Best Adapted Screenplay, which was awarded to Room at the Top. Every little detail of Ben-Hur was thought through, and it was apparent on-screen. The creation and execution of the costuming, for example, was incredible. Elizabeth Haffenden won the Oscar for Best Costume Design for Ben-Hur, which made a lot of sense, especially as the styling of the Roman soldiers was so intricately planned out and researched. However, one criticism Ben-Hur received was the extremely long runtime of three and a half hours.

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4 Titanic (1997)

Titanic
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Titanic is the 1997 blockbuster romantic/disaster epic based on the events surrounding the sinking of the legendary “unsinkable” vessel. Flashing back to the past and forward to the present, the film primarily follows the stories of the well-to-do and somewhat timid Rose and the poor but lively Jack, star-crossed lovers who meet aboard the doomed ship. In addition, the film tells true and fictionalized accounts of the passengers of the RMS Titanic, with an older Rose recounting her tale to the crew of a research ship. 

Director James Cameron Release Date December 19, 1997 Cast David Warner , Kathy Bates , Billy Zane , Bill Paxton , Bernard Hill , Kate Winslet , Leonardo DiCaprio , Gloria Stuart , Frances Fisher , Victor Garber Runtime 3h 14m

Titanic, released in 1997, was set against the backdrop of the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage in April 1912. This historical event was retold through the eyes of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jack and Kate Winslet’s Rose, two very different people who fell in love aboard the iconic ship. Titanic tackled themes of the social class divide and true love in a unique way, and much like Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the characters’ fates were already sealed from the start of Titanic, which made their story more interesting. Titanic demonstrated that wealth couldn’t dictate death and that not everything was fixable with money.

James Cameron’s direction and the work of production behind the scenes massively contributed to the film’s success, and he was the mind behind some of the most iconic movie scenes ever, such as Jack’s proclamation of “I’m King of the World!” and his and Rose’s steamy carriage encounter. Titanic’s legendary soundtrack was listened to for decades after its release, and “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dione continued to be a defining part of the film. As the years passed, Titanic remained as one of Leonardo DiCaprio’s best movies and one of the most notable period piece films ever.

3 Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Pride & Prejudice (2005)
PG
Drama
Romance

Pride & Prejudice is a 2005 film adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, directed by Joe Wright. The story follows Elizabeth Bennet, played by Keira Knightley, as she navigates societal pressures, family expectations, and romantic entanglements in early 19th-century England. Matthew Macfadyen stars as the enigmatic Mr. Darcy, whose evolving relationship with Elizabeth highlights themes of love, class, and misunderstanding.

Director Joe Wright Release Date November 23, 2005 Cast Keira Knightley , Matthew Macfadyen , Brenda Blethyn , Donald Sutherland , Talulah Riley , Rosamund Pike , Jena Malone , Carey Mulligan Runtime 129 Minutes Writers Deborah Moggach , Jane Austen , Emma Thompson

Pride & Prejudice was based on Jane Austen’s novel of the same name. Although it wasn’t the first adaptation of the groundbreaking piece of literature, the 2005 version was the best. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s timeless love story became even more dramatic through Kiera Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen’s stunning performances, and both received huge applause for their on-screen chemistry together. Pride & Prejudice was the ultimate enemies-to-lovers story, but the setting of the late 18th century and its strict societal expectations resulted in an unbearable tension that built up until Elizabeth and Darcy’s eventual kiss.

Pride & Prejudice felt incredibly modern yet accurate at the same time. Scriptwriter Deborah Moggach preserved as much of Elizabeth’s original dialogue from the book, but she also analyzed and improved upon Austen’s work in several areas. Pride & Prejudice was Joe Wright’s directorial debut, but his previous experience in television allowed for a refreshing change of pace. Surprisingly, Pride & Prejudice never won an Academy Award. However, it was nominated for four, including Best Actress for Kiera Knightley, and Wright was also awarded Most Promising Newcomer at the BAFTAs.

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2 Little Women (2019)

Little Women
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The seventh film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel, Greta Gerwig’s Little Women details the coming-of-age story of the March sisters, four young women living in Concord, Massachusetts during the American Civil War. The film stars Saoirse Ronan as Jo March, with Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, and Eliza Scanlen playing Amy, Meg, and Beth respectively. The film received critical acclaim upon its release and garnered six nominations and one win at the 92nd Academy Awards. 

Director Greta Gerwig Release Date December 25, 2019 Cast Emma Watson , Timothee Chalamet , Bob Odenkirk , Florence Pugh , Eliza Scanlen , Abby Quinn , Lilly Englert , Chris Cooper , James Norton , Sasha Frolova , Meryl Streep , Saoirse Ronan , Laura Dern , Louis Garrel Runtime 135 minutes

2019’s Little Women was one of several movies directed and written by Greta Gerwig, who did a stellar job in bringing the tale of four sisters to the silver screen. Unlike other adaptations of Little Women, the 2019 interpretation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel was unique because Gerwig decided to use a non-linear timeline. Rather than chunks of the story being dedicated to Jo, Amy, Beth, and Meg’s narratives as young women in 19th-century Massachusetts, their timelines were reordered and interwoven to be more chronological. Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh were especially praised for the portrayal of their character’s arcs.

The personalities of the two characters were vastly different, but they shared the same struggle of being women in an era that kept them from independence. This theme of societal expectations was another aspect Gerwig was celebrated for, and in an interview, the director confirmed that a conversation with Meryl Streep inspired Amy’s famous monologue to Laurie (via The Hollywood Reporter). Shockingly, Gerwig didn’t win the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. Between the historical backdrop of the aftermath of the Civil War and the fictional lives of the March sisters, Little Women proved itself to be a timeless story.

1 Schindler’s List (1993)

Schindler’s List (1993)
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Schindler’s List is a historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg, chronicling the efforts of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust. Starring Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, and Ralph Fiennes, the film vividly portrays the atrocities committed during World War II while highlighting Schindler’s transformation from a profit-driven industrialist to a humanitarian savior.

Director Steven Spielberg Release Date December 15, 1993 Cast Liam Neeson , Ben Kingsley , Ralph Fiennes , Caroline Goodall , Jonathan Sagall Runtime 195 Minutes

Schindler’s List quickly became a prominent title in the period movie genre because of its heartbreaking tale about Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over 1000 refugees from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. While technically a member of the Nazi party, Oskar’s experiences throughout the film resulted in a psychological battle with himself. Throughout Oskar’s journey, Schindler’s List highlighted themes of morality and corruption, as his character development changed him from a greedy opportunist to a heroic savior. Liam Neeson’s portrayal of Oskar was heartbreaking but gritty, but surprisingly, he never won an Oscar for it.

Although Schindler’s List didn’t include a typical legendary Steven Spielberg action scene, the director was praised for his sensitivity to the subject. Schindler’s List was shot completely in black and white, which added to the humane but realistic interpretation of one of the most disturbing historical events ever. Schindler’s List started a conversation about a topic that hadn’t been tackled in such a way before, which resulted in its seven well-deserved Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Spielberg. Due to its cast performances, haunting story, and Spielberg’s directional style, Schindler’s List was a period movie like no other.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment