There's something extremely special about Period movies. They are able to take the viewers back to a completely different time. The historicity is only a part of it, it is the ability to create a world that is like the present in many ways, but not in other ways, that makes it special. There is something even more incredibly special about Romantic Period movies.
Stories of star-crossed lovers in times before the internet are very appealing to audiences for many reasons. The centrality of the romance in the absence of other externalities makes it more engaging for viewers. Here are some of the best Romantic Period movies.
Mansfield Park (7.1)
This 1999 British movie is based on the novel of the same title written by Jane Austen. There are some deviations from the book and artistic licenses the movie takes. It is a more modern take with a cast that includes Frances O'Connor, Jonny Lee Miller, Anna Popplewell, James Purefoy, and more. Patricia Rozema's take on the characters shows Fanny, not as a frail, shy girl but as a smart, quick-witted character. The chemistry between Fanny and Edmund is brilliant thanks to Frances and Jonny.
Shakespeare In Love (7.1)
This 1998 Romantic Period film won 7 Oscars at the Academy Awards. The film plays with history and one of Shakespeare's actual plays, Romeo and Juliet. This imaginary love story happens between Shakespeare, played by Joseph Fiennes and Gwenyth Paltrow. The setting, the Shakespearean monologues, the dramatic tension, all provide for an exciting watch for viewers. This movie takes a lot of artistic freedom to create an enchanting and dramatic love story worthy of Shakespeare himself. Shakespeare in Love is incredibly funny and romantic and the actors perform their characters very well.
The Age Of Innocence (7.2)
Based on the novel of the same title written by Edith Wharton, this movie was directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese. Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Winona Ryder and Michelle Pfeiffer among others, the actors bring to life Newland Archer, May Welland, and Ellen Olenska.
The chemistry between these actors, the different romantic entanglements are shown beautifully in this film. Quite different from the usual Scorsese fare, The Age of Innocence is elegant, romantic yet stylish. The movie is firm in its Period piece roots but still manages to engage modern viewers in its complicated story of love.
The Great Gatsby (7.2)
The 2013 adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel of the same name is a bright, colorful, exciting watch. This film adaptation has an extremely popular star cast with Leonardo DiCaprio, Toby Maguire, Cary Mulligan, Isla Fisher, and more. This American classic of the doomed love story of Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan is captured with all of its dazzling embellishments. The contemporary and modern music score also adds to this film elevating it from a far-away period piece, to something that is quite modern.
Jane Eyre (7.3)
This 2011 adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's novel of the same name is eerie and beautiful to watch. Mia Wasikowska breathes life into Jane Eyre and performs it with the tenderness, sensitivity, and sharpness that the role requires. Michael Fassbender plays the Byronic hero Edward Rochester with the rugged charm the role calls for. Their performance and chemistry turn this slow story into a very moving one. Viewers will be in a dilemma to root for their getting-together considering Rochester's ex-wife Bertha Mason as well.
Sense And Sensibility (7.6)
This 1995 adaptation of the Jane Austen novel of the same name was written by Emma Thompson, who stars in the movie as well. Ang Lee directs this Romantic Period movie that boasts of an extraordinary star cast including the likes of Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Hugh Laurie, and more.
These highly skilled actors bring another dimension to this story and make it a very warm and relevant portrayal. The release of this movie also brought Jane Austen to a whole new generation of audiences, with more adaptations being successively made.
Atonement (7.8)
This 2007 film was based on Ian McEwan's novel of the same name and was nominated for a variety of Academy Awards. With a strong cast including the likes of Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Saoirse Ronan, Benedict Cumberbatch, and more, the movie was praised for their performances. The movie is a visual treat and the cinematography and soundtrack were also much appreciated. The viewers get invested in the love story of Cecilia and Robbie because of the chemistry of the actors Knightley and McAvoy, who play these characters respectively.
Titanic (7.8)
This 1997 modern classic flits back and forth from history to present in its storytelling. This epic romance of massive proportions draws viewers especially because of the wonderfully young and innocent love story between Jack and Rose played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. This James Cameron movie was nominated for 14 Academy Awards and won 11 of them. This movie intersperses history and fiction to create a love story that is now deeply embedded into pop culture. This love story crosses class barriers that are captured through instances like Jack's attempts to socialize with the people in the first class, and Rose's joy in dancing with the people in the third-class.
Pride & Prejudice (7.8)
This 2005 adaptation is based on Jane Austen's novel of the same name. The love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is one that is very popular. And it became all the more popular thanks to Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden's incredible chemistry performing these characters.
This fresh take on the story shines because of Knightley's performance as the strong-willed, charismatic Elizabeth Bennet who refuses to live by society's expectations for her. This Romantic Period movie is delightful to watch and the characters are very endearing.
Little Women (7.9)
This 2019 film is an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's novel of the same name. A very modern take on the classic, this movie is a period film filled with nuanced women and thought-provoking monologues. Greta Gerwig's film is a visual delight and uses color to go back and forth in time. Though the story mostly revolves around the female characters and their camaraderie, the movie does get its viewers invested in the many romantic entanglements. Special mention has to be given to Saoirse Ronan and Timothee Chalamet for their performances.