MOVIE NIGHTS: period movies

issue no. 5

period movies

This is a risky choice for me, I often find period dramas long-winded and almost repetitive I guess. They often make a lot of the same points but with my limited knowledge of them, it is probably foolish to make such sweeping statements. I wanted to try some movies that I know are popular to give this genre a second chance. Plus, it is satisfying to explore movies you wouldn’t usually watch. Let’s do it.

🎥 issue no. 2: women take the lead

🎥 issue no. 3: horror-comedies

🎥 issue no. 4: Jordan Peele’s film

movie one: little women [2019]

synopsis: Jo March reflects back and forth on her life, telling the beloved story of the March sisters – four young women, each determined to live life on her own terms. [view trailer]

age rating: U

genre: drama, romance

my rating: ★★★★★★ 6/10

favourite character(s): Amy

I read the first part of the book (my copy only had the first half) so I was very eager to see the story at its completion. For the most part, it is a slow story as it is the story of a (mostly) happy family. Each of the 4 daughters has their own approach for how to build a life that makes them happy whilst living in a society that does not provide women the same rights/choices as men. For me, that is the genius of the movie as it values these women’s right to choose what suits them and how it isn’t easy, but each choice is valid in its own right.

The movie did really well at keeping me invested even with a relatively mellow plot. I loved the use of a dual timeline and how it brought the March siblings together. It felt so believable how they interacted with each other; both the laughing and the fighting. It was heartwarming to see. In fact, it was very satisfying to sink into the whole imagery of the film.

As briefly mentioned, it was the differences between each sister that helped the story stand out. Each personality was so distinct and sure of itself. It created a vibrant movie with lots of thoughtful conversation. Amy, played by Florence Pugh, stole the show for me. Often a voice that would be villainized or looked down on, but given careful consideration. Of course, Pugh is an amazing actress. My favourite scene would easily be when Amy comforts Jo after cutting her hair. It said everything about sisters to me.

final thoughts: I’d recommend it to the right audience.

movie two: pride and prejudice [2005]

synopsis: Sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet meets single, rich, and proud Mr. Darcy. But Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can each overcome their own pride and prejudice? [view trailer]

age rating: U

genre: drama, romance

my rating: ★★★★★★★ 7/10

favourite character(s): Mr Darcy

I watched this movie when I was 8 (?) and I didn’t care for it, it was completely blocked from my memory. So I wanted to give it another go and I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it.

Lizzie is a great lead, the classic mould for period movies, but I did like the way she held her opinion and considered others. Her relationships with her sister and parents also made her easy to like. Therefore, it had a solid foundation.

This is definitely a romance film, a very artsy one. I enjoyed the imagery once again so I can see why this film is all over Pinterest. The main takeaway is the budding relationship and it was all about the angst. It is enemies-to-lovers, but focusing on feeling emotions you want to hide and the ol’ trusty miscommunication. Mr Darcy’s character type suited this romance so much. His sullen personality and natural awkwardness, all while his face says so much. I adored it. It made him very likeable to me.

The ending was great, running out the door was the perfect moment to cut for me as this entire story was the blueprint for “if you have to make them kiss to show it’s a romance, you aren’t writing a good enough romance” so I loved that it cut there. It was truly the perfect moment. All the angst and waiting were leading up to that smile.

final thoughts: I enjoyed it.

movie three: persuasion [2022]

synopsis: Eight years after Anne Elliot was persuaded not to marry a dashing man of humble origins, they meet again. Will she seize her second chance at true love? [view trailer]

age rating: PG

genre: drama, romance, comedy

my rating: ★★★★★ 5/10

favourite character(s): Mary, Mr Elliott

This is an unpopular adaptation for Persuasion and it definitely isn’t for everyone. In fact, it felt like a classic movie that was made for people who don’t like classics. The trailer does prepare you for the tonality, so watch it and choose wisely.

I think you can debate whether this was a good idea or not. With various adaptations, I do actually think it makes a certain sense to do creative and different ones. Perhaps earning the title reimagining suits this style more. The film tends to approach more modern feminism instead of concerning itself with why women in the 19th century felt and act the way they do. I can see how people would be frustrated by this, yet I do enjoy the relatable charm. Bringing in modern humour and reactions.

I will say as I know little about the original story, there will be far more knowledgeable responses elsewhere. This is just how I interpreted the adaptation. Seeing it as a movie on its own; I did love the humourous nods as it brought a lot of personality to Anne. Especially in regards to Mary who was immediately my favourite with a personality made for sitcoms, acted drily to be suitable for a comedy-drama. But I had no interest in the romance or love interest which probably shouldn’t have been a forgettable part. Therefore it is a middle-of-the-road film for me.

final thoughts: I’m mostly glad I’ve seen it once.

movie four: belle [2013]

synopsis: The biracial daughter, Dido Elizabeth Belle, of Royal Navy Captain Sir John Lindsay is raised by aristocratic Great-uncle Lord William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield in 18th century England. [view trailer]

age rating: 12A

genre: biography, drama, romance

my rating: ★★★★★★★ 7/10

favourite character(s): Dido, Elizabeth

This movie has the strongest plot of all the ones I watched. Following Dido’s character; finding her place in the world, her relationship with her sister, the court case of slaves killed for insurance, and her relationship with her Great-uncle and the lawyer in relation to the case. The case was a heavy plot point and Dido’s involvement is limited by her position but I enjoyed how she spoke up and handled the emotions. Gugu is a talented actress and her facial expressions throughout the movie were really compelling, especially in one of the last scenes.

Another aspect of the plot was being a woman in the time and the expectation/necessity of marriage. Particularly the influence of race and class. Wealth has always been a prominent factor in giving people options with you can see reflecting in Dido and Elizabeth, who grew up as sisters. Dido is wealthy and Black, drawing comparisons to Elizabeth who is less wealthy and white. You can see this caused fractures in their relationship, but I love how ultimately it was such a positive relationship and adored their scenes together.

Romance was also a big section of the story. From poor suitors trying to gain access to her wealth to true romance where the progression is very much earned. This is a period drama where the two love interests talk (albeit during the occasional montage) more than I have ever seen before making any declarations.

There were many aspects to enjoy in this movie and I liked that it has lots of moving parts to keep my interest. I did love the acting as well. The commentary wasn’t always subtle but I think it suited the story nonetheless. Period movies are still not my favourite genre, but I found this a really good example of one.

final thoughts: I’d recommend it to the right audience.

Thank you for joining me for this watch party. Until next time…

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Do you like period movies? Which ones are your favourite? What do (or don’t) you like about them?

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