What would it feel like to go back in time and walk on the pebbled street of London along the rattling horse carriages of the 1790’s?
Or indulge in the queer yet elegant fashion of the Victorian age?
Or spend a Sunday afternoon with the mill workers leisurely sitting in a park?
What would one not give to catch a glimpse of the Edwardian palaces or pretty girls sitting around a fireplace, opening their Christmas presents, radiating warmth and affection?
The historical evidence of all these gaits, rhythms, liveliness, somberness of the glorified past is very well portrayed in the period films.
“Thus says the lord, Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”
These words perfectly echo the charming effect period movies have on an individual (you need not to be a Jane Austen for that). There is something timeless in the rustling of the gowns, the swaying of the hands, the horse rides in the pastures, the passionate indirect looks passed between the lovers, the tunes of the piano, tears of separation and the joy of reunion. Let’s have a look at some of the movies that make us swoon with their old-world customs, elegant dresses, elaborate manners and stately lifestyle, offering a totally different world, an entry into the past:
Pride and Prejudice
Who can ever forget the unexpected proposal of Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth and her rather blunt rejection? Arguably the most famous period film ever made, Pride and Prejudice revolves around first bad impressions, family, marriages, regrets and a much agreeable happy ending.
The Wuthering Heights
A passionate love story that balances between unrequited love and strong bonds of friendships, Wuthering Heights is the adaptation of Emily Bronte’s novel. This story of hate, love and revenge between Cathy and Heathcliff is highly recommended.
Little Women
This coming of age story of four March sisters is inspired from the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. Their heartwarming journey through hardships, wars, friendships, family and romance is enough to lift one’s spirit.
Emma
Probably the most famous and much praised Austen heroine (after Elizabeth Bennett of course), Emma is a protagonist who has everything and wants nothing other than watching people around her settling happily in matrimonial arrays, arranged by her. But in fitting the pieces together, she deranges the lives of the people around her, and as a result ends up being a victim of her little game herself.
North and South
What happens when a southern young girl is uprooted from her childhood residence and is forced to settle into North England, a place full of industries, dust, noise, misery and money minded people? She is unwelcomed and a stranger to the new ways of the world. Would her differences with the handsome mill owner, Mr. Thronton, lead to something positive and welcoming? Watch the movie to know the rest.
Far from the Madding Crowd
One cannot simply miss the story of a headstrong Victorian beautiful girl who faces a choice of three suitors in her life, all from different background. Whom should she choose and who did she really choose? Follow the movie to know the rest. This is Thomas Hardy at his best.