Period Romance Movies
Having a hard time finding good period romance movies? Below we have compiled a list of what we think are some of the best romantic period films. If you don’t see your favorite ones below, feel free to email us, and we will try to update the list. Or, visit our article that lists some more good historical romance movies.
Period Movies are generally characterized by a setting in the past and they usually include lavish costumes and scenery. However, while the films may be set in the past, the themes of the films are still relevant today.
Doctor Zhivago
Starring Omar Sharif, Julie Christine, Geraldine Chaplain
Directed By David Lean
Year 1965
Overview: A tragic love story set in the years surrounding the Russian revolution, "Dr. Zhivago" is the story of a young doctor and poet who is torn between faithfulness to his wife and passionate love for his muse, Lara. Included in this film is one of the most well-known pieces of movie soundtrack music, "Lara's Theme".
Starring Daniel Day Lewis, Helena Bonham Carter, Maggie Smith
Directed By James Ivory
Year 1986
Overview: A beautiful adaptation of E.M. Forster's novel, "Room with a View" is the story of Lucy Honeychurch, who while traveling to Italy with her older chaperone, meets a man who is not restricted by the typical binds of Victorian society. However, her family wants her to marry the prudish Cecil.
Becoming Jane
Starring Anne Hathway, James McAvoy, Julie Walters
Directed By Julian Jarrold
Year 2007
Overview: Loosely based on the real life romance of Jane Austen and Thomas Lefroy, this is a wonderful period piece about the young and rebellious Jane, who would rather write than worry about finding a husband. However, love has a way of finding her.
Sense and Sensibility
Starring Kate Winslet, Emma Thomspson, James Fleet
Directed By Ang Lee
Year 1995
Overview: Based on one of Jane Austen's best loved novels, this version is wonderfully crafted by an academy award winning director Ang Lee. The tale of three sisters, who have dire marriage opportunities after their father dies leaving them with a meager inheritance. They struggle to find love, against the biases of the society.
Starring Colin Firth, Jennifer Ehle
Directed By Simon Langton
Year 1995
Overview: Probably Jane Austen's most beloved work is lovingly adapted in this lush miniseries from the BBC. The story of independent Elizabeth Bennett and the proud Mr. Darcy, however what appears on the surface is not always the truth in a person's heart.
Starring Gwenyth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush
Directed By John Madden
Year 1998
Overview: What if Shakespeare's most famous love stories were actually based on Shakespeare's own real romance? This enchanting romantic comedy poses that question, when the penniless Shakespeare falls in love with an affluent merchant's daughter, Viola.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles
Starring Gemma Arterton, Hans Matheson, Eddie Redmayne
Directed By David Blair
Year 2008
Overview: An adaption of Thomas Hardy's famous work, "Tess of the D'Urbervilles", the story of an independent, beautiful peasant girl, whose family learns they may be descendents of a noble family. However, will this new discovery separate her from her true love?
Editor's Pick: Watch "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" Movie Trailer
Lady Jane
Starring Helena Bonham Carter, Cary Elwes
Directed By Trevor Nunn
Year 1986
Overview: In the tumult following the death of Henry VIII, this is the story of young Lady Jane Grey and her arranged marriage to the son of the Duke of Northumberland. These two at first despise each other, however fall passionately in love. But powerful politics may prove to keep them apart.
Starring Ruth Wilson, Toby Stephens
Directed By Susanna White
Year 2006
Overview: Based on Charlotte Bronte's novel, "Jane Eyre" is the story of a young governess who is sent to tutor the only daughter of the brooding Mr. Rochester. With time, the two form a friendship that deepens into love, however Mr. Rochester is hiding a secret that could rip them apart.
The Great Gatsby
Starring Robert Redford, Mia Farrow
Directed By Jack Clayton
Year 1974
Wonderful adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic, with a screenplay by Francis Ford Coppola, this movie is beautiful in its simplicity. A young Midwesterner arrives at Long Island and is enamored with the wealth and luxury he sees around him, and especially with the elegantly lovely Daisy.
Conclusion
Hope this list is helpful, and if you would like to add your own review or suggestions on your favorite period romance movies, then you are most welcome to do so. Thanks for reading, and if you found this information useful then please share this site among your friends and relatives.