On her own, she begins to detect the house’s dynamics and the strict rules that are part of her new reality. A young English writer named Juliet Ashton (Lily James) becomes involved with a book club called "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society," which is located in the German-occupied island in the 1940s. “After an absence of 35 years, the Roman Empire makes a thrilling return to the big screen in ‘Gladiator,'” Variety’s Todd McCarthy wrote. “‘Sense and Sensibility’ used updated versions of early 19th-century heroes to sell emerging ideals of manhood to the late-20th century, at a time when the pro-feminist men’s movement was challenging gender norms in the realm of politics and pop culture,” Devoney Looser wrote in The Atlantic’s review of the film. It's a journey into another dimension as it travels from the dangerously seductive settings of Florence, with its foul smells and Renaissance glories, to the more serene landscapes of England, where undeclared wars are fought over tea cups. Here are the best period pieces of all time, ranked according to critics’ scores on Rotten Tomatoes. Rita Kempley wrote in the Washington Post. "Firth's measured performance, delivered in a clipped British accent, has just the right restraint, and the intelligent dialogue is a pleasure," The Hollywood Reporter's Deborah Young wrote. Director Steve McQueen's "12 Years a Slave" is the story of a free man, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), that was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War South. Rita Kempley wrote in the Washington Post. When the three astronauts realize there was an onboard explosion once they're already in space, they're forced to forgo their dreams of walking on the moon and devise a plan to return home. Such a film is ‘Gandhi,'” the Variety staff wrote. Adapted from the 1981 Broadway musical and set in 1960s Detroit, “Dreamgirls” follows the female singing group “The Dreamettes.” The trio sets out on a journey to become stars but must overcome obstacles along the way. Following the first Black volunteer regiment in the Civil War, “Glory” zeroes in on the heroic men of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick). The period drama, as you have probably noticed by now, is a largely heteronormative affair. The Washington Post's Ann Hornaday called the film "a feast for the ages, a groaning board of exquisitely photographed scenes, iconic performances and tender nods toward old age that leave viewers in a mood more wistful than keyed-up.". The 2012 film, which was also directed by Affleck, is closely based on the real-life CIA rescue mission. He continued, "In both, we see facets of ourselves: In philosophical microcosm, Cameron shows that in the end — both the good and the bad endings — we're all in the same boat.". A Scottish patriot William Wallace (Mel Gibson) seeks revenge after his bride is murdered, sparking a battle – and eventual war – against King Edward I of England in the 13th century. But there are plenty of historical films — like "Little Women" and "A Room With a View" — that have been celebrated by critics and audiences alike. Here are the best period pieces of all time, ranked according to critics' scores on Rotten Tomatoes. “Szpilman’s recollections, published shortly after the war, offer, like other such books, a deeply paradoxical impression of the Holocaust. He added, "'The Imitation Game' is an immersive true story that laces dizzying tension with raw emotion.". “‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’ is an old-school, old-fashioned entertainment, a romantic drama bursting with scenic vistas and earnest charm that contains just enough mystery to keep us involved,” Kenneth Turan wrote for the Los Angeles Times. A victorious general (Russell Crowe) refuses to follow the new emperor who killed his father. This is a list of the top romantic period movies including everything from Pride & Prejudice to The English Patient to Ever After. Best Historical / Period Films and Series. “Who knows how close any of this comes to historical fact; the filmmakers’ main source appears to be the Logue family. Insider rounded up 50 of the best historical dramas based on critics’ scores found on Rotten Tomatoes. Such a film is 'Gandhi,'" the Variety staff wrote. Creating a successful period piece film is no easy task, given that the movie must accurately portray a different era while still appealing to a modern-day audience. A look at how one man’s diagnosis with ALS altered the course of his life, “The Theory of Everything” chronicles famed physicist Stephen Hawking’s (Eddie Redmayne) career and romance with wife Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones). "1917," which won three Academy Awards, is an action-packed film that brings viewers along on a high-stakes, seemingly impossible mission. A World War II veteran named Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) recalls his memories as part of a mob and as a hitman in the 1950s through the 1970s. Largely overlooked despite their contributions to the agency's work, the 2016 film gives credit to the unsung heroes of the Space Race. The Atlantic's David Sims called "Carol" a film "where feelings run very deep—and its power comes from watching them emerge on the surface, if only for an instant.". It doesn't really matter, though, because something about all this feels right, as do the characters," Kirk Honeycutt wrote for The Hollywood Reporter. The Washington Post’s Hal Hinson called the film “a completely adequate modern facsimile of the classic romantic epic.”. “‘Hidden Figures’ pays tribute to its subjects by doing the opposite of what many biopics have done in the past – it looks closely at the remarkable person in the context of a community,”Lenika Cruz wrote for The Atlantic. The Best Period Dramas. score: 72 of 200 (36%) required scores: 1, 42, 60, 77, 100 list stats leaders vote Vote print comments. “‘The Ten Commandments’ takes all the great technical advances, VistaVision, Technicolor, high fidelity recording, etc., and without allowing these physical elements to dominate, tells one of the greatest stories of all time,” The Hollywood Reporter staff wrote. They arouse genuine emotional feeling in the audience," Variety's Ronald Holloway said. In AD 26, an aristocratic Jew (Charlton Heston) faces off with a Roman friend after a disagreement and is sent to slavery. "What makes it as rousing as it is is our awareness that the Civil War was far from a decisive victory for blacks; it was more like the first round in a struggle for freedom and equality that continues more than a century later," The Los Angeles Times' Kevin Thomas wrote. "Set against the stunning backdrops of pre-war North Africa and the end of hostilities in Italy, this detailed, time-jumping study of the intertwined fates of several of battle's victims carries the prestige to be a strong attraction for upscale audiences, and Miramax can be counted upon to try to push it as far into the mainstream as possible," Variety's Todd McCarthy wrote. Eternal love is one of the best i have enjoyed. Throughout the course of the film, he reveals a passionate love affair with a married woman (Kristin Scott Thomas) and his true identity.”The English Patient” is based on the 1992 novel by Michael Ondaatje. Scott wrote in The New York Times. A World War II veteran named Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) recalls his memories as part of a mob and as a hitman in the 1950s through the 1970s. In “Schindler’s List,” Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) is a member of the Nazi party that employs Jews in his factory during World War II. ", "There's no doubt that Redmayne is working from 20/20 hindsight," David Edelstein wrote for Vulture. “It’s an undeniable pleasure to dig into a crackling spy thriller dished out by experts,” Peter Travers wrote in Rolling Stone. There’s just something about the costumes that makes the love feel that much more dramatic. When the three astronauts realise there was an onboard explosion once they’re already in space, they’re forced to forgo their dreams of walking on the moon and devise a plan to return home. We took a 4-hour flight on the new Delta Airbus jet that Boeing tried to keep out of the US. “While entirely satisfying on its own, ‘Selma’ seems to contain the seeds of at least a dozen other movies – a reminder of how fertile the civil rights era is and how poorly it has been explored by popular culture,” The New York Times critic A.O. The film relies heavily on music and cinematography rather than dialogue to tell the fictional characters’ story. For Lovecraft, it was the sheer magnitude of our insignificance in the face of the icy void, ‘pierced by the feeble light of half-dead stars.’ They’re not just pawns reciting flowery dialog to fill gaps between the action and spectacle scenes. Based on Jane Austen's novel of the same name, "Sense and Sensibility" follows the Dashwood sisters after their wealthy father (Tom Wilkinson) dies. “The Ten Commandments” tells the biblical story of Moses (Charlton Heston), an Egyptian prince who finds out his true heritage – altering the course of his life. Ron Howard's 1995 film powerfully captures both the excitement and suspense leading up to the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. “Fit with pitch-perfect costumes and sets and a sufficient sense of scope and grandiosity, ‘Dreamgirls’ is an enjoyable musical, even if it has to rely on the voices of its actors to carry certain scenes,” Cameron Johnson wrote for The Spread. She realizes that she can't marry her true love Pedro (Marco Leonardi). An adaptation of Norman Maclean's 1976 semi-autobiography, "A River Runs Through It" introduces the Maclean brothers, who grew up fly fishing together in rural Montana. "Yorgos Lanthimos's new film, starring Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz, turns 18th-century royal intrigue into sublime and ridiculous comedy," A.O. Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk” follows thousands of British and Allied troops as they become encompassed by their enemies during the Dunkirk evacuation of World War II. This show made waves when it aired on HBO for its crazy high production value and constant appearances by historical characters that made it feel more like an Assassin's Creedgame than a TV show, and takes place at the perfect time to start off a chronological viewing of the best period dramas currently streaming. “The adaptation is faithful to its historical roots, yet it runs on contemporary energy,” The Wall Street Journal’s Joe Morgenstern wrote. "The Age of Innocence" takes place in 19th century New York. “The Longest Day” examines the fateful day from both the German and Allied sides, channeling both leaders and soldiers’ experiences (using a star-studded, massive cast) into the narrative. Bridgerton's creators admitted, while speaking to the press, that the Regency-era series wasn't fully historically accurate.Still, with its lush sets and intricate costumes, Bridgerton is definitely a portal to the past. If you're looking for escapism and a trip back in time that's awash with romance, lavish costumes, inspiring true stories and swashbuckling adventures - enjoy our list of the best period … Scott wrote in The New York Times. At two and a quarter hours, it is the longest film yet by French director Jean-Pierre Jeunet; happily, it is also the most engaging, a stylish and satisfying epic of love and war, hope and memory,” Christopher Orr wrote for The Atlantic. "While entirely satisfying on its own, 'Selma' seems to contain the seeds of at least a dozen other movies — a reminder of how fertile the civil rights era is and how poorly it has been explored by popular culture," The New York Times critic A.O. "But the way he fuses past and future makes this a triumph of sympathetic imagination.". Instead, he marries her sister but remains infatuated with Tita, who finds a way to channel her emotions into cooking. Loosely based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s nonfiction book of the same name, “Hidden Figures” places the spotlight on three Black women – and the obstacles they must overcome – while working at NASA in the 1960s. “A Room With A View” is based on the novel by E.M. Forster and follows a young English woman named Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter) on her trip to Italy with her cousin in the early 1900s. "Who knows how close any of this comes to historical fact; the filmmakers' main source appears to be the Logue family. Eventually, Eilis is caught between her new life in the United States and her family in Ireland. "Wright has found an ideal collaborator in Oldman, an actor who knows how to embrace his most dramatic side but who still excels in his quieter moments," David Sims wrote in The Atlantic. Loosely based on Margot Lee Shetterly's nonfiction book of the same name, "Hidden Figures" places the spotlight on three Black women — and the obstacles they must overcome — while working at NASA in the 1960s. "'Hidden Figures' pays tribute to its subjects by doing the opposite of what many biopics have done in the past — it looks closely at the remarkable person in the context of a community," Lenika Cruz wrote for The Atlantic. After one of them leaves for college, they eventually reunite and discuss the way their lives have changed. “Ultimately, the thrill of ‘Argo’ is in watching how the illusion-making of movies found such an unlikely application on the world political stage, where the stakes were literally life and death,” Peter Debruge wrote in Variety. “Set against the stunning backdrops of pre-war North Africa and the end of hostilities in Italy, this detailed, time-jumping study of the intertwined fates of several of battle’s victims carries the prestige to be a strong attraction for upscale audiences, and Miramax can be counted upon to try to push it as far into the mainstream as possible,” Variety’s Todd McCarthy wrote. Here are 20 romantic period dramas to choose from for your next girls' movie night! Scott wrote in The New York Times. Films without critical scores were not included. The Atlantic’s David Sims called “Carol” a film “where feelings run very deep-and its power comes from watching them emerge on the surface, if only for an instant.”. Their relationship isn’t easy, as she’s already promised to a Duke. You needn’t have read Diana Gabaldon’s best-selling novels to know that Outlander is one of the most engrossing and richly told romantic dramas on television. “‘Brooklyn’ is easily the year’s best and most beguiling love story,” Peter Travers wrote for Rolling Stone, adding, “The surprise is that it also goes deeper, sadder and truer.”. The 2014 film is based on Wilde’s memoir “Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen.”, “There’s no doubt that Redmayne is working from 20/20 hindsight,”David Edelstein wrote for Vulture. "Little Women," "Selma," and "A Room With a View" were recognized as some of the most well-done period piece movies of all time. He narrowly escapes but finds his family was murdered and is soon after discovered by slavers and trained as a gladiator. Set in 1960s London, Jenny goes from wearing her school uniform to prancing around Paris with David. Scott wrote for The New York Times. But there are plenty of historical films – like “Little Women” and “A Room With a View” – that have been celebrated by critics and audiences alike. "The movie arranges an unsentimental education for both mismatched lovers, and there's no denying the collateral damage," Peter Travers wrote for Rolling Stone, adding, "You won't forget Mulligan's haunted eyes.". Set in Paris in the late 19th century, "Moulin Rouge!" The film is adapted from Jane Austen's 1814 novel. Gary Oldman plays Winston Churchill in his early days as the prime minister of the United Kingdom in “Darkest Hour.” The film, which was directed by Joe Wright, takes a concentrated deep dive into Churchill’s term from appointment to the Battle of Dunkirk. "Of course, there is never really any doubt that all who are seeking love — or at least marriage — will find it, in this slight but satisfying romantic roundelay," Michael O'Sullivan wrote in The Washington Post. "A Room With A View" is based on the novel by E.M. Forster and follows a young English woman named Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter) on her trip to Italy with her cousin in the early 1900s. When Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) wrongly accuses her older sister Cecilia's (Keira Knightley) lover (James McAvoy) of a crime in the early 20th century, she changes the directions of the couple's lives. “Carol” takes place in New York City in the 1950s. Here’s a list of the best places to stream period dramas and historical romance movies online: Amazon: If you are a Prime member (affiliate link), you will be able to watch many of the shows listed below for free, plus a lot of other movies and TV shows too! “‘Pride & Prejudice’ gathers you up on its white horse and gallops off into the sunset,” The New York Times critic Stephen Holden wrote, adding, “Along the way, it serves a continuing banquet of high-end comfort food perfectly cooked and seasoned to Anglophilic tastes.”. Set in Germany toward the end of World War II, a young boy (Roman Griffin Davis) who idolizes Adolf Hitler learns that his mother (Scarlett Johansson) has been hiding a Jew (Thomasin McKenzie) in their home. Convinced that he’ll never recover, he begins to plan his own suicide. They arouse genuine emotional feeling in the audience,” Variety’s Ronald Holloway said. The two women form a close bond, which eventually leads to romance. "The film's real-life story is as gripping as many fictional thrillers. Playing on themes like love, passion, betrayal, and family, the 2015 film is centered around a vibrant, independent protagonist that must navigate a variety of marriage offerings and relationships. Jesse on October 24, 2019: eternal love and legend of fuyao are d best movies so far,lots of love and romance,thumbs up,i also think dat journey of flowers should be included. Highly recommended.” ★★★★ – Daily Mail. Set in a rural English farming community in the 19th century, "Far From the Madding Crowd" follows Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan) as she manages a farm she inherited from her uncle. When a very wealthy man named Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) begins to fall for a woman in a lower class named Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley), their relationship is put to the test. Mathilde (Audrey Tautou) refuses to believe reports that her fiancé (Gaspard Ulliel) was killed in World War I and begins to investigate his disappearance. An adaptation of Norman Maclean’s 1976 semi-autobiography, “A River Runs Through It” introduces the Maclean brothers, who grew up fly fishing together in rural Montana. Adapted from the 1981 Broadway musical and set in 1960s Detroit, "Dreamgirls" follows the female singing group "The Dreamettes." Throughout the course of the film, he reveals a passionate love affair with a married woman (Kristin Scott Thomas) and his true identity. As she searches for answers about what happened to him, she uncovers a chilling secret. "The English Patient" is based on the 1992 novel by Michael Ondaatje. Maslin continued, “Mr. Best on Netflix is the place to discover the best TV shows and movies available on Netflix. Lanzhan on October 17, 2019: bloody romamce is the best..i want season 2 The Washington Post’s Hal Hinson called the film “a loving work of embracing nostalgia for a brighter, cleaner, more upright America.”. “This Lincoln isn’t an abstracted, infallible ideal, but rather a deeply conflicted, often lonely leader simply trying to do the right thing – even if that means a few wrong things along the way,” NPR’s Ian Buckwalter wrote. Period piece films have the power to transport viewers to a different time – whether it be the American suburbs in the 1950s or the English countryside in the early 19th century. She begins to find her footing in Brooklyn and even sparks a romance with an Italian man (Emory Cohen). “What makes it as rousing as it is is our awareness that the Civil War was far from a decisive victory for blacks; it was more like the first round in a struggle for freedom and equality that continues more than a century later,” The Los Angeles Times’ Kevin Thomas wrote. "The adaptation is faithful to its historical roots, yet it runs on contemporary energy," The Wall Street Journal's Joe Morgenstern wrote. "'Pride & Prejudice' gathers you up on its white horse and gallops off into the sunset," The New York Times critic Stephen Holden wrote, adding, "Along the way, it serves a continuing banquet of high-end comfort food perfectly cooked and seasoned to Anglophilic tastes.". “Yorgos Lanthimos’s new film, starring Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz, turns 18th-century royal intrigue into sublime and ridiculous comedy,” A.O. Set in 1960s Los Angeles, George (Colin Firth), a lonely English professor, struggles while mourning his partner’s death. She continued, “The kitchen becomes a source of such witchcraft that a fervently prepared meal can fill diners with lust or grief or nausea, depending upon the cook’s prevailing mood.”. As a nurse (Juliette Binoche) works to heal an injured man (Ralph Fiennes) in Italy during World War II, he remembers his life. type to … The best British period dramas, costume drama series, period romances, and historical movies to watch on TV or streaming, all sorted by era. It's the kind of film that wildly divides audiences and critics — people tend to either love or hate it. What films will you find on this list of the best period romance films? Eventually, Eilis is caught between her new life in the United States and her family in Ireland. Move over Downtown Abbey, here are the greatest BBC period dramas of all time. Creating a successful period piece film is no easy task, given that the movie must accurately portray a different era while still appealing to a modern-day audience. Director Richard Attenborough captures Mahatma Gandhi (Ben Kingsley)’s life on-screen – from his earliest days as an activist in South Africa to his assassination in 1948. She begins to find her footing in Brooklyn and even sparks a romance with an Italian man (Emory Cohen). Title: A Room with a View Year: 1985 Director: James Ivory Our Take: No one does romantic period dramas quite like Merchant-Ivory, their adaptation of E.M. Forster’s classic novel definitely one of (if not) their best.They bring to life the story of Lucy and her growing attraction to an eccentric man named George whom she meets in Italy. "Once in a long while a motion picture so eloquently expressive and technically exquisite comes along that one is tempted to hail it as being near perfect. In AD 26, an aristocratic Jew (Charlton Heston) faces off with a Roman friend after a disagreement and is sent to slavery. Director Richard Attenborough captures Mahatma Gandhi (Ben Kingsley)'s life on-screen — from his earliest days as an activist in South Africa to his assassination in 1948. Take it way back to the days of Pompey, Caesar, and all the intrigues of ancient Rome with Rome. I moved to the US from China — here are the biggest cultural differences I've noticed between the 2 countries, Bath & Body Works is now a standalone company — we visited a store and saw why it's been L Brands' secret weapon, CBA and NAB pass on RBA interest rate cut in full, but ANZ and Westpac defy Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's orders, How to watch Netflix on your TV in 5 different ways, The incredible story of Ferrari's 72-year journey from an upstart racing team to a $27 billion luxury brand. Władysław Szpilman, a Jewish musician, published an autobiographical book titled "The Pianist" about his experience in Nazi-occupied Poland in 1946. Films without critical scores were not included. Note: All scores were current on the date of publication and are subject to change. Scott wrote. "The Ten Commandments" tells the biblical story of Moses (Charlton Heston), an Egyptian prince who finds out his true heritage — altering the course of his life. The film, which was directed by Joe Wright, takes a concentrated deep dive into Churchill's term from appointment to the Battle of Dunkirk. Director Ava DuVernay‘s 2014 historical drama highlights people’s sacrifice and pain in pursuit of equality, making “Selma” a timely, essential watch 55 years after the Voting Rights Act passed. Abigail (Emma Stone) and Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) dual over Queen Anne’s (Olivia Colman) affection in “The Favourite,” which is set in 18th century England. Colette (Knightley) is the ghostwriter behind her wealthy husband's novel in Paris during the early 20th century. Their relationship isn't easy, as she's already promised to a Duke. Posted on April 16, 2016 April 16, 2016 by Mervyn Marshall. As she grows up, she becomes very close with Edmund Bertram (Jonny Lee Miller), the son of her aunt's husband, and eventually, they both must confront their feelings for each other. Starz’s Becoming Elizabeth (TV series) Eight episode series by British playwright Anya Reiss about the young Elizabeth I before she came to the throne. “Argo” follows CIA operative Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) as he pretends to be a Hollywood filmmaker scouting for a movie in Iran in order to sneak trapped American diplomats back to safety in 1979. "Fit with pitch-perfect costumes and sets and a sufficient sense of scope and grandiosity, 'Dreamgirls' is an enjoyable musical, even if it has to rely on the voices of its actors to carry certain scenes," Cameron Johnson wrote for The Spread. Mathilde (Audrey Tautou) refuses to believe reports that her fiancé (Gaspard Ulliel) was killed in World War I and begins to investigate his disappearance. Gary Oldman plays Winston Churchill in his early days as the prime minister of the United Kingdom in "Darkest Hour." “Exquisitely acted, tightly directed and impressively assembled, this lively period piece is the kind of arty gem with potentially broad appeal that Miramax certainly knows how to sell,” Variety’s Lael Loewenstein wrote. Movies. "[James] Cameron, who wrote and directed the film, has put a face on that horrific happening; he has taken us beyond the forensics of the sinking and put us inside the skin and psyches of those who perished and those who survived," Duane Bygre wrote in The Hollywood Reporter. Release Calendar DVD & Blu-ray Releases Top Rated Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Showtimes & Tickets In Theaters Coming Soon Coming Soon Movie News India Movie Spotlight. A budding school girl named Jenny (Carey Mulligan) gets swept off her feet by a much older man named David (Peter Sarsgaard). "Intelligence and beauty — and teasting romance — shape 'Mansfield Park' into a gorgeous, enchanting experience," Peter Stack wrote for the San Francisco Chronicle. ", Like us on Facebook to see similar stories, Cities and states begin delaying Covid-19 vaccine distribution because of winter storms, Alleged rebels from Central African Republic face ICC trial. An orphaned girl named Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska) finds stability as a governess at Edward Rochester's (Michael Fassbender) estate in this adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's 1847 novel. The 2015 film follows a young Irish immigrant named Eilis Lacey (Ronan) on her solo journey from Ireland to New York City in the 1950s. One of the most popular period dramas of all time, Downton Abbey has been a huge success in both the UK and in the US. Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. Lists for The Tudor and Stuart Eras, Georgian and Regency Eras, Victorian Era, Edwardian Era, First World War, Interwar Era, Family Friendly, BBC Classic Drama Collection, and Christmas Classics are linked below. “Wright has found an ideal collaborator in Oldman, an actor who knows how to embrace his most dramatic side but who still excels in his quieter moments,” David Sims wrote in The Atlantic. About Best on Netflix USA. "Titanic" takes a human approach to the ship's ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912 by allowing the romance between an aristocrat (Kate Winslet) and a poor artist (Leonardo DiCaprio) to take the forefront of the narrative. It’s the kind of film that wildly divides audiences and critics – people tend to either love or hate it. Set in a rural English farming community in the 19th century, “Far From the Madding Crowd” follows Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan) as she manages a farm she inherited from her uncle. As Prince Albert (Firth) prepares to ascend the throne as the King of England in 1936, he works to overcome his speech impediment with the help of his speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush). Scott wrote in The New York Times. Menu. Here, in alphabetical order, are the new British period drama series, mini-series, and TV movies … His fortune goes to his eldest son, and the women are left with no options but to seek their own security through marriages. An adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1815 novel, “Emma,” the film follows a clever young woman (Anya Taylor-Joy) in her day-to-day life in early 19th century England as she involves herself in the love lives of those around her. Insider rounded up 50 of the best historical dramas based on critics’ scores found on Rotten Tomatoes. "'Raise the Red Lantern,' based on a novel called 'Wives and Concubines' by Su Tong, is as visually striking as it is dramatically effective," Janet Maslin wrote for The New York Times. She continued, "The kitchen becomes a source of such witchcraft that a fervently prepared meal can fill diners with lust or grief or nausea, depending upon the cook's prevailing mood.".