It’s that time of the year again when we see flowers everywhere and the price of chocolate is blasphemously high again. Last year, I did a list of my favourite unconventional Valentine’s Day movies to watch. This year, I’m feeling a little more old-fashioned, feeling the nostalgia for the kind of romance that my grandparents or great grandparents would have experienced.
It’s easy to feel romanced by the quiet desires and subtle interactions that have you feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside just because of a slight hand graze. Sure, it’s not realistic, and it’s definitely not the world we live in now. But, really, that hardly matters. Whether you have a date, enjoying it with your pals, or taking some well deserved time alone, here are 5 Best period dramas for Valentine’s Day.
North & South
This BBC mini-series adaptation of the novel by the same name by Elizabeth Gaskell came out almost exactly 10 years ago. And regardless of all that time, it is definitely deserving of the cult fan reaction that it garnered. Set in the North of England in the fictional town of Milton (a stand in for Manchester) in the mid 19th Century, Margaret Hale, a young liberal from southern England, must come to terms with the grueling reality of the industrial North. She encounters handsome and stern John Thornton, a man who has found his fortune from a disadvantaged background as the owner of a cotton mill.
As one can imagine, the politics of the two characters clash and serves as the political and social background behind the story. The chemistry set up by the ever brilliant Richard Armitage and the lovely Daniela Denby-Ashe will have you swooning into your seat. Perhaps a less witty romantic set up than Austen, and just as dark without the humour of Dickens, Gaskell’s story comes alive in this mini-series and is the perfect binge for Valentine’s Day. Besides, what better date is there than one with Richard Armitage?
Lady Chatterley’s Lover
Another BBC adaptation of a well known novel, this story by D. H. Lawrence gets steamy. Though, to be fair, anything with Richard Madden will be quite steamy (we’re doing well with the ‘Richards’ today). After Constance Reid’s (Lady Chatterley) husband is paralyzed during World War I, she is further distanced from her husband emotionally as he pushes her away through neglect. Constance finds solace in the arms of the gamekeeper, Oliver Mellors and begins a scandalous affair with him.
Not only does the story trace the physical connection Reid has with Mellors, but also dives into the class divide between the pair, causing resentment and strife at times. However, the immense attraction Reid feels for Mellors seems to overcome the obstacles they find in their way. This is definitely a Valentine’s Day appropriate movie for those looking to enjoy a glass (or more) of wine with a dramatic movie.
Atonement
Originally a novel by Ian McEwan, this 2007 romantic war drama was an instant success with critics and the box office alike. The story follows Robbie and Cecilia, played by James McAvoy and Keira Knightley, as their romance becomes cursed before it even has the chance to properly start after Cecilia’s sister, Briony accuses Robbie for something she thinks she saw. An incredible performance by McAvoy and Knightley with heart-wrenching chemistry, the movie is one that I could definitely watch over and over.
The story becomes a cautionary tale of separated lovers, broken family relations and a brutal war raging around the world. At once romantic and tragic, this tear-jerker will bring out all the feels this Valentine’s Day if that’s what you’re looking for.
Pride and Prejudice
Of course I could not create a list of my favourite romantic period dramas without also including Pride and Prejudice. Though I am very insistent on it being the BBC mini-series adaptation (seems to be a running trend here). This 1995 adaption of the Austen masterpiece is an incredible six part rendition. With Colin Firth playing Fitzwilliam Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as the prideful Elizabeth Bennet, the story comes alive with all the best bits of the novel finding their way into this dramatisation.
If you are not aware of the story, Pride and Prejudice tells the tale of how high born Darcy learns to get over his prejudice of the lower classes and how Elizabeth is able to let go of her pride and admit her love for Darcy.
We’ve previously put up a post on Giving Jane Austen a Chance and if you still find yourself hesitating, this adaptation is a wonderful place to start. Not only will you be able to watch incredible acting, but similarly you will be get a feel of the original story in a more accessible way, with great costumes, and lovely language.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries
Now this one is a little outside of the norm, but I could not pass up a chance of putting it down as a period piece. It is incredibly witty and fun, and if that isn’t enough to convince you, it is set in Australia in the 1920s! Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries follows the untameable Miss Phryne Fisher as she cannot help but get involved in the murder cases that the Melbourne police face. After quickly figuring out that she is not to be deterred from her curiosity, Detective Jack Robinson surrenders to letting her participate and rapidly finds her to be a vital and loyal partner.
Around her, Miss Fisher manages to create a ragtag band of misfits and companions who form her home and social circle, each demonstrating time and time again their dedication and love for the odd Phryne. If you’re looking for a new series to take start, this is a good option that will give you a great 40 mins of joy every episode for three whole seasons. And if that isn’t enough, rumours have been rampant in the last couple of years that there may be a movie bringing back the same characters.
~S~
Featured Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
