Tale As Old As Time: 5 Swoonworthy Period Films That Will Make Your Heart Flutter

Dearest Gentle Reader,

If Bridgerton Season 3 has left a gaping hole in your heart as well, then worry you shall not! As tis’ I shall indulge you into a series of period films that you can watch to fill that Bridgerton-shaped hole in your heart. Settle in and prepare to be transported back in time by these films that promise to fill your evening up with sickeningly sweet romance and comedy. So, pop your corn , Dim the lights and let’s get started.

Pride And Prejudice (2005)

Pride & Prejudice  is the lasting tale of love and societal expectations. A classic period film, Its follows the ever-defiant Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) as she traverses the rigid 19th-century London High Society, only to find her heart entwined with the moody Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen). Their story from misunderstanding to affection is a cult classic enemies-to-lovers that will leave you swooning with every glance and tender word.  Pride & Prejudice(2005) is a fan favourite that aptly represents Jane Austen’s classic 1813 novel.

Little Women (2019)

Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation or Gill Armstrong’s 1994 adaptation— your choice. Both the period films are the adaptations of Louisa May Alcott’s novel Little Women is the heart touching story of sisterhood and love. Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War America, the films breathes life into the story of March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy-as they navigate the journey of love, ambition and family bonds but in the 20^th century. Both the adaptations are magnificent but you just have to choose if you’re more of a Winona Ryder and Christian Bale person or a Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet fan. If you ask me Florence Pugh as Amy is chef’s kiss.

Emma (2020)

As you sow, so shall you reap but in1815. Jane Austen’s novel Emma was first adapted in 1996 starring Gwyneth Paltrow and again in 2020 with Anya Taylor-Joy in the titular role. In both cases, the story is about a wealthy well-intentioned but often misguided young women Emma Woodhouse who plays matchmaker for the people in her life while facing romantic woes of her own. The film is based on Austen’s lighter work and hence is filled with good-humoured and witty back and forth, great comedy and swoon worthy romance. The book also inspired Clueless, which is more of a time capsule of 1995 than a period piece.

Sense And Sensibility (1995)

Another Austen adaptation and a classic period film is Sense and Sensibility directed by Ang Lee and written and stared in by Emma Thompson, is the story of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor (Emma Thompson) and Marianne (Kate Winslet), as they deal with relationship issues involving Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman), Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant), and John Willoughby (Greg Wise) in the 19^th century way. Many acknowledge this film as the reason for launching Austen adaptations into the mainstream cinema, and we’re all forever grateful for it. The film cleverly balances humour and anguish, captivating us to go down on the journey of love in front of hardships.

Anna Karenina (2012)

In Joe Wright’s adaptation of Anna Karenina – the notable novel by Leo Tolstoy-Keira Knightley plays the titular character of Anna, when an extramarital affair ensues between Anna and Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, the dashing cavalry office, played by Aaron Taylor Johnson, it scandalizes the Russian aristocratic society.

The reason that this period film sticks out from the lot is because of the well-crafted source material which is further enhanced by the outstanding performance of Knightley, Anna Karenina is enthralling film. Even if the film is arguably not as great as the novel. The film’s lavish costumes and theatrical storytelling more than make up for it