Listmania!
My top costume dramas (no particular order)
Casanova [2005] [DVD]Casanova [2005] [DVD]
Buy new: £13.98 / Used from: £7.96
lively, beautifully filmed, funny, believable and inspiring. Casanova is incredible.
Perfume - The Story Of A Murderer [DVD] [2006]Perfume - The Story Of A Murderer [DVD] [2006]
Buy new: £19.59 / Used from: £3.67
beautifully filmed and true to the book. A breath-taking depiction of 18th century france, using stunning visuals in the place of scent
The History Of Tom Jones A Foundling [DVD] [1997]The History Of Tom Jones A Foundling [DVD] [1997]
Buy new: £5.48 / Used from: £5.06
The History of Tom Jones is an enjoyable watch. True to the book.
Aristocrats [DVD] [1999] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]Aristocrats [DVD] [1999] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]
Buy used from: £19.37
Well researched, compelling and good acting all round. Something to watch time and time again.
Tess [DVD] [1981]Tess [DVD] [1981]
Buy used from: £2.80
very moving adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel - a millions times better than the later version.
Pride And Prejudice : Complete BBC Series - 10th Anniversary Edition [1995] [DVD] [1999]Pride And Prejudice : Complete BBC Series - 10th Anniversary Edition [1995] [DVD] [1999]
Buy new: £10.48 / Used from: £7.48
Much much better than Keira Knightly. Subtle, well-acted and true to the book
Anne Of The Thousand Days [DVD] [1969]Anne Of The Thousand Days [DVD] [1969]
Buy new: £4.98 / Used from: £2.00
Somewhat dated, but nevertheless a very good film. Although exaggerated in parts for artistic licence, it's a compelling and gripping watch.
Henry VIII And His Six Wives [DVD] [1972]Henry VIII And His Six Wives [DVD] [1972]
Buy new: £6.88 / Used from: £4.89
Michell seems to like playing Henry: this film depicts all the six wives in a way that no other film has done yet: forget Ray Winston, this version is head and shoulders above the rest!
Moll Flanders [DVD] [1996] [US Import]Moll Flanders [DVD] [1996] [US Import]
Buy used from: £210.00
Incredible and loyal to the original book. Alex Kingston plays a superb and believable Moll in early 18th century London. A must see.
Anna Karenina [DVD] [2000]Anna Karenina [DVD] [2000]
I can't speak for the other versions (haven't seen yet) but this is a brilliant film. Acting is impressive, the costumes and props are believable, all together a compelling viewing.
Elizabeth [1998] [DVD]Elizabeth [1998] [DVD]
Buy new: £15.69 / Used from: £0.70
Very well received in British cinemas, and obvious to see why. Cate Blanchett makes a believable Elizabeth, with strong supporting actors all round.
Shakespeare In Love [DVD] [1999]Shakespeare In Love [DVD] [1999]
Buy new: £4.78 / Used from: £0.95
A mainstream classic, but very well done, with humorous touches.
Mrs Brown [DVD] [1997]Mrs Brown [DVD] [1997]
Buy new: £3.98 / Used from: £1.95
Strong leading actor as Dame Judi Dench, if you haven't seen this, you must.
Charles II [DVD] [2003]Charles II [DVD] [2003]
Buy new: £8.88 / Used from: £3.85
One of the few films set in the 17th century. True to history, as far as I know, and intelligently produced.
Far From The Madding Crowd [DVD] [1998]Far From The Madding Crowd [DVD] [1998]
Buy used from: £7.49
A better version than the 1970s one with a haunting music score
Jude [DVD] [1996]Jude [DVD] [1996]
Buy new: £5.98 / Used from: £2.42
Another of Hardy's moving classics, with Winslet as one of the leading actors. Well made, haunting and beautifully filmed
The Mayor Of Casterbridge [2003] [DVD]The Mayor Of Casterbridge [2003] [DVD]
Buy used from: £7.99
Yet another adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novels. Incredible. Jhodi May, who appears regularly in many costume dramas does not disappoint.
Jane Eyre [DVD] [1983]Jane Eyre [DVD] [1983]
Buy new: £4.88 / Used from: £3.31
By far the better adaption of Charlotte Brontes novel.
Dangerous Liaisons [1988] [DVD] [1989]Dangerous Liaisons [1988] [DVD] [1989]
Buy new: £4.98 / Used from: £3.99
Costumes are incredible, as is the acting on all sides.
Quills [DVD] [2001]Quills [DVD] [2001]
Buy new: £4.88 / Used from: £1.98
Rather a gory costume drama, based on a true character in 18th century France.
Marie Antoinette [DVD] [2006]Marie Antoinette [DVD] [2006]
Buy new: £4.08 / Used from: £1.17
beautifully filmed with at times, strange music score, this is a must see. A feast for the eyes!