My Kind of Costume Party

My Kind of Costume Party

• Oct 31, 2013

As everyone knows, today is Halloween. To be honest, I'm really not a fan of the holiday. I do, however, LOVE a good costume... I just prefer the kind that remind me of my favorite books or time periods in the past. So, I thought it would be a little fun to join in today's festivities by highlighting my favorite costume dramas (in rank order!). I'm sorry it's such a long and picture-heavy post, but I don't know how to talk about these movies without including photographic teasers to tempt you to watch them!

{Side Note: When I'm watching period dramas based on books or real people, I typically don't care if they are super accurate. You'll see what I mean...}

15. Little Dorrit

Based on the Dickens novel of the same name, this mini-series definitely takes a little time to get into. It's got all the makings of classic Dickens: an intricate story, a large cast of characters and the slow build-up to the dramatic conclusion. It even got my mister's stamp of approval!

14. Birdsong

So, I have a huge crush on Eddie Redmayne. He was the main reason I wanted to see Les Miserables, and I was really excited when I learned that he starred in this adaptation of the classic WWI novel by Sebastian Faulks. It's definitely more graphic than a typical costume drama, but I still really enjoyed this movie.

13. Tess of the d'Urbervilles

Even though I knew how this movie was going to end, I was still in tears as the movie wrapped up. I read the novel in high school and didn't love it, but this mini-series version makes me want to revisit the story now that some years have passed. Now that I think about it, I should move this one closer to the front of the list.

12. North & South

I read this book in college and enjoyed it, even if I did think it read like a less sparkling version of Austen's Pride and Prejudice. That being said, this is a delightful costume drama that (like the movie mentioned previously) makes me want to revisit the book. There is some major slow burn in this one!

11. Emma - 1996 Movie Version

I think this is an Austen movie that isn't necessarily a fan favorite, but I really loved it. This was one that I watched before I read the book, and I immediately knew that I had to read the book when it was over. If it was that fun and witty on screen, I could only imagine how much better it'd be on the page.

10. The Young Victoria

I dragged my mom and sister to a special movie theater to see this one when it released since it wasn't going to be in a theater anywhere close to us. They were kind enough to oblige, and I wasn't disappointed. This is one of those real life romances that just makes me love learning about history!

09. Sense and Sensibility - 1995 Movie Version

Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant... First of all, this movie obviously has an absolutely brilliant cast. I felt the emotion in this movie in a way that I'd missed when I first read the book as a teen. I love turning this one on when it's cold and rainy outside! 

08. Bright Star

This movie portrays the romance between poet John Keats and a woman named Fanny Brawne. I love so much about this film, which was written and directed by Jane Campion. I basically turn this movie on whenever I feel like I need a good cry. That take as you will...

07. Becoming Jane

As I mentioned in my side note at the beginning of this post, I don't always care about historical accuracy or faithfulness to a book when it comes to costume dramas. This is a perfect example of that fact. I know this is wildly speculative and not really accurate, but I just don't care. I love this movie!

06. Emma - 2009 Mini-Series Version

Okay, so Romola Garai's mannerisms annoy me a bit in this version, especially in the very beginning episode. However, there are so many other things to love about this production, and she does calm down as the show goes on. I think I'm due for a rewatch of this one soon!

05. Little Women

I think this was one of my earliest costume drama obsessions. I remember being absolutely horrified that Jo didn't end up with Laurie! Yes, I watched this one before I read the book. Either way, there's something so comforting and nostalgic about this movie. That definitely makes it a favorite for me!

04. Pride and Prejudice - 2005 Movie Version

Not everyone loves this version, and I get that. As an adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, it's not that faithful. But as a costume drama and period piece? OH BOY. I absolutely cannot get enough of this movie. I just convinced my mister that I NEEDED the Blu-Ray version because it was clearly superior to my much-loved and (I argued) practically worn-out DVD. Can't fault that logic! 

03. Anne of Green Gables & Anne of Avonlea

Oh, Anne and Gilbert. You two will be the death of me! All the drama, all the banter, all the feelings. I fell for these two as far back as elementary school, and I was positively thrilled when I discovered the mini-series. I remember begging my sister to watch it with me, and I was so shocked when she said it was boring. NO WAY, SISTER. 

02. The Painted Veil

Look, I don't know why more people haven't seen and fallen absolutely head over heels in love with this movie. The setting is gorgeous, the score is beautiful, and the acting is superb. Not to mention the heartbreaking story! It is quiet, slow, intimate and packs an emotional punch.

01. Pride and Prejudice - 1995 Mini-Series Version

This should be no surprise to anyone who knows me! If you can stick it out for six hours, I promise this mini-series is worth it. There's a reason this version is often credited as the catalyst that led to the Jane Austen craze! People loved her before this mini-series, but this is what took the Janeite fandom to new heights.

I can think of SO many more costume dramas that I didn't include! 

I struggled so much to narrow it down to just fifteen.

So, tell me, do you love any of these movies? And which ones did I forget?