Beyond the Top Hats and Tiaras: Period Dramas that Have Something for Everybody
Period dramas are currently one of the most popular genres of film—and for good reason, too. They have beautiful costumes, romance, and melodrama, and can provide a sense of escapism; they can also be scary, dark, and heart-wrenching. With various plotlines and settings, even those who do not love the genre can find something that interests them.
Period dramas are sure to appeal to your library patrons or university students. There are many films that would make excellent choices for a public screening due to their wide appeal and ties to actual historical events. Below is a list of period dramas that are worth checking out if you’re looking for something a little different for your film collection.
Sleepy Hollow Film
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Even though this film is drenched in Tim Burton’s signature melancholy, Sleepy Hollow deviates into territory that he hadn’t previously explored. While Ed Wood was set in the 1950s, he had yet to make a period film that was set before the 20th century. Beetlejuice, another classic released around the same time period, can be considered a horror film, but it was not graphically violent. Sleepy Hollow was both. Based on Washington Irving’s tale, this film will appeal to patrons who love American folklore and a heavy dose of blood-soaked insanity.
Read our review of Sleepy Hollow
Memoirs of a Geisha Film
Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
For those who love everything about traditional period dramas but are wanting something set outside of Europe, Memoirs of a Geisha is sure to please. Based on the 1997 novel by Arthur Golding, the film is set in Japan from the late 1920s through WWII. It follows the story of a young girl who is taken from her family and eventually sent to Kyoto to work in a geisha house. She experiences heartbreak and triumphs in equal measure along the way.
Read our review of Memoirs of a Geisha
Frida Film
Frida (2002)
Based on the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, this surreal film presents the major twists and turns of her life, from touching to tragic. The film is set firmly in Frida’s world and Salma Hayek’s portrayal of the artist is a master class in dramatic acting. If you love art, Mexican history, or just really like Salma Hayek, this one is for you.
Read our review of Frida
Millennium Actress
Millennium Actress (2001)
A failing film studio sends a director and his cameraman to interview actress Chiyoko Fujiwara for a documentary about her life and career. They end up following her through her adventures as she recounts her life story, and the film quickly becomes a mind-bending trip through the memories of the aging actress. If you like classic anime, non-traditional storytelling, or are looking for a good cry this film ticks all of these boxes.
Read our review of Millennium Actress
Whether you are looking to learn more about a certain time period or just want to escape for a couple of hours, period dramas are a perfect choice. Due to the ever-growing popularity and inherent versatility of the genre, these films can be found on most streaming platforms for your libraries such as Kanopy or Hoopla. If you are interested in purchasing the film or hosting a public screening, use our distributor database to secure the rights.