Historical Costume Movies

List creator: tweedlebop Created on: October 16, 2003 - 2:54 PM PDT Description: Like petticoats? Rent these!

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	movie title	related list	average rating	MPAA rating	watch	rent	buy
	Elizabeth R (Disc 1 of 4) (1971)
16th century: the classic for Elizabethan costuming
	Elizabeth R (Disc 2 of 4) (1971)
16th century: the classic for Elizabethan costuming
	Elizabeth R (Disc 3 of 4) (1971)
16th century: the classic for Elizabethan costuming
	Elizabeth R : Bonus Disc (Disc 4 of 4) (1971)
16th century: the classic for Elizabethan costuming
	Elizabeth (1998)
16th century: a very loose interpretation of Elizabethan costuming, but pretty nonetheless
	Shakespeare in Love (1998)
16th century: ignoring Gwyneth Paltrow's bad perm, the costuming is surprisingly good.
	Queen Margot (1994)
16th century: definitely a theatrical interpretation of the clothing of the period (no one seems to wear shifts!), but gorgeous nonetheless.
	Dangerous Beauty (1998)
16th century: totally cheesy, but fun anyway.
	Orlando (1992)
16th - 20th centuries: a plot that drags a bit, but worth it for the gorgeous costumes (check out the title characters amazing white sack back dress!)
	Moll Flanders (Part One) (1996)
late 17th / early 18th century: the film tries to cover too much time in terms of costume (Moll seems to live through an entire century of costume in about 20 years), but it's still fun
	Moll Flanders (Part Two) (1996)
late 17th / early 18th century: the film tries to cover too much time in terms of costume (Moll seems to live through an entire century of costume in about 20 years), but it's still fun
	Vatel (2000)
17th century: a snooze fest unless you're into this period, in which case watch it with the mute button on.
	Restoration (1994)
17th century: okay, Meg Ryan is kind of painful, but it's worth it for Polly Walker's beautiful Restoration gowns.
	Henry Fielding's Tom Jones (Disc 1 of 2) (1997)
1740s: the costumes are from an earlier period than those usually portrayed in the 18th century, which makes up for a slightly slow plot and some overacting (granted, it's a comedy).
	Henry Fielding's Tom Jones (Disc 2 of 2) (1997)
1740s: the costumes are from an earlier period than those usually portrayed in the 18th century, which makes up for a slightly slow plot and some overacting (granted, it's a comedy).
	Barry Lyndon (1975)
mid-18th century: the 1970s production makes it harder to watch, but worth it if you're into this period
	The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
1760s: I know, I know, but worth it for the early scenes of the two female leads in gorgeous robe a l'anglaises.
	Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
1770s: THE 18th century film. The opening "getting dressed" scene is worth the rental price alone -- plus you've got hours more of gorgeous dresses.
	Brotherhood of Wolf (Director's Cut) (2001)			Not Rated
1770s
	The Lady and the Duke (2001)
1780s
	The Madness of King George (1994)
1780s
	The Affair of the Necklace (2001)
1780s: Hilary Swank's lame performance is far outweighed by the gorgeous costumes.
	Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994)
1780s: a so/so production is outweighed by the fact that this is one of the best portrayals of late 18th century costume on film.
	Sleepy Hollow (1999)
1780s: a very theatrical interpretation of late 18th century costumes, but pretty nonetheless!
	Sense and Sensibility (1995)
1790s: gorgeous early Regency costumes, which are rarely presented, and nearly spot-on accurate. Check out those hats!
	Interview with the Vampire (1994)
1790s, 1870s, 1990s
	Pride and Prejudice (Mini-Series) (Disc 1 of 2) (1995)
1800s: gorgeous Regency costumes (except for too many low necklines during the day), great plot -- it's Austen!
	Pride and Prejudice (Mini-Series) (Disc 2 of 2) (1995)
1800s: gorgeous Regency costumes (except for too many low necklines during the day), great plot -- it's Austen!
	Jane Austen's Emma (1996)
1810s: don't see the puky Gwyneth Paltrow version -- see this one instead! Kate Beckinsale is tres chic in her hats...
	Mansfield Park (1998)
1810s: the costumes only vaguely period, but it's an interesting production so it's worth a watch.
	Persuasion (1995)
1810s: the absolute best Jane Austen book and the best of all the film adaptations. The costumes really feel like CLOTHES, which is my highest praise!
	Wives and Daughters (Disc 1 of 3) (1999)			Not Rated
1830s: if you thought you hated the 1830s, think again! Gorgeous costumes plus a great plot to rival Pride & Prejudice.
	Wives and Daughters (Disc 2 of 3) (1999)			Not Rated
1830s: if you thought you hated the 1830s, think again! Gorgeous costumes plus a great plot to rival Pride & Prejudice.
	Wives and Daughters (Disc 3 of 3) (1999)			Not Rated
1830s: if you thought you hated the 1830s, think again! Gorgeous costumes plus a great plot to rival Pride & Prejudice.
	Onegin (1999)
1830s: a snooze in terms of plot, but gorgeous costumes -- watch it with the mute button on.
	Impromptu (1990)
1830s
	Nicholas Nickleby (2000)
1830s: don't see the recent cheesy Hollywood film with terrible costumes -- see this great BBC production instead!
	Jane Eyre (1997)
1840s: the best production I've seen (it's BBC, what do you expect?). Spot-on costuming with Jane wearing slightly dated (late 1830s) costumes, while the fine ladies are dressed to the height of fashion.
	Cousin Bette (1997)
1840s: zzzzzzzz in terms of plot and theatrical interpretation of costumes, but worth it anyway. There's just something about all those petticoats!
	The Europeans (1979)
1840s: Merchant/Ivory which means great costumes and an era rarely portrayed, although a slow plot and Lee Remick is somewhat painful.
	The King and I (1956)
1850s: definitely a Hollywood romanticization of both the costumes and the events, but it's a classic!
	Madame Bovary (1991)
1850s
	The Piano (1993)
1850s: absolutely beautiful costumes and a beautiful production. This is one of the few films I've seen to get the shape of the crinolines right.
	The Story of Adele H. (1975)
1850s: Another gut-wrencher from Isabel Adjani with interesting costumes.
	French Lieutenant's Woman (1981)
1850s
	Angels & Insects (1995)
1850s: definitely a theatrical interpretation in terms of costumes but they really serve the plot -- a gorgeous production.
	Washington Square (1997)
1850s: Jennifer Jason Leigh's character is so awkward that this is hard to watch, but worth it to see what someone who has NO sense of good taste can do with mid-Victorian dresses!
	Gone with the Wind (Disc 1 of 2) (1939)
1860s: definitely the Hollywood interpretation of Civil War era costumes, but come on, you have to see it!
	Mrs. Brown (1997)
1860s
	Ride with the Devil (Criterion) (1999)
1860s: ignore the fact that it's JEWEL -- she's actually quite good! Nice portrayal of everyday clothes during the Civil War.
	Little Women (1994)
1860s - early 1870s: ignore the fact that Winona is in this -- it's a great portrayal of middle class 1860s costumes, plus Amy gets some good early 1870s bustle gowns later in the film.
	The Way We Live Now (Disc 1 of 2) (2001)
1870s (early): fabulous bustle gowns plus great characters = why we love the BBC.
	The Way We Live Now (Disc 2 of 2) (2001)
1870s (early): fabulous bustle gowns plus great characters = why we love the BBC.
	The Age of Innocence (1993)
1870s: absolutely amazing costuming, and a plot that grows on you.
	The Portrait of a Lady (1996)
1870s: the gorgeous costumes make up for the fact that this is an incredible downer.
	Original Sin (2001)			Not Rated
1870s: totally Hollywood and trying way too hard to be torrid, but I can't help but love the costumes!
	Miss Julie (1999)
1870s: if you aren't ready to kill for the title character's green striped dress, then you're not REALLY a costume geek.
	The Bostonians (1984)
1870s: it's Merchant/Ivory so you know it's gorgeous, although the plot drags a bit.
	Lillie (Disc 1 of 4) (1979)			Not Rated
1870s-1890s: BCC production.
	Lillie (Disc 2 of 4) (1979)			Not Rated
1870s-1890s: BCC production.
	Lillie (Disc 3 of 4) (1979)			Not Rated
1870s-1890s: BCC production.
	Lillie (Disc 4 of 4) (1979)			Not Rated
1870s-1890s: BCC production.
	Camille Claudel (1988)
1880s: interesting costumes, but see it more for Isabel Adjani's gut-wrenching portrayal of the title character.
	Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
1880s: supposedly set in the 1890s, but very obviously costumed from the 1880s -- very theatrical interpretation of the period.
	Jude (1996)
1880s: a great look at what working class people wore in the nineteenth century, plus you'll sob a lot.
	Swept From the Sea (1997)
1880s
	From Hell (2001)
1880s: cheesy, and Heather Graham is beyond painful, but fun anyway to see low class late Victorian costumes.
	From Hell: Bonus Disc (2001)
1880s: cheesy, and Heather Graham is beyond painful, but fun anyway to see low class late Victorian costumes.
	The Forsyte Saga (Disc 1 of 3) (2002)
1880s-1890s: tepid costumes, tepid production, but you should see it nonetheless because it's a BBC production!
	The Forsyte Saga (Disc 2 of 3) (2002)
1880s-1890s: tepid costumes, tepid production, but you should see it nonetheless because it's a BBC production!
	The Forsyte Saga (Disc 3 of 3) (2002)
1880s-1890s: tepid costumes, tepid production, but you should see it nonetheless because it's a BBC production!
	An Ideal Husband (1999)
1890s: only semi-accurate costuming, but pretty nonetheless.
	Sunshine (1999)
1890s, 1940s, 2000s
	A Room with a View (1986)			Not Rated
1900s: fabulous Edwardian costumes, great romance, great plot, great acting -- it's Merchant/Ivory at their absolute best.
	My Father's Glory (1990)
1900s: interesting costumes, but see it more for a wonderful coming of age story. Sequel is My Mother's Castle.
	My Mother's Castle (1990)
1900s: interesting costumes, but see it more for a wonderful coming of age story. The sequel to My Father's Glory.
	Importance of Being Earnest (2002)
1900s: so/so plot, but pretty costumes.
	My Fair Lady (1964)
1900s: classic Hollywood, but you simply MUST see the Ascot scene.
	Berkeley Square (Disc 1 of 3) (1998)			Not Rated
1900s: BBC miniseries, which always have great costumes
	Berkeley Square (Disc 2 of 3) (1998)			Not Rated
1900s: BBC miniseries, which always have great costumes
	Berkeley Square (Disc 3 of 3) (1998)			Not Rated
1900s: BBC miniseries, which always have great costumes
	Songcatcher (2000)
1900s: interesting more for its music than its costumes, but still worth a watch
	The Golden Bowl (2000)
1900s: totally overwrought production, but beautiful costuming (Merchant/Ivory production) -- watch it with the mute button on.
	The House of Mirth (2000)
1900s: I try really hard to like this movie, but it's such a downer that it's hard -- but the beautiful costumes (Merchant/Ivory production) are worth working your way through this one.
	Out of Africa (1985)
1910s
	Howards End (1992)
1910s: a Merchant/Ivory so it has fabulous costumes, plus great performances by Emma Thompson and Helena Bonham Carter. Almost as good as Room with a View.
	Titanic (1997)
1910s: a somewhat Hollywood interpretation of the period's costumes -- for something more accurate, see Wings of the Dove -- but still worth a watch!
	The Wings of the Dove (1997)
1910s: absolutely gorgeous, Poiret-inspired costumes, plus fabulous acting and a heartbreaking plot.
	The Hours (2002)
1910s, 1950s, 2000s: a good look at everyday clothing make up for a movie that's completely trying too hard to be an Oscar winner. Check out Nicole Kidman's shoes!
	In Love and War (1996)
1910s: okay, okay, it's totally cheesy, but I like Sandra Bullock's clothes in this complete piece of fluff!
	The Winslow Boy (1999)
1910s: a nice view of middle class English clothing.
	The Last September (1998)
1920s
	Heat and Dust (1982)
1920s, 1980s: Merchant/Ivory -- gorgeous 20s gowns that aren't the stereotypical "flapper" wear, plus an interesting examination of Anglo/Indian relations
	A Passage to India (1984)
1920s
	Brideshead Revisited (Disc 1 of 3) (1981)
1920s
	Brideshead Revisited (Disc 2 of 3) (1981)
1920s
	Brideshead Revisited (Disc 3 of 3) (1981)
1920s
	Cat's Meow (2001)
1920s: a bit fluffy, but a fun look at 1920s Hollywood
	Chicago (2002)
1920s: a VERY loose interpretation that's more 1970s than '20s
	Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)			Not Rated
1930s: a good view of everyday clothing of the period
	Gosford Park (2001)
1930s: just GORGEOUS.
	Richard III (1995)
1930s: a beautiful production.
	Cold Comfort Farm (1995)
1930s: the absolute funniest movie ever, plus great 30s suits on the main character.
	The End of the Affair (1999)
1940s
	Hope and Glory (1987)
1940s: a great look at wartime Britain, plus it's just a wonderful film
	Charlotte Gray (2001)
1940s: gorgeous costumes make up for a tepid production of what's really a fabulous book.
	The Jewel in the Crown (25th Anniversary Edition) (Disc 1 of 4) (1984)
1940s
	The Jewel in the Crown (25th Anniversary Edition) (Disc 2 of 4) (1984)
1940s
	The Jewel in the Crown (25th Anniversary Edition) (Disc 3 of 4) (1984)
1940s
	The Jewel in the Crown (25th Anniversary Edition) (Disc 4 of 4) (1984)
1940s
	Remains of the Day (1993)
1940s: it's Merchant/Ivory, you have to see it.
	Enigma (2001)
1940s: Kate Winslet is just too cute in this movie, which makes up for Saffron Burrows' too-glamorous look
	Enemy at the Gates (2001)
1940s: see it more for Rachel Weisz and Jude Law than for the costumes, but it see it nonetheless.
	Tea With Mussolini (1999)
1940s: I know, it's Cher, but it's fun.
	The English Patient (1996)
1940s: this movie will just about kill you, but Kristen Scott Thomas is so gorgeously dressed that you'll make it through somehow.
	Evita (1996)
1940s: I know -- it's Madonna, it's a musical, but the costuming is actually really great! Very high style 40s.
	The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
1950s: great costumes make up for a so/so production
	Far From Heaven (2002)
1950s: a lucious drool-fest for 1950s costumes
	Heavenly Creatures (1994)
1950s: be ready to be emotionally overwhelmed!