Feud (2017)

If you find yourself free for some drama and binge watching this weekend, here is the series for you - FEUD. It is about the "Divine Feud" as it is being called, between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford which stretched for more than half a century!

Susan Sarandon is playing the immensely talented Bette Davis and Jessica Lange stands as the beautiful Joan Crawford. There are other A-listers from Hollywood including, Stanley Tucci, Kathy Bates, Catherine Zeta Jones, among others. Davis and Crawford worked together for one movie, "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" and the series follows "whatever happened" with the production.

Now, what makes this series truly exciting for me is the fact that I love Bette Davis and her one liners, served piercing hot.

Post your favorites lines by commenting on this post! Happy watching!

Mary Queen of Scots

Another remake and this time with one of my favorites as the lead, Saoirse Ronan as Mary Stuart in Mary Queen of Scots. Interestingly, Margot Robbie is going to play Queen Elizabeth I, which is something I couldn’t have thought of in terms of casting, but I look forward to.

The movie has been directed by Josie Rourke, who has a reputation for directing artistic Broadway productions. Guy Pearce and Ian Hart are also part of the cast. It is based on the book ‘Queen of Scots: the true life of Mary Stuart’ by John Guy.

Watched the trailer and it looks very dramatic. Its a complex character and people have their own perspectives. Saoirse Ronan is too young to play the role, appreciate the bold choice on her part, though. Honestly, what I am afraid of is that Margot Robbie might just steal the show and Saoirse might end up looking little shy and gentle, fingers crossed.

Please watch the trailer and let me know what do you think about it. Is it on your watch list?

The Favorite: is it wise for Colman?

I watched the trailer for The Favorite today and though the movie seems to be interesting with Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz and Olivia Colman in the lead but I doubt something, Colman being casted as Queen Anne of the Great Britain in the movie when she has been confirmed to play the lead in the third season of The Crown, is it her wrong choice of role OR a casting flaw?

The movie premiered at the Venice International Film Festival this year and is scheduled to be released later in 2019 around the same time as the third season of The Crown.

Watch the trailer and let me know what do you think.

Carol (2015)

Carol - some people change your life forever...

I am writing after rather a long break and it feels great to be posting again about the movies we love.

I watched Carol (2015) just in time, before the Oscar night in order to judge it myself and what a delight it was!

Picture Credits

It is based on the novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith and its about Carol (Cate Blanchett), well settled wife of a wealthy man, caught in a loveless marriage, her friendship with Therese (Rooney Mara) and what comes there after. (No spoilers here...)

I don't want to write the summary here, you might know the story already or might not, you'll enjoy the movie anyway, thats a guarantee.

Cate and Rooney, both, have played their characters so well that I can't think of any other actor in their place. There is such comfort and intensity between these two. Apart from the impeccable performances what I loved about the movie was the camerawork, the cinematography. It is fluid, beautiful and the frames do justice to the story.

The subject of this movie is something that is still frowned upon in most parts of the world and yet, you can't deny that its a treat to watch it, so subtle and flowing.

And though the movie, the cast and the crew didn't get an Oscar despite of six nominations, don't think any less of it. It is a screen marvel.

I can go on writing about the movie but then you'll have to watch it to witness the genius, watch it for the love of period dramas, for performance, for cinematography and for the love of fine cinema.

Watch the trailer here and decide for yourself:

Game of Thrones

The Dinosaur of TV Shows!

It has been four seasons and yet Game of Thrones is going strong.

Photo Credits

Almost everyone has heard about this show if not watched it already (what a pity). SO this post isn't going to tell you about the story and the actors, we know that well enough, rather, I am going to share some links related to the show.

Let's get started ..

1. The things which differentiate this show from the others is its production design and sets. Have a look at what it takes to make a show of this frenzy  --> Making of the Game of Thrones
2. Much anticipated link, Game of Thrones - the GAME
3. All the cool stuff you ever wanted to own KHALEESI --> Checkout the Etsy Store
4. Okay, look at this one, I would rather not say anything --> Infographic
5. This one is for exclusive GoT memes.
6. We all want to know this no matter how old we are  GoT Quiz

Period Drama : Propaganda and Hype

A row with Downton Abbey clearly suggests that Parade's End is up to some desperate PROMOTION! 

The upcoming period drama Parade's End is aiming at cheap publicity as is evident from the remarks and comments made by actor Benedict Cumberbatch (plays lead in Parade's End) on Downton Abbey, the best period drama series in last few years.

As people say, No Publicity is Bad, this trick is definitely working for Parade's End. The first episode goes on TV on 24th August. The story is a love triangle with two women fighting for, alas, Benedict Cumberbatch (come to think of that, at least they could have gone for a better looking actor, English actors are all so good looking and talented).

Since Downton Abbey is  everybody's favorite so what would be better than criticizing the show openly and get some attention. Well, let us see how this parade goes (I have nothing against the actors and the story) with Cumberbatch in the lead and the cheap publicity, my hopes are not very high (IMDb ratings 4.5/10 from 82 voters). 

Downton Abbey and Parade's End

**Define Benedict Cumberbatch in a word - UGLY!**

Do tell me about the first episode!

Happy Birthday Romola Garai

Birthday wishes to Romola Garai as she turned 30 this year!

Romola Garai

We thought we might just be in time to wish a very Happy birthday to Romola Garai - extremely talented actress. 

I am sure almost all of you have seen a period movie with her in the cast. I think I have seen all of her movies and I really like her work. So far my favorites are Mary Bryant and Emma.

Just in case you haven't seen any of her movies or period series, here's a list:

• Nicholas Nickleby
• I Capture the Castle
• Daniel Deronda
• Vanity Fair
• Amazing Grace
• Mary Bryant
• Emma
• Angel
• Atonement
• King Lear
• Glorious 39
• The Hour (comparatively recent)
• The Crimson Petal and the White

I hope this not-so-small list gives the idea of her dominance in the period dramas. You can say that she is one of the most prominent faces of the modern day period movie genre.

We wish her luck and happiness and hope she acts in many many more period movies to come.

Period Movies Store

I hope all of us are doing well. I have just added a Movie Store to this blog, Period Movies Store.

You can click on the link above the posts and look for your favourite period movies. New titles will be added regularly so don’t forget to come back again.

Should you want any titles to be added feel free to ask for and do tell me how you liked it!

Period Movies Store (snapshot)

Ever After

I so love these fairy tale period dramas I think I am going to make a separate category for these and the animated ones.

Ever After (1998)

Ever after is 1998 fairy tale period movie directed by Andy Tenant, starring Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston and Dougray Scott. The usual drama and comic elements stirred together to serve as period drama.

Drew Barrymore as Danielle
in Ever After (1998)

Barrymore personified the interpretation of Cinderella with her splendid performance. Two dynamite stars in their classic role created extreme magic that’s definitely going to last ever after. The freakishly handsome Dougray played Prince Henry. He graced the screen with hypnotic charm and chivalry. The story covers hard times endured by Danille (Barrymore), daughter of a dead noble man, which she faces with her strong ,opinionated and fierce character. She stands up for a family servant, risking the wrath of her family. Anjelica Huston as Baroness Rodmilla (stepmother) is cold and cruel, constantly abusing Danielle as well as her own daughter, Jacqueline. Megan Dodds as Marguerite is beautiful, pitiless and cruel, truly Rodmilla’s daughter and in end shares her fate.

Anjelica Huston as Baroness Rodmilla
in Ever After (1998)

Ever after is sweet, frothy twist on ancient fable, dramatized with great buoyancy and wit. The detail is incredible, the costumes gorgeous, and the dialogues enrapturing.  The music composed by George Fenton is soothing which goes very well with gorgeous cinematography. In a nutshell, this dramatic movie scores well in terms of lavish scenery, stylish repartee and violent mayhem.

I wonder how many of you like movies like this. I love comments so post!

Period Dramas - Double Treat with Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardi DiCaprio in two period dramas on 25th December this year! 

Leonardo DiCaprio will be starring in two period movies, and guess what, both these movies are expected to release on the same day! It will be THE GREAT GATSBY up against DJANGO UNCHAINED!


In Great Gatsby, Leonardo will be playing the lead character of Jay Gatsby which has already been portrayed by Robert Redford in 1974 movie of the same name. Comparisons will be drawn but I think he'll equal Robert Redford, might even outshine him.

The second movie is, Django Unchained, where Leonardo plays a ruthless and francophile plantation owner, Calvin Candie, so, that's a negative shade.

Both of these period dramas are expected to release on the 25th of this December, which one are you going to watch first?

(L-R) Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby and
Leonardo DiCaprio as Calvin Candie in Django Unchained

Period Movies Box - Sense and Sensibility (1995) - Reviewed

Sense and Sensibility (1995)
My Overall Rating - 7.5/10

Sense & Sensibility - Period Movies Box

This is one movie that I liked and loved, very sincerely! The movie stars Emma Thompson (Elinor Dashwood),Kate Winslet (Marianne Dashwood), Hugh Grant (Edward Ferrars), Allan Rickman, Gemma Jones and others.

The period piece is almost as charming as Jane Austen's novel. The best part according to me, it maintains originality and the sets, the costumes and characters are very genuine. Again, I must compliment the casting director(who ever that was).

There's no point writing the story of Sense and Sensibility here, we know it of course. Just a little thing to convey, watch it, devote your evening to this extremely well crafted period movie, with excellent performances by stage-trained artists and a witty and substantial screenplay, believe me you'll not be disappointed. ENJOY!

Don't forget to write to me!

IMDb Link - Sense and Sensibility
Wikipedia Link - Sense and Sensibility

For more information on period movies stay connected to Period Movies Box.

HOME

Period Movies Box - The Young Victoria (2009) - Reviewed

The Young Victoria (2009)
My Overall Rating - 7.5/10

The Young Victoria - Period Movies Box

My Saturday evening was delightful and you know why. I just finished watching The Young Victoria, a movie by Jean Marc Vallee. The movie is about the early years of Queen Victoria or should I rather say HER MAJESTY!

The movie stars Emily Blunt (as Queen Victoria), Rupert Friend (as Prince Albert), Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson, Jim Broadbent and others. I am impressed, definitely. This is what you can tag as comparatively a new cast with Blunt in the lead and the ensemble has worked very well.

The movie is very good, especially the furniture (and why not, it was the Victorian Era after all!). The performance of the young Victoria (Blunt) is controlled and decent. Also, Rupert Friend is very good, not overshadowed at all. And Paul Bettany is very charming (only second to Friend!)

Doesn't matter whether you're a regency era fan or a casual movie watcher, you'll like the movie I'm sure! Its a very well made period movie, just what you need to make a happy watching. So, I guess you might as decide upon watching it, this weekend and tell me about it!

IMDb Link - The Young Victoria
Wikipedia Link - The Young Victoria

For more information on period movies stay connected to Period Movies Box.

HOME

Period Movies Box - A Dangerous Method - Upcoming Movie

A Dangerous Method 
Release Date - 23 November

I have been waiting for its trailer for a long time now. A Dangerous Method is based on the relationship between Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud, two of the best psychiatrists of their time, set on the eve of the World War I. The movie has a fine star cast which I think would sufficiently good to pull off the plot nicely. It stars Keira Knightley, Michael Fassbander and Viggo Mortenson in the lead roles.

The plot line of the movie is,"A look at how the intense relationship between Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud gives birth to psychoanalysis.", as is written on IMDb.

I think it would be a good one looking at the storyline and the cast of the movie. Also, the screen play has been written by Christopher Hampton, an Academy Award winner. So, to sum up, I think it would be a great period movie to watch!

As Viggo Mortenson says, "I have simply opened the door. Its for a young man like yourself to walk through it."

IMDb Link - A Dangerous Method
Wikipedia Link - A Dangerous Method

Do tell me what do you think of it! I love comments!

Period Movies Box - Brideshead Revisited (2008) - Reviewed

Brideshead Revisited (2008)
My Overall Rating - 6/10

Brideshead Revisited (2008) - Period Movies Box

I was to dying to see this one for a long time now and finally got the chance yesterday. I don't know if it was my limited sense of grasping things or something else, the movie seemed more or less OBTUSE, to me. Its a screen adaptation of the classic novel by Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited in 1945 and it is disappointing that the movie is not very loyal to the book, though I haven't read it. The casting is good though, Mathew Goode, Emma Thompson, Michael Gambon, Haley Atwell, Ben Whishaw, Felicity Jones and others.

The movie follows the life of Charles Ryder (Mathew Goode), a middle class painter, student at Oxford. The plot develops when Charles befriends sophisticated and erratic aristocrat Sebastian Flyte (Ben Whishaw) and gets introduced to his family at Brideshead. Anyway, there are certain things I wish to point out, firstly, the costumes and the sets are very nice indeed, secondly, Sebastian Flyte wasn't out and out gay, and his affections towards Charles can be termed as 'Man Affection' and not exactly what the movie captures, thirdly, the movie was made with an intention of Epic Drama and that's the reason for the excessive dramatization of the plot and characters, forgetting the underlying theme and details of the novel.

Having said that, I think Mathew Goode is suavely handsome and girls will agree with me. The performances given by the actors are good but somehow the movie hasn't been assembled with sincerity, I feel. It was a nice watch still, and by the way, I would love to revisit Brideshead anytime, for its sheer beauty! If you're a period movie fan, you'll appreciate it for its sets, acting and costume.

IMDb Link - Brideshead Revisited
Wikipedia Link - Brideshead Revisited

For more information on movies stay connected to Period Movies Box.

HOME

Period Movies Box - North and South (2004) - Reviewed

North and South (2004)
My Overall Rating - 7.5/10

North and South (2004)

It was the first time, for me atleast, that I saw something different from the scenic countryside and palatial buildings in a period piece. North and South is definitely different, real and very well made series. It is based on the novel, North and South by English writer Elizabeth Gaskell.

I have never been so impressed by a TV mini series, it is definitely the best I have seen so far. The story follows the life of the Hale family, the protagonist Margret Hale, her father and mother. As the title suggests, the novel compares the life and people of north and south of the then England but you never really get to see 'south' through out.

Margret Hale, who comes from the south of the country, dislikes north in the starting but eventually makes friends and finds something more profound in the arrogant and unemotional Mr. Thornton (I was simply dazzled **Richard Armitage**). The movie stars Daniela Denby-Ashe (Margret Hale), Richard Armitage (Mr. Thornton), Anna Maxwell Martin, Rupert Evans, Wiiliam Houston and others.

The performances are very genuine and straight. The best thing I liked about the series was that it shows something different from the regular ribbons and bonnets of young ladies, palaces and scenery of England and their extra ordinary fast accents. It shows the working class, the mills, the factory workers and miseries of people, of different classes.

Its a must watch, you'll not be disappointed, trust me!

IMDb Link - North and South
Wikipedia Link - North and South  

For more information on period movies stay connected to Period Movies Box.

HOME

Period Movies Box - Friday Favorite Character - Elinor Dashwood

Elinor Dashwood

The main protagonist in Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility. Elinor Dashwood can be referred to as the 'Sense' part of the novel since she practical, honest, good natured and thoughtful. Elinor is not described as a complete beauty but is said to have regular features and good figure. She is very balanced both, mentally and emotionally. Comparisons have been drawn between her and her younger sister, Marianne Dashwood who happens to be the 'Sensibility' part of the book. Unlike Marianne, Elinor is more in control of her emotions and definitely much more compromising.


Some people are of the opinion that the character Elinor Dashwood is loosely based on Jane Austen's elder sister Cassandra Austen. Jane was most close to Cassandra, throughout her life.  


The way Elinor hides her feelings for Edward thinking that there was no hope for her only shows how practical she was in the ways love and romance. Though her feelings were genuine and strong, she could not give Edward a hint about them because she was very concerned about what exactly the society expects of her and her conduct.


Ah! I think Elinor was a little too concerned about the society and didn't think about herself. Personally, I am of the opinion that its fine to be agreeable in society but then its shouldn't be to an extent where you stop valuing yourself and all you care about is society. Elinor Dashwood is a very well written character indeed, sense personified!


I love love love Emma Thompson's portrayal of Elinor Dashwood in Sense & Sensibility (1995) and I think very highly of her. In fact, the casting of the movie was very good, perhaps a replacement for Hugh Grant would have added more soul to Edward's character. It is as I reckon one of the best period movies I have seen and the critics think the same.

Period Movies Box - Tangled (2010) - Reviewed

Tangled (2010)
My Overall Rating - 8/10

Tangled - Disney

I think I was really unlucky not to have watched a movie like this when it was still in theater, I guess I couldn't because of my exams! *Curse my College*


Tangled's picture should be placed next to the word "Delightful" in Webster dictionary. Anyway, that was my very weird sense of praising. Honestly, I don't know if there is anything bad about this movie, seriously, from the voice overs to the CG and animation, the scenes and ofcourse RIDER, it is what you can tag as a TREAT!


The story of Rapunzel has been retold and in an amazing fashion. The voice overs have been done by Mandy Moore (Rapunzel), Zachary Levi (Flynn Rider), Donna Murphy (Mother Gothel) and they all have done a very nice job. The jokes are simple and funny, timing is exquisite and I would love to have a dog like that white horse! I loved Pascal (chameleon) he's so mature and sensible, almost like an elder brother! 


Ah! I so loved the movie, I don't know why critiques weren't totally satisfied with it (on second thoughts, I guess they make a living by criticizing everything good!). 


What else can you expect from a movie. Its a total charmer and you'll love it.  As for the title 'Tangled', there's nothing more straight, shiny, silky and strong than Rapunzel's hair, not tangled at all! I wish all the period movies could be remade in animation, that would be so wonderful.

IMDb Link - Tangled
Wikipedia Link - Tangled

For more information on movies stay connected to Period Movies Box.

HOME

Period Movies Box - Miss Potter (2006) - Reviewed

Miss Potter (2006) 
My Overall Rating - 7.5/10

Miss Potter - Renee Zellweger

Today I watched Miss Potter and what a delight it was. The movie stars Renee Zellweger (as Beatrice Potter), Ewan McGregor (as Norman Warne), Emily Watson (as Millie Warne), Lloyd Owen, Bill Paterson among the rest. The movie follows the story of Beatrice Potter, the celebrated and much loved author of children's books, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.


The story has been very well formed by Richard Maltby Jr, my sincere compliments to him. Much closer to the truth and the facts of the author and so subtle. This is exactly what I expected from Renee Zellweger, a great performance and I think Ewan McGregor's mustache made him look much more handsome (not many people can carry it off that well!). 


The movie captures the beautiful illustrations made by Beatrice Potter as well as the picturesque hill top farm where she lived. There's such beauty in the movie, and innocence too. No doubt Miss Potter celebrated the countryside living in Britain, it is what she preached and loved, until the very end.

Its a definitely 'catch it' movie, so simple and yet so good. I liked everything about it, the cast, story, scenes, music and ofcourse the stupid Puddle Duck! I can tag this Sunday evening as 'charming' one!

I wish there were more such movies, a family movie definitely. I think you might as well want to read a very nice post on Beatrix Potter on one of my favorite blogs.

IMDb Link - Miss Potter
Wikipedia Link - Miss Potter

For more information on movies stay connected to Period Movies Box.

HOME

Period Movies Box - Northanger Abbey (2007) - Reviewed

Northanger Abbey (2007)
My Overall Rating - 6/10

Northanger Abbey

Well, I watched Northanger Abbey few hours back and I think I should stop watching TV adaptations of Jane Austen's books since not all of them turn out to be as good as Pride & Prejudice (1995)and it disappoints me  . This adaptation stars Felicity Jones (as Catherine Morland), JJ Field (as Henry Tilney), Carey Mulligan, Hugh O' Connor among the rest.

If Persuasion (2007) was the worst adaptation of a Jane Austen novel, this one would only be the second worst I have seen so far. On second thoughts, I think I must not compare it with Persuasion (2007), it would be unfair, since this one has far better sets, scenes, actors and costumes. Still, you won't be able to appreciate the film as one of Austen's delectable work or a movie made on it.

Felicity Jones has done decent work as Catherine Morland, though she looks like a twelve year instead of fifteen. J.J. Field is good and handsome in the role, I liked his voice as well. He looks mature and sufficiently amusing at the same time. Carey Mulligan, well she is the big thing and quite proves herself in a supporting actress role. Actually, she's the best you have in the complete cast.

The movie is too short, just ninety minutes or so, I think that makes a good revision of the actual story. As far as the production is concerned, I was happy to see some raise in the standards as compared to those of Persuasion (2007) (personally, I guess it shows cost cutting and recession hit movie industry so evidently).

If you are a die hard regency era fan and can endure anything in the name of old charm, well, its fine to devote you hour and a half on this movie. Just in case you are looking for something which equals in standard to Pride & Prejudice (1995), you must avoid the movie or you'll be let down deeply.

IMDb Link - Northanger Abbey
Wikipedia Link - Northanger Abbey

For more information on movies stay connected to Period Movies Box.

HOME

Period Movies Box - Marie Antoinette (2006) - Reviewed

Marie Antoinette (2006)


My Overall Rating - 6/10

Marie Antoinette - Kirsten Dunst

I quite wanted to watch this one for a long time now. Yesterday I did watch it and there was this one thing that ruined the movie. It stars Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Judy Davis, Rip Torn and many others. Its is based on the life of the iconic queen of France, Marie Antoinette who got married at a young age of fifteen and became the Queen of France at the age of nineteen. Her extravagance ultimately led to the doom of the Versailles.

Kirsten Dunst has acted well and has Jason Schwartzman, but it was something I did not expect this from Sofia Coppola, the director and writer of the movie, she is an Oscar winner (Lost in Translation). It has been listed as drama on IMDb but I found it very comic, indeed. Now, the worst part, the Background Score of the movie, yikes! How could anyone be so insane and ruin a period movie with that sort of music and beats. Their excuse is that,' the movie was made for the young and teenagers'. Well I personally think that teenagers don't watch a movie for the silly and odd beats in the background. It literally crushes everything else. The art direction is so so good, you would just want to keep looking at the sets and the costumes are so fine.

Basically, its a nice story, wrecked by the silliest music I have ever heard. I would like Kirsten Dunst acting in a period movie again, a good and decent one perhaps. You can watch the movie for its exquisite sets and beautiful dresses.

IMDb Link- Marie Antoinette
Wikipedia Link - Marie Antoinette

For more information on movies stay connected to Period Movies Box.

HOME