Monday, February 28, 2011

Period Dramas



 

The British, I dare say, have been enjoying for much too long a delicacy we Americans have yet  had the privilege to discover. Therefore in this post I wish to bring to light the delicacy of fine television. BBC (British Broadcasting Channel) has made adaptations of many a fine movies based off of novels from only the greatest authors that have ever lived. These period dramas truly capture the decor of the times; from language, to manners, to even the outlandish outfits worn by ladies and gentlemen of that period. The propriety of the times bring to screen beautiful love stories that are not superficial nor spoilt by the worldliness so common in Hollywood. Often, the heroines of these movies go against pressures from society and family to marry for estate and privelleges; and rather in the end marry for love. Although life doesn't always work out in such a manner, they're rewarded in their choice by having the one they love by their side; and a comfortable if not extravagant living. If you are more into drama than romance, trust me, these movies do not disappoint. They have well developed plots and subplots; governed by one or a group of people with an ill will.

The Youtube clip above is the first part of the BBC adaptation of  Wives and Daughters written by Elizabeth Gaskell. I promise you'll LOVE it! I do believe I cried, I laughed, I yelled; I expressed all these emotions while watching this movie. Then again, I am a big baby...but I do know my movies!!!

After watching this, if you like this genre of period dramas, I suggest you watch all the BBC adaptations of Jane Austen's novels (Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, etc...), Charles Dicken's novels, Elizabeth Gaskell's novels, Louisa May Alcott's novels, George Elliot's novels, and many more adaptations from novels written in the late 1800's and 1900's. 

Cheers


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