I Have a Thing for Period Pieces!

I do. It's true. I LOVE a good, clean movie from England. I think it's the romantic in me that loves watching the subtlety of love unfold. I thought it would be fun to share my favorite movies that I've collected and watch OVER and OVER again. I've tried to recommend ones that are clean as I don't care for a lot of junk in my movies. Here are my favorites:

No. This is NOT the American Civil War epic. Instead it is a lovely tale about the north part of England during the industrial revolution. Wonderful acting and insight into England's working class. I promise you'll love "North & South":

This is one of my favorite Jane Austen movies and probably a lesser known work. Persuasion is one woman's decision to finally follow her heart (plus the leading man is very easy on the eyes):


"Cranford" and the sequel "Return to Cranford" are both smart, bright insights into women and the types of personalities we have. Watch it to see which woman you most resemble:



Another "Elizabeth Gaskell" book made into a movie is "Wives & Daughters." This is a sweeping love story and tragedy, and the main love story is enchanting:


"Lark Rise to Candleford" is a series, but it is one of the most intelligent, lovely series I have ever seen. Every single episode will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for the characters of Lark Rise. It is clean and endearing and one of my most favorites in my collection. Even my husband and children were drawn in each time I turned on an episode. Watch all FOUR seasons for the complete story (and yes, they do wrap it up nicely):



If you're a Jane Austen fan, then you've faithfully watched every version of her amazing literature. Be sure to watch this version of "Emma," as it gives a lovely view into Emma's nature and her background, which I don't think was captured as well in other versions:


And just in case you missed this version of "Sense & Sensibility," I just have to recommend it. Again, beautiful and new insight into the characters you already know and love:


As you can see, I'm a sucker for BBC retellings. I haven't quite crossed over into "Downtown Abbey" yet as I'm worried it might not be as sweet as these other movies. But perhaps you have a recommendation for me on a movie such as these that you loved? These are movies I watch over and over again and love adding to my collection.

17 comments

  1. Wow Jen it's lovely to think you enjoy so much our english stories so much. You have picked out everyone of my favourites too, plus I love Jane Eyre and have you seen the Downton Abbey series yet. Love those as well! Happy veiwing!

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  2. Why don't you live closer?! I would happily watch any of these with you! :) Downton Abbey you have to give a few episodes to really get into I think, but once you do, I promise there are some swoon worthy moments, amongst the crass. While a bit silly I also enjoy "Lost in Austen" Although I don't care for their Mr.Darcy... But they tried!
    And yes, BBC versions are usually so much better.

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  3. You must watch the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy...it is a mini series and very faithful to Jane Austin's words...so great!

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  4. I love period pieces too! Definitely P&P with Colin Firth! I did like the Kiera Knightly version as well. You need to watch Downton Abbey - I think you'll enjoy it. Especially if you saw Gosford Park.

    I loved these types of movies since I was a teen - I think I saw A Room with a View and never looked back :)

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  5. seriously?! I think we need to live closer too! These are RIGHT up my alley!! I love when the BBC gets involved because they seem to do thing RIGHT! :) Totally put these in my que on netflix and the library. I agree give Downton Abbey a few episodes and it will leave you wanting to see what happens next. My hubby even sat down and watched it--the costumes and story lines are great. thanks for the new flix!
    this is TOTALLY random and off topic BUT speaking of shows you can watch with your family--have you seen the BBC Merlin? It's on netflix and AWESOME!

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  6. That's it! Video party at my house.

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  7. Jen seriously??!! We must be kindred spirits. Holy Smokes! North & South is my go to movie. "Look back. Look back at me..." Ahh. Larkrise is fabulous as is Cranford. The BBC seriously knows what they are doing. WOO HOO!

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  8. Jen, I'm not sure you'll enjoy Downton Abbey if you're all about subtlety and decorum. While it's fun in a British drama sense, there is a lot of shocking behavior so beware! I'll agree with other comments here that the A&E miniseries of Pride and Prejudice is wonderful!

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  9. I have all of these and love them all! Would also recommend Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth, P and P with Keira Knightley (fabulous direction), Emma with Gwyneth Paltrow, Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson (she won a Golden Globe for her screenplay - the writing is superb. Be sure to watch the deleted scenes - one in particular) - I love the USA versions too. Trying to think of any others I have - I've just watched all these again in the last few months. Nope, I think that's it...you've covered them all!

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  10. Other Recommendations -
    Miss Austen Regrets with Olivia Williams
    Emma with Kate Beckinsale (another version to check out)
    Victoria and Albert with Victoria Hamilton (just finished this - was great).

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  11. I have watched and loved all of these except Wives and Daughters. I'll have to watch that next! With your wonderful list, I'm very surprised BBC's Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth is not on there. You would love it. I also like the Keira Knightly version, but it moves much faster (2 hours instead of 5). It's great for a quicker P&P fix, though. :)

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  12. I love period dramas too, and you've picked some of my faves. Though I prefer the older version of Persuasion, starring Amanda Root. North and South is amazing! Ah, good old romances are the best! x

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  13. Many wonderful movies to be sure, my favotite is Persuasion with Amanda Root, but I think it's best if you know the story beforehand. That's my favorite Austen novel. Have you seen Miss Potter, about Beatrix Potters life? I love it.

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  14. YOu are a girl after my own heart! I love Lark Rise to Candleford. I also got addicted to Monarch of the Glen.

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  15. Oh my goodness! I have a thing for period pieces too and enjoyed all your picks! I also loved that particular adaption of "Persuasion," mainly because my name is Anne and their Capt. Wentworth is DREAMY. I love "Downton Abbey" and if you haven't seen it, "The Foryste Saga" is pretty darn good too. I thought "Lost in Austen" was fun and interesting although their Mr. Darcy isn't as fabulous as Colin Firth. I will forever love Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in "Pride & Prejudice." :) I did not particularly enjoy "Miss Austen Regrets" or "Mansfield Park" with Billie Piper but that's just my opinion. Thanks for the post - I really enjoyed it!!

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  16. I'm another fan of Pride & Prejudice with Keira Knightley, although the colin firth version is also great, who can resist Colin firth! Its my go to movie when I am scrapping. And I agree with Monica, Miss Potter is one of my favourite movies, totally delightful. I am also a total Downton Abbey fan. I think you would like it. Its just lovely!! You should watch a few episodes. The first season in particular is fabulous! I'm going to see if I can track down a few of your favourites...they look like they could be great scrapbooking movies!

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  17. Hi Jen, l just want to say the biggest THANKYOU, after looking at your site a few weeks ago now when you showed all the period movies, l went and brought the first series of Larkrise to Candleford, l have fallen in love with this show, l then brought 2,3 and 4 of the series, lm now looking at buying some more BBC movies, but you must give Downton Abbey a go, its great and so is Beatrix Potter, thanks again for the movie review, and l also love all your scraping

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