15 period movies that will transport you to a new universe

One of the characteristics of a film is to take its audience anywhere in the universe. The plots of period films transport the viewer to unique historical periods. If you love works full of culture and conflicts of the period, check out this sensational list of period films:

1. Amine (2021)

Based on real events, this feature film full of history and adventure tells the story of Amina, a young princess born in Zazzau in the 16th century. The character goes against the principles of the time and asks her father to receive military training. As the plot unfolds, the character becomes a great warrior protecting her country. The film is a recent production and was directed by renowned Nigerian director Izu Ojukwu.

2. Enola Holmes (2020)

Set in the society of 1884, this film tells the story of a 16-year-old girl, completely out of character at the time. Enola Holmes, played by Millie Bobby Brown, grew up being taught to be independent, strong and intelligent. With the disappearance of her mother, the character is forced to use the investigative vein of the Holmes family to find her and, at the same time, tries to deal with her brothers, who want to force her to go to a “school for ladies”. This period film is produced by Netflix and has a 91% critical approval rating by Rotten Tomatoes.

3. Silenced (2020)

This Spanish film, directed by Pablo Aguero, takes place in 1609 in the French Basque Country and tells the story of a group of friends captured by the royal guard and accused of witchcraft, who must fight for their own survival while the system tries to force them to confess. a supposed relationship with “demonic beliefs”. The feature film, which received 5 awards at the 2021 Goya Festival, was inspired by the book “A Feiticeira”, by author Jules Michelet and addresses important social reflections on women in history.

4. City of Ice (2020)

If you like period films with romance, adventure, culture and strong protagonists, this Russian production will win your heart! The feature film takes place in the cold city of Saint Petersburg, at the end of the 19th century and tells the story of a poor boy who falls in love with a high society girl. Critically acclaimed and with a beautiful scenography, the plot is described as engaging and has already received awards in several categories by both the Golden Eagle Awards and the Nika Awards.

5. The Miracle in Cell 7 (2019)

When a humble man with a mental disability witnesses a tragic accident of a little girl, only a miracle can save him from the cruelest accusations. “The Miracle in Cell 7” is a moving Turkish film, set in the year 1983 and about innocence, friendship and love. The cinematographic work was considered one of the most watched in Turkish cinema and stayed for weeks in the TOP 10 of Netflix.

6. Elisa and Marcela (2019)

In 1898 Spain, two young women meet at a school in the city of A Coruña. From friendship, a forbidden love is born, resulting in many conflicts and a secret plan so that both can live this union. The period film, all in black and white, which portrays prejudice and the incredible resilience of love, was even selected to compete for an award at the Berlin International Film Festival and won in the Best Art Direction category by the Gaudí Award.

7. Mademoiselle Vengeance (2018)

Set in 1750’s France, this plot follows the story of Madame de La Pommeraye, a wealthy widow who becomes romantically involved with the seductive Marquis des Arcis. However, when the romance takes an unwanted turn, passion gives way to the desire for revenge. The film, which lasts 1 hour and 49 minutes, was acclaimed for its impeccable script and scenography, which generated 6 nominations for the César Award where it won in the category of Best Costume.

8. The bookstore (2017)

This period film takes place in the small town of Hardborough, where widow Florence Green decides to open her own bookstore. What she didn’t count on is that the house she bought – initially for her business – was supposed to be the site of a big project by Violet Gamart, an influential wealthy resident of the city, who does everything to disrupt the new commerce. The feature, which is set in the late 1950s, had good reviews and won three Goya Awards in the Best Director, Best Film and Best Adapted Screenplay categories.

9. Weather and the wind (2013)

Starring Thiago Lacerda, Marjorie Estiano and other great actors, “O tempo e o vento” is an adaptation of the works of Érico Veríssimo. The story is set in the south of the country and discusses the plot of two enemy families fighting for the occupation of land located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The feature film directed by Jayme Monjardim generated millions of reais at the national box office and received the 10th Fiesp/Sesi Film Award for Best Art Direction and the Crystal Lens Trophy for Best Film.

10. My lime orange tree (2012)

Set in the countryside of Minas Gerais, this national film, winner of the best children’s film category at the Rome Film Festival, portrays the story of a sensitive and very creative boy who grows up in a family full of conflicts and finds shelter under a foot of lime orange with whom he confides his secrets and stories. This period film is an adaptation of one of the most famous literary works in the country, written by José Mauro de Vasconcelos.

11. The Exchange (2009)

Based on true events, this American film takes place in 1928 and tells the mysterious story of the disappearance of a 9-year-old boy and the suffering of his mother in the search to find him. Starring Angelina Jolie, the feature film that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2008 has a very interesting dramatic plot and has received eight BAFTA award nominations and three Oscar nominations.

12. Pride and Prejudice (2005)

At a time when marriages were arranged, an English country aristocracy family plans to marry off one of their daughters, but she is opposed to the marriage. However, an internal conflict takes Elizabeth Bennet by surprise when she meets the introverted Mr. Darcy. The period film is a film adaptation of Jane Austen’s book and was nominated for several Oscar and Golden Globe categories.

13. Sense and Sensibility (1996)

Another renowned adaptation of Jane Austen’s works, Sense and Sensibility is a romantic comedy set in the 19th century that tells the story of two sisters in search of true love. The feature film, which portrays some conflicts of the time and addresses the social role of women, received several important awards from the cinematographic universe, such as Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Berlin Festival.

14. Little Women (1994)

Set in the United States during the Civil War period, this film portrays the story of four completely different sisters, who go through adolescence struggling to survive the challenges imposed by life. Inspired by the literary work of Louisa May Alcott, the film is just one of the film adaptations and received several nominations for important awards, such as Oscar and BAFTA.

15. The Age of Innocence (1993)

Directed by Martin Scorsese, this romantic drama is set in 1870 and tells the story of a countess who, after separating from her husband and shocking society with her position, falls in love with a lawyer who is about to get married. With a cast with names such as Winona Ryder and Michelle Pfeiffer, the period film received awards in the Best Supporting Actress category at the Golden Globes and BAFTAs and Best Costume Design at the Oscars.

This powerful selection of movies will make the choice a little easier, won’t it? And when the marathon is over, be sure to check out this extraordinary list of the best movies on Netflix, according to The New York Times!