Some of my favorite modern movies also happen to be period ones. Perhaps this is just another way of coping with the fact that I live in the 21st century: Just because I’m watching a modern movie, doesn’t mean I can’t still pretend I’m in the 40s, 50s, or 60s while doing so! Although some films don’t portray their respective eras as well as others, there are times when I’m willing to let it slide, because they still capture a certain spirit that makes me feel like I’m watching an old movie.
I thought I’d share a few of my favorite period films with you today. Even though I have fun spotting when something doesn’t belong in that era, I am by no means an expert. Some of you eagle-eyed historians may recognize incongruities in fashions, everyday objects, or other elements, that I didn’t catch when I watched them. (If you do, tell me in the comments! I’d love to know about it!)
But regardless of any errors, these 3 movies have a special place in my heart. If you give them a watch,* let me know what you think! Or, if you’ve seen them before, tell me which one is your favorite!
*These are all available via various streaming services, but I am only listing the services that include them for free with basic subscriptions (as opposed to pay-per-view or premium subscriptions).
Living (2022)
Takes place in: 1950s
I first watched this on a finicky airplane screen, and as the opening credits rolled, it felt so much like an old movie that I thought the wrong title had started playing! The aesthetic is sublime, and it's extremely well-acted. Bill Nighy gives a particularly exquisite performance as a London bureaucrat who, in the wake of a cancer diagnosis, learns what it truly means to live. It’s a quiet and subtle, yet powerful movie, that proves it is never too late to make a positive difference in someone’s life—and that no difference is too small.
Warning: This movie will make you want to move to England. If any of you want to chip in some money and share a flat with me, let me know.
Living is actually a remake of the 1952 Japanese film Ikiru, directed by Akira Kurosawa. I have not seen it yet, but I am very much looking forward to doing so.
Watch Living for free with Netflix subscription. English subtitles available.
Watch Ikiru for free with Max subscription. (I don’t have Max, so not sure what subtitle options are.)
Belfast (2021)
Takes place in: 1960s
(The 60s weren’t really that long ago, but that time period still has a very specific feel, so I’m still including it here as a “period” film.)
Belfast is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story, based on writer and director Kenneth Branagh’s experiences growing up in 1960s Northern Ireland. Sometimes humorous, sometimes sad, and at times even whimsical, this is a poignant movie with a lot of heart. It’s set to the music of Van Morrison, who was born in Belfast and made several references to his hometown in his songs.
Another lovely touch is that although this is shot in black and white, whenever the family goes to the movies, the films they watch are in color—A beautiful tribute to the magic of cinema, and the power it has to touch one’s life.
Given the historical backdrop, this movie is clearly not light fare. (Somehow, I cry even more every time I watch it.) But the way Buddy manages to find love and joy during a dark time, gives the film itself an aura not unlike a shaft of sunlight that streams through grey clouds on a rainy day.
Watch for free (with ads) with an Amazon Prime subscription. English subtitles are available (song lyrics subtitled as well). See subtitle information for the DVD here.
A Royal Night Out (2015)
Takes place in: 1940s
Of all the modern attempts to recreate the “rich kid/member of royalty sneaks out for an adventure and finds romance” formulas of It Happened One Night and Roman Holiday, this one is my favorite. Very loosely based on a true story, it follows young princesses Elizabeth and Margaret as they sneak out to celebrate with the “common people” on V-E Day.
I love this one because it really feels like you’re on this adventure with the sisters: you get the sense that time is slowly closing in, and you just have to revel in the freedom while it lasts. It’s a magical romp, but I also appreciate the reminders of what the world went through to reach that night of celebration and triumph.
Watch free with Showtime subscription. (I don’t have Showtime, so not sure what subtitle options are.)
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