I think the only thing that holds a candle to my love of books is my love of movies and TV shows. As such, many of my favorite films reflect the exact sort of thing I enjoy reading, with my #1 being historical fiction! I also adore a good romance, and something about all the restraint, be it of manners or clothing, makes the romance that much better for me. I've set out to list some that aren't often mentioned, in the hopes that others will learn to love them like I do!
The Handmaiden directed by Park Chan-Wook (2016)
An adaption of Sarah Waters' novel Fingersmith by Award-winning Korean director Park Chan-wook, this movie had been on my radar ever since it came out. I finally watched it this month and was completely blown away. The actors were amazing, the cinematography was beautiful, and I loved how it stayed true to the story even while changing the setting from Victorian England to Japanese occupied Korea! This movie is one to go in without too much prior knowledge as the twists will shock (and delight) you.
"1930s Korea, in the period of Japanese occupation, a new girl (Sookhee) is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress (Hideko) who lives a secluded life on a large countryside estate with her domineering Uncle (Kouzuki). But the maid has a secret. She is a pickpocket recruited by a swindler posing as a Japanese Count to help him seduce the Lady to elope with him, rob her of her fortune, and lock her up in a madhouse. The plan seems to proceed according to plan until Sookhee and Hideko discover some unexpected emotions."
Belle directed by Amma Asante (2013)
This beautiful romance has the added bonus of being based on a true story, that of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a mixed-race British heiress who lived 1761 to 1804. (And for those curious, it does have a happy ending).
"This movie was inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed race daughter of Royal Navy Captain Sir John Lindsay. Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield and his wife, Belle's lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the color of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing. Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle falls for an idealistic young vicar's son bent on change, who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield's role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England.
Firelight directed by William Nicholson (1997)
This film utilizes a favorite trope of mine: the governess who falls in love with her employer, only with a much bigger twist. Beautiful Sophie Marceau is subtle and wonderful, and her leading man is one of my favorites, Stephen Dillane.
"In 1830s England, debt-ridden governess Elisabeth Laurier consents to bear a child with aristocrat Charles Godwin, whose crippled wife cannot conceive. So long as Elisabeth relinquishes any maternal claims, he will pay off her father's debts. Though the arrangement is meant to be perfunctory, a forbidden romance blooms between them. Years later, she is hired as governess to a young girl on a remote estate -- who turns out to be the daughter she surrendered."
Lust, Caution directed by Ang Lee (2007)
I loved Lust, Caution from my very first watch, and highly recommend it for those who are fans of relationships along the lines of those in Dangerous Liaisons and Fatal Attraction. It is very deep and dark, with absolutely outstanding performances by Tony Leung and Tang Wei.
"During World War II, a secret agent must seduce, then assassinate an official who works for the Japanese puppet government in Shanghai. Her mission becomes clouded when she finds herself falling in love with the man she is assigned to kill."
The Piano directed by Jane Campion (1993)
One of my absolute favorite films, The Piano tells the story of the forbidden romance between mute and married Ada and her husband's friend. This haunting film will stick with you long after.
"After a long voyage from Scotland, pianist Ada McGrath and her young daughter, Flora, are left with all their belongings, including a piano, on a New Zealand beach. Ada, who has been mute since childhood, has been sold into marriage to a local man named Alisdair Stewart. Making little attempt to warm up to Alisdair, Ada soon becomes intrigued by his Maori-friendly acquaintance, George Baines, leading to tense, life-altering conflicts."
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