Jane Austen, born in 1775, helped to define the novel of manners that were popular during the early part of the 19th century in England. It is easy to get lost within her world of vivid details about the middle-class lifestyle during her time. Her writing transports the reader to another era. And while she may have wrote and published her most famous novel “Pride and Prejudice” over 200 years ago it remains a timeless classic to this day. She was a pioneer in the way she thought of women (e.g. their place within society, ability to take decisions on their own, autonomy).
Jane Austen is a beloved author. Many people love her so much that they have read all her novels and seen the miniseries. Austen is loved by true fans who can’t get enough. And surely those same fans are excited to hear the recent news that a new adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” is in the works. The producers of “Poldark,” and “Victoria,” are working on a darker adaptation of the beloved novel. It could come out as early 2020.
Even if Jane Austen fans love watching every film or television adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” that’s ever been made over and over again – they’re also likely to enjoy similar works (also known as view-alikes). You’ll love this collection of period dramas and Jane Austen works. These movies have an enduring appeal. Period dramas can transport viewers to another dimension – one without email, phones or other modern conveniences. Let’s take a moment to relax, grab some popcorn, and go on our journey into another dimension.
Austenland
Jane Hayes loves Jane Austen, and this is making her unhappy in love. Jane is determined to be the heroine in her own story. Jane spends her entire life savings on Austenland. This Austen-inspired resort is where Jane meets two very different gentlemen. However, it’s difficult for Jane to discern where fantasy ends, real life, and perhaps even love begin. Based on the novel by Shannon Hale.
Becoming Jane
Jane Austen, the young Jane Austen wants to be a writer. Her mother is not so sure. While she is often offered marriage proposals, she declines all of them until Thomas Lefroy, a mischievous stranger, turns her world upside down. While she finds him ignorant and self-centered at first, they become closer and eventually fall for each other. Thomas’ relatives disapprove of the match, and threaten to leave him without a will if he marries his daughter. Jane’s mom also opposes the match. Thomas tries to persuade Jane to flee with him. Jane stays with her parents and ends her relationship with Lefroy. She begins to compose some of the most significant works of her life. Lefroy is the inspiration of Mr. Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice”.
Belle
Dido Elizabeth, an 18th century English woman mixed race, is raised in privilege and privilege by her aristocratic grandfather and his wife. But, because of her skin colour, she is not allowed to have a proper social standing. Dido finds herself in a dilemma when she falls for a young idealist attorney who is determined to make positive change. Based on a true story.
Bright Star
Fanny Brawne, the nineteenth-century poet John Keats, and Fanny Brawne were at first unlikely lovers. Brawne offers Brawne to care for Keats, and they soon fall in love.
Far from the Madding Crowd
The Victorian English countryside is home to a young woman who plays with the passions of three men. It has tragic results. Based on the literary classic by Thomas Hardy.
Jane Eyre
Jane Eyre is an orphaned, widowed, and wealthy governess who arrives at Thornfield Hall. His dark moods, and the bizarre occurrences in his house led her to learn a terrible secret he wanted to keep from her. Based on the classic novel by Charlotte Bronte.
Love and Friendship
Susan Vernon, a beautiful widow has traveled to the estate her in-laws to put to rest rumors about her sexual activities. There, she finds a husband to support her and Frederica, her debutante daughter. Based on Jane Austen’s “Lady Susan.”
“Little Women” (Gillian Armstrong), 1994
Let’s stick with the period drama theme. ‘Little Women’ draws on an impressive ensemble cast including Wynona Rudder, Susan Sarandon and Kirsten Dunst. Also, Christian Bale is present.
This movie shows how you can make ends meet in a recession and how you keep warm by snuggling next to the fire, much like your old age pensioners.
As in the movie “Pride and Prejudice”, some of the sisters are playing the marriage lottery, waiting for their lucky numbers.
Did you see yourself as Jo in your pre-teenage years (preenage?)? I stand corrected. It is “tween”) girls. Yes! I was determined to be a writer, not the “get married and give birth to 1.5 children” thing. This movie is worth watching just to see the “girl power” message.
Miss Potter, Chris Noonan, 2006.
“I didn’t want my man to marry me simply because he had enough money to take good care of me!”
Take a pinch o ‘Little Women”, “I want be a writer!”), and add a pinch o ‘Pretty Woman”, and you get a ‘Miss Potter”. (Well, except the “working for a prostitute” bit of Pretty Woman! .
The theme of the film is the struggle for independence and the pursuit of love. Miss Potter manages to have both. There is also loss, but the movie handles it with such grace. Maybe Chris Noonan (the director who gave us Babe) didn’t want anyone to feel upset by the portrayal of strong emotions (even though depression is being played around). But you can’t help but be impressed at Beatrix’s delicate treatment, including animated cartoon animals. The film is charming and very well executed.
Miss Potter is about friendships and fulfilling dreams, goals and aspirations. What’s not so great about this movie? It gets thumbs up from my side.
