When I don't read in the evenings, I like to watch British drama. That's really the only kind of movie that I consistently love. Yes, I do watch other things (remember the
Hunger Games?), but British dramas will always hold a special place in my heart. So, I'm going to take a break from my usual book blogging today and give you my list of favorite movies, almost all of them British.
1. Pride and Prejudice- The 1995 version with Colin Firth...swoon. This is my all-time favorite movie. I would cheerfully watch this once a month for the rest of my life. However, be warned- this movie is 4 1/2 hours long.
2. Two of my favorite actors- Colin Firth and Judy Dench. This movie is laugh out loud funny at parts and also just a good romantic story.
3. Sense and Sensibility- Another favorite. More wonderful actors and actresses and a good plot. I am always pleased with movies that stick closely with the book.
4. Oh, Sherlock. This is a close second with Pride and Prejudice. The actors are fantastic, the plot extremely gripping, and I love John Watson and Sherlock's friendship. I think it's one of the most affectionate male friendships I've ever seen on screen.
5. Another Jane Austen. This one is a little more serious in nature than some of Austen's books, but still very good.
6. Enchanted April- Oh, this movie was wonderful. I read the book first and then somebody told me, "Oh, did you know that there is a movie from this book?" I immediately watched it. The ending is so feel-good and happy and the characters are all likable in different ways.
7. One of my favorite Dickens-based movies. This is a mini-series and I kind of liked that because they could include more of the story than if it had just been a 2 hour movie. Slightly dark, like all of Dickens, but a happy ending and redemption for the likable characters.
8. Yes, I finally saw this. And oh, what a wonderful movie it was. I thought it was interesting to see a young Maggie Smith and Helena Bonham Carter. This is the first time I had seen Julian Sands, who played George Emerson. I am curious-is he still acting? What kinds of movies? I thought he did a fantastic job as the hero in this movie, but that was 30 years ago.
So those are my favorite movies. What are yours?
You must watch The Scapegoat. I think you'll add it to the list.
ReplyDeleteI must! Once I see it, I'll tell you what I think.
DeleteYou've got some very fun choices there ... the only thing is that the newer "The Importance of Being Earnest" can never really measure up to the original movie. The way that Lady Bracknell says 'handbag' is one of my favourite movie moments ever ... it's on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyM9LgHFbBs So much fun!
ReplyDeleteI didn't even know that there was an older Importance of Being Earnest. I know what I'm watching tonight!
DeleteAll of these! You are describing my own viewing habits to a "t". I do love Howard's End as well, and will watch "Lark Rise to Candleford" whenever it reruns on PBS. Oh, now I need a British "fix".
ReplyDeleteI forgot about Lark Rise to Candleford! I loved that show! Now, the one British period drama that I have never loved is Downton Abbey...I just feel like it's a modern soap opera with a 1920s veneer. Although dear Maggie Smith makes it redeemable.
DeleteHave you seen Impromptu? Julian Sands plays Franz Liszt in that (Hugh Grant is Chopin). A fun, if perhaps not totally completely accurate movie.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen that! I love historical movies and I love music, so I think this sounds great!
DeleteSorry, I meant to say not totally historically accurate.
ReplyDeleteYou could never go wrong with British movies. They all have a touch of class that show the wit and intelligence of the characters, while keeping the audience well-entertained. Anyway, have you watched the recent adaptation of Jane Eyre? I won’t go into details, but you might want to see it soon. That one really got to me!
ReplyDeleteSimon Walker @ The Viewlorium