Manners are more than just a set of rules; they're a reflection of culture, upbringing, and personal character. This curated list of films delves into the world of etiquette, showcasing how manners can shape destinies, forge relationships, and even unravel secrets. Whether it's the strict codes of high society or the unspoken rules of a small town, these films offer a fascinating look at the impact of manners on our lives.
The Rules of the Game (1939)
Description: A French film that satirizes the manners and morals of the French upper class, where a weekend at a country estate reveals the hypocrisy and decadence beneath the surface.
Fact: The film was initially banned in France for its perceived criticism of the French bourgeoisie but is now considered a masterpiece of cinema.
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The Philadelphia Story (1940)
Description: This comedy of manners revolves around a socialite's wedding, where old flames, new suitors, and family dynamics clash in a whirl of sophisticated banter and etiquette.
Fact: The film was adapted from a play by Philip Barry and starred Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart.
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My Fair Lady (1964)
Description: A classic tale of transformation where manners and speech are the keys to social mobility, as a Cockney flower girl is turned into a lady by a linguistics professor.
Fact: The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and Audrey Hepburn's performance as Eliza Doolittle is iconic.
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A Room with a View (1985)
Description: This Merchant Ivory production showcases the clash between Victorian manners and the liberating spirit of the Edwardian era, set against the backdrop of Florence and England.
Fact: The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay, and features a young Helena Bonham Carter.
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The Age of Innocence (1993)
Description: Martin Scorsese's adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel delves into the intricate social customs and the hidden passions of New York's high society in the 1870s.
Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, with Daniel Day-Lewis earning a nomination for Best Actor.
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The Remains of the Day (1993)
Description: This film explores the life of a dedicated butler, whose impeccable manners and service hide his personal sacrifices and the emotional turmoil beneath his composed exterior.
Fact: Anthony Hopkins was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as the butler, and the film was also nominated for Best Picture.
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The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)
Description: Based on Oscar Wilde's play, this film humorously critiques the rigid social conventions and the absurdity of Victorian manners through mistaken identities and romantic entanglements.
Fact: Rupert Everett, who plays Algernon, also starred in the 1992 film adaptation of the same play.
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Gosford Park (2001)
Description: A murder mystery set in the 1930s, this film intricately examines the upstairs-downstairs dynamics of British society, where manners dictate every interaction.
Fact: The film boasts an ensemble cast including Maggie Smith, Helen Mirren, and Michael Gambon, and was directed by Robert Altman.
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The King's Speech (2010)
Description: While primarily about overcoming a speech impediment, the film also explores the etiquette and formalities of the British monarchy during a time of crisis.
Fact: Colin Firth won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of King George VI.
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The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Description: Wes Anderson's whimsical tale of a legendary concierge and his lobby boy, where manners and decorum are central to the hotel's charm and the unfolding story.
Fact: The film features an all-star cast including Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, and Jeff Goldblum, and won four Academy Awards.
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