10 Movies & Shows Like The Duchess

Description: A meticulous portrayal of New York's high society in the 1870s, where strict social codes dictate personal happiness. The film's attention to detail and restrained emotion underscore the tension between desire and duty.

Fact: Martin Scorsese directed this departure from his usual gritty urban dramas. The film's costumes were based on extensive research into Gilded Age fashion.

Description: A classic adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, focusing on the romantic and financial struggles of two sisters in Regency England. The film captures the societal constraints and emotional depth of its characters.

Fact: Emma Thompson, who starred in the film, also wrote the screenplay, which won her an Academy Award. The movie was shot entirely on location in England, using many historic houses.

Description: A visually lush portrayal of a young queen navigating the pressures of royalty and personal freedom. The film emphasizes the opulence and isolation of court life, with a modern twist on historical storytelling.

Fact: The soundtrack features contemporary music, including songs by The Strokes and Bow Wow Wow, to contrast with the 18th-century setting. Much of the film was shot on location at the Palace of Versailles.

Description: A historical drama centered around the fierce competition between two sisters for the affections of a king. The film delves into themes of family loyalty, betrayal, and the precarious position of women in a male-dominated court.

Fact: The story is based on the novel by Philippa Gregory, which fictionalizes the lives of Mary and Anne Boleyn. The film's costumes were designed to reflect the opulence of the Tudor court.

Description: A gothic romance that follows a governess as she navigates love, morality, and independence in a harsh and restrictive society. The film's moody atmosphere and strong female lead resonate with themes of resilience and self-discovery.

Fact: This adaptation stays particularly close to Charlotte Brontë's original novel. The film's cinematography emphasizes the bleak beauty of the English countryside.

Description: A lavish adaptation of Tolstoy's novel, depicting the tragic consequences of forbidden love in high society. The film's theatrical staging and emotional intensity highlight the constraints of 19th-century Russian aristocracy.

Fact: The entire film was shot on a single soundstage, with sets designed to resemble a grand theater. This unique approach was intended to reflect the performative nature of high society.

Description: A period piece that explores issues of race, class, and gender through the life of a mixed-race woman raised in aristocratic society. The film combines personal drama with broader social commentary.

Fact: Inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the film's screenplay was written by Misan Sagay, who spent years researching Belle's life. The painting that inspired the film hangs in Scone Palace in Scotland.

Description: A romantic drama set in rural Victorian England, following an independent woman as she balances three very different suitors. The film's lush cinematography and exploration of female autonomy in a patriarchal society are central themes.

Fact: This was the fourth film adaptation of Thomas Hardy's 1874 novel. The production used authentic 19th-century farming techniques for agricultural scenes.

Description: A fresh take on Louisa May Alcott's novel, focusing on the March sisters as they navigate love, ambition, and societal expectations. The film's nonlinear storytelling and vibrant characters bring a modern sensibility to a classic story.

Fact: Greta Gerwig's adaptation was the first to be directed by a woman. The film was shot in Massachusetts, where Alcott wrote the original novel.

Description: A period drama set in the 18th century, focusing on the intricate power dynamics and personal rivalries within a royal court. The film blends historical accuracy with dark humor and explores themes of ambition, manipulation, and the cost of power.

Fact: The film used real candlelight for many scenes to enhance the authenticity of the period setting. It won the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.