Period dramas

[Zippykins1]

Meh, I liked all the actors and liked that they just didn't remake another Austen tale. Even if they probably used a bit of dramatic licence.

[Jonesy]

Re-watching Master and Commander on blu-ray, I am reminded of the brilliance of this film. Even under close HD scrutiny, the sea battles and storms look incredibly real. Weir has made a masterpiece in my opinion, in which every aspect of the film - the acting, the effects, the dialogue and the cinematography all create a work of art.

But can any other seafaring pic come close to this film? Sea Hawk (1940) for example? Or any of the Bounty films? What about the more modern efforts like A Perfect Storm or White Squall? Is Master and Commander the best sea flick ever made, or am I just being deluded?

[jaykays hat]

I think the Pirates of the Carribean sea scenes are done quite well. I wasn't keen on A Perfect Storm, I found it quite boring.

[Ancient One]

Agreed on Perfect Storm. Terrible film, in fact there is a feature length documentary available about the actual events ( can't remember what it's called ) that knocks the fictional film into a cocked hat for suspense value.
As for great Sea Movies I would say any of the following..
Das boot
Sink The Bismarck
The Cruel Sea
Moby **** ( Gregory Peck version )

[Ancient One]

Amend the above to Moby Richard.

[TheMrD]

Hitchcock's 'Lifeboat' (1944) is pretty great and set at sea

[Lizhawkins]

Censored words duly amended. Who on earth decided that we couldn't use "dick"?

[Ancient One]

Same one who decided we couldn't use arse. What a complete Richard.

[Kiba.]

Well-acted, directed, sumptuous and compelling, A Royal Affair is a period drama worth watching. It features the charismatic Mads Mikkelsen in one of the lead roles. For once he is not playing a stereotypical villain.

details & trailer:
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1276419/

[Firedragon76]

Does Brotherhood of the Wolves count as a period drama? I love that one.

I agree with Zippy that TV seems to do period pieces better than most movie studios. North and South was a good one - also interesting from a historical point of view regarding industrialisation, development of unions and the likes. I'm not a big fan of the frolicking through the fields Austen dramas though.