Here are some of my favorite costume dramas - the films where I find my brain wandering from the storyline to examine a particular seam on a gown - the films that have me thinking of re-creating a costume for days after I see the movie. Prepare to be dazzled and enjoy! :)
I have listed the films alphabetically under the name of the wonderful designers who designed the costumes. The number of stars next to each film is not a rating of the authenticity of the costumes, its just how much I like them:
1 Star * - The costumes in this movie were totally unnoticeable. I paid absolutely no attention. Blah!
2 Stars ** - The costumes were pretty to look at but they didn't really catch my eye. Nice but uneventful.
3 Stars *** - Very lovely costumes; here and there are a few that I really like and might consider re-creating.
4 Stars **** - Beautiful costuming that I pay close attention to - many of the gowns I would love to re-create.
5 Stars ***** - GORGEOUS costumes that distract me from the plot and have me planning re-creations throughout the entire movie! I love every costume in this film and go mad over them! :)
Disclaimer: These are only a brief summary of the plot and a few sentences on the quality of the costuming; they don't have much to do with the actual moral content of the film. For family-friendly reviews from a Christian perspective, please visit CharitysPlace or PluggedInOnline .
NEW!!! I have taken of my more detailed movie reviews from my diary entries and put them on a separate page for your enjoyment. I don't review every film listen below (and not everything is extremely detailed) but hopefully it will give you more help when trying to decide, "To watch or not to watch." :)
Extended Movie Reviews Page
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Costumes by Adrian |
Marie Antoinette (1938) / Starring Norma Shearer and Tyrone Power / Not Rated / ****
Time Period: Georgian. This is considered a landmark film in the realm of movie costuming and it is indeed a sight to behold as far a delicious period-inspired (for they are not accurate) gowns, shot in incredibly gorgeous black and white. Unfortunately, as far a good film, this movie doesn't have much going for it, in tale of the much less than prudent Queen who took a road to disaster (physically and spiritually). I can't really recommend it for anything other than the costuming as it was really rather disturbing to watch her behavior. If you'd rather take a look at the gowns without wasting 2 1/2 hours of precious time, you can visit this excellent link. :)
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Costumes by Milo Anderson |
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) / Starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland
Not Rated / ***
Time Period: Medieval. The classic tale of Robin Hood explodes into one great swashbuckling film. Robin battles evil henchmen, protects the poor, and wins the heart of his fair Lady Marian. The costumes in this film, while not at all accurate (they're sort of a "fantasy" interpretation), are very beautiful and Marian's nightgown/robe is gorgeous!
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Costumes by Renée April |
The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005) / Starring Shia LaBeouf and Stephen Dillane
Rated PG / ***
Time Period: Mid Edwardian. This is the true story of young Francis Ouimet's courageous rise above poverty to follow his dreams. Visually stunning and suspenseful to the last hole, this is one "great" movie. Although female characters are few and don't appear in many scenes, their dresses are absolutely gorgeous and a few of them would be so fun to recreate! One very beautiful film! Just lovely... :)
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Costumes by Colleen Atwood |
Buddy (1997) / Starring Rene Russo and Robbie Coltrane / Rated PG / ***
Time Period: 1930s. When animal lover (to put it mildly) Gertrude Lintz discovers a baby gorilla needs a home, she doesn't hesitate to take him to live with her. The fact that her estate is already overflowing with a vast assortment of animals doesn't faze her. But raising a gorilla may turn out to be more difficult than she expected. The costumes in this movie are SO CUTE! They totally capture the glamour of the 30s and there's a few that would be really fun to re-create. Sweet (if kiddy) movie (it's more interesting if you know the true story) and some nice outfits (makeup and hair are well done, too :).
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Little Women (1994) / Starring Winona Rider and Gabriel Byrne / Rated PG / ***
Time Period: Mid Victorian. Based on Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel, this adaptation fails to capture the book's spirit despite its huge potential. The four March sisters must grow stronger together throughout the trials of the Civil War and it's aftermath in order to truly become "Little Women". The costumes in this movie are not incredible, but quite a few of them are very pretty (if not entirely authentic) and this film could have been a real gem if it had been directed by someone who would let the story speak for itself without trying to update and feminize the whole thing. Colleen Atwood was nominated an Oscar for "Best Costume Design" in Little Women. |
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Costumes by Jenny Beavan |
Amazing Grace (2007) / Starring Ioan Gruffud and Ramola Garai / Rated PG/ ***
Time Period: Late Georgian. In the late 1700s William Wilberforce strove to end the slave trade and met failure again and again. Then he met a young women who believed in him... This is an absolutely beautiful and inspiring movie - excellent historical film. Wonderful costuming by my favorite designer - accurate and lovely. Spot on in every way - I cannot recommend it enough!
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Emma (1997) / Starring Kate Beckinsale and Mark Strong / Not Rated / ****
Time Period: Mid Regency. Jane Austen's classic novel comes brilliantly to life in this witty production about the unfortunate matchmaker who succeeds in messing up everyone's lives, including her own. I love how the costumes seem so real in this movie, few films I have seen have such accurate looking costumes that feel so right for the characters. Jenny Beavan won an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Costume Design for a Miniseries" in Emma.
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Ever After (1997) / Starring Drew Barrymore and Dougray Scott / Rated PG
(DVD: PG-13) / *****
Time Period: Renaissance. The story of Cinderella has never been told so beautifully before! It's the tale of a determined young woman, a wicked stepmother, a confused prince, Leonardo da Vinci? and the couple that invented the phrase "Happily Ever After". This movie has to have the most beautiful costumes ever! There is not one dress in the whole film that I am not madly in love with! Jenny Beavan won a Saturn Award and a Golden Satellite Award for "Best Costume Design" in Ever After .
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Jane Eyre (1996) / Starring Charlotte Gainsbourg and William Hurt / Rated PG / ***
Time Period: Early Victorian. A luscious adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's classic, this is a beautiful film about a determined young governess who overcomes enormous odds to rise above the expected. The costumes are lovely and blend with the period scenery perfectly. Although most of Jane's gowns are black, they lend a sweet grace and charm to her character. Jenny Beavan won a David Award for "Best Costume Design" in Jane Eyre.
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Sense and Sensibility (1995) / Starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet
Rated PG / *****
Time Period: Early Regency. Jane Austen's masterpiece is brought hilariously to life in this romantic adaptation following the lives of two sisters and their search for suitable husbands. The gowns in this film (especially those worn by Marianne) are gorgeous, and inspiring (to put it lightly). Jenny Beavan was nominated an Oscar for "Best Costume Design" in Sense and Sensibility.
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Costumes by Consolata Boyle |
The Winslow Boy (1999) / Starring Rebecca Pidgeon and Jeremy Northam / Rated G / ***
Time Period: Late Edwardian. The acclaimed play about a family who is determined to defend their son's honor at all costs is brought to the screen with wonderful accuracy. The costumes, while not very sensational or incredible, feel very right for this film and some of them are very cute. Edwardian lovers beware! |
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Costumes by Alexandra Byrne |
Finding Neverland (2004) / Starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet / Rated PG / **
Time Period: Mid Edwardian. This powerful and emotional film is based on the what inspired J.M. Barrie to write "Peter Pan." The costumes in this film, while not overly astounding, add a beautiful touch and are full of lovely details when you look for them. Alexandra Byrne was nominated an Oscar for "Best Achievement in Costume Design" in Finding Neverland. |
Persuasion (1995) / Starring Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds / Rated PG / **
Time Period: Mid Regency. From the celebrated author Jane Austen, comes this sweet tale of old love re-kindled. The costuming in this film is extremely accurate and works well with the sets, filmed in entirely natural lighting. Gowns from simple to elegant cram this excellent adaptation. Alexandra Byrne won a BAFTA TV Award for "Best Costume Design" in Persuasion. |
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Costumes by Deirdre Clancy |
Wives and Daughters (1999) / Starring Justine Waddell and Anthony Howell
Not Rated / ****
Time Period: Late Regency. Once again the BBC has put together another faithful adaptation of a classic novel. Elizabeth Gaskell's story about a young women's growth to maturity is an incredibly sweet movie. The costumes in this film are perfect, and will have you pulling out your patterns, and having a hard time concentrating on normal life. Beautiful! |
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Costumes by Dinah Collin |
Pride and Prejudice (1995) / Starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth / Not Rated / ****
Time Period: Mid Regency. This extremely faithful adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel brings the story of proud Mr. Darcy and prejudiced Elizabeth Bennet vibrantly to life. The costumes in this film are superb! Very accurate and very beautiful. Dinah Collin won an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Costume Design for a Miniseries" in Pride and Prejudice.
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Costumes by Malissa Daniel |
Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken (1991) / Starring Gabrielle Anwar and Michael Schoeffling
Rated G / **
Time Period: 1930s. Orphan Sonora Webster will do anything to fulfill her dream of becoming a diving girl. When a cruel accident threatens to rob her of everything that she worked for, she isn't about to sit down and give up. Based on a true story, this film is inspiring and emotional - one really sweet movie. There's not a ton of incredible costumes, but some of them are really cute, and Ms. Daniel definitely managed to capture the feel of the 30s in her designs. Wonderful family film! |
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Costumes by Phyllis Dalton |
The Princess Bride (1987) / Starring Robin Wright and Cary Elwes / Rated PG / *****
Time Period: Medieval Fantasy. Don't think a comic fairytale like this happens every day. The beautiful Buttercup and dashing Westley will face everything, even death, to find "true love". The costumes have no historical accuracy but are absolutely captivating. Phyliss Dalton won an Academy of Fantasy Films, USA Award for "Best Costumes" in The Princess Bride. |
The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982) / Starring Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour
Not Rated / ***
Time Period: Late Georgian. The classic swashbuckling tale of one man who risks his life to save doomed aristocrats from the guillotine. High adventure at its best! The costumes in this film are lush and elegant. For late 18th century costume lovers, this is your movie! |
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Costumes by Jacqueline Durran |
Pride and Prejudice (2005) / Starring Kiera Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen
Rated PG / **
Time Period: Early Regency. The story of lovely Elizabeth Bennet and handsome Mr. Darcy's first impressions has charmed audiences for years. Every generation needs a new adaptation and here it is! The costumes are not very accurate and most of them are not eye catching, but here and there you can find a rare gem. Jacqueline Durran was nominated an Oscar for "Best Achievement in Costume Design" in Pride and Prejudice . |
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Costumes by Nic Ede |
Lorna Doone (2000) / Starring Amelia Warner and Richard Coyle / Not Rated / ***
Time Period: mid to late 1600s. The beloved novel by R.D. Blackmore comes vibrantly to life in this wonderful adaptation by the BBC. When young John Ridd's father is killed by a brutal clan called the Doones, he swears that he will someday avenge his father's death. As he grows older, his hate for all the Doones also grows ...until he meets Lorna. The majority of the gowns in this film are simple, but still lovely, and there are some jaw-droppers. Although I have heard that the costumes are not extremely accurate, they are definitely beautiful! |
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Costumes by Andrea Galer |
Bleak House (2005) / Starring Anna Maxwell-Martin and Gillian Anderson / Not Rated
****
Time Period: Early Victorian. One of Charles Dickens' most intricate novels, Bleak House is brought brilliantly to life by the BBC. Full of suspense, laughter, romance, and a dark secret that must be kept, this 8 hr. miniseries keeps you on the edge of your seat. While most of the costumes are simple, some are absolutely beautiful and every one of Lady Deadlock's gowns has me trembling with the recreating bug! :) Andrea Galer won a BAFTA TV Award for "Best Costume Design" for Bleak House. |
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Costumes by Edith Head |
The Court Jester (1956) / Starring Danny Kaye and Glynis Johns / Rated G / **
Time Period: Medieval/Fantasy. A would-be hero messes everthing up in a hilarious comedy about a band of outlaws attempts to restore an infant king to his rightful throne. One of the funniest movies I've ever seen! The costumes in this movie are not at all historically accurate, but many are beautiful and fun to watch. This is a movie you should watch, regardless of the costumes! :) |
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Costumes by Julie Harris |
The Slipper and the Rose (1976) / Starring Richard Chamberlain and Gemma Craven
Rated G / ***
Time Period: Late Georgian. In an often cheesy but sometimes elegant and breathtaking musical, Cinderella discovers that just because the prince has found her, it doesn't mean things will work out happily ever after. The costumes in this movie are exquisite! Julie Harris hit the nail right on the head and was nominated for a BAFTA Film Award for "Best Costume Design" in The Slipper and the Rose. The famed Jean Hunnisett also worked on the costumes for this movie! |
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Costumes by Barbara Kidd |
The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (2001)
Starring James D'Arcy and Charles Dance / Not Rated / ***
Time Period: Early Victorian. This is a near-perfect adaptation of Charles' Dickens novel about a young man who is determined to protect his family and show mercy to those around him, despite his unfortunate circumstances. The costumes in this film are dead on; very accurate and look almost like originals. Contains some absolutely lovely gowns. Barbara Kidd won a BAFTA TV award for "Best Costume Design" in Nicholas Nickleby . |
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Costumes by Jeffrey Kurland |
Hidalgo (2004) / Starring Viggo Mortensen and Zuleikha Robinson / Rated PG-13 / ***
Time Period: Late Victorian. Based on a true story, this film follows the trail of Frank Hopkins and his famed mustang Hidalgo as they set out to win one of the most dangerous horse races of all time. A very entertaining film with some gorgeous (in inaccurate) costumes worn by the character of Mrs. Davenport. Great movie for boys and horse lovers (two of my siblings are wild about this film - I like it pretty well myself ;) . |
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Costumes by Mary Malin |
The Inheritance (1997) / Starring Cari Shayne and Thomas Gibson / Rated PG / ***
Time Period: Mid Victorian. Based on a previously undiscovered Louisa May Alcott novel, this is the story of a young woman who finds herself swept through a whirlwind of events to discover who she really is. The costumes in this film are gorgeous. Bustles and ball gowns galore make this film a treat!
Mary Malin won an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Costume Design for a Miniseries" in The Inheritance . |
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Costumes by Martha Mann |
Anne of Green Gables (1985) / Starring Megan Follows and Jonathan Crombie
Not Rated / *****
Time Period: Late Victorian. L.M. Montgomery's beloved novel is brought to life with superb accuracy in this beautiful movie. It's the tale of orphaned Anne Shirley who finally finds a home. The costumes here are fantastic and will have you in a dreamy mood for days. Martha Mann won a Gemini Award for "Best Costume Design " in Anne of Green Gables . |
Anne of Avonlea (1987) / Starring Megan Follows and Jonathan Crombie
Not Rated / *****
Time Period: Early Edwardian. The sequel to "Green Gables" is just as wonderful as the first film, sweetly telling Anne's search to fulfill her dreams and find her love. The costumes in this movie are even better than the first. Absolutely lovely! Martha Mann won a Gemini Award for "Best Costume Design " in Anne of Avonlea. |
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Costumes by Isis Mussenden |
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Starring Liam Neeson and Tilda Swinton / Rated PG / ****
Time Period: Medieval Fantasy. One of the most beloved children's books of all time is brought to the big screen in this timeless film. Four children discover the magical land of Narnia while playing hide and seek, and join forces with the lion, Aslan, to defeat the dark power of the White Witch. I loved the costumes in this movie so much that I had to make one! Although there aren't tons of different outfits, each one is lovely and full of charm. Isis Mussenden won a Saturn Award for "Best Costume Design" and was also nominated for a BAFTA for Narnia. |
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Costumes by Ruth Myers |
Emma (1996) / Starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam / Rated PG / ****
Time Period: Regency. Jane Austen's classic was never more hilarious than in this comedic adaptation, telling the tale of meddlesome matchmaker Emma Woodhouse, who ruins everyone's love lives and finds her own match in the process. The costumes in this film, while not always authentic, and somewhat varying in time period, are none the less very pretty and set the film off wonderfully. One of my favorites for costumes. Ruth Myers was nominated an Oscar for "Best Costume Design" in Emma. |
Nicholas Nickleby (2002) / Starring Charlie Hunnan and Anne Hathaway / Rated PG / **
Time Period: Early Victorian. This comedy is adapted from Charles Dicken's novel about a young man who is determined to protect his family and show mercy to those around him, despite his unfortunate circumstances. The costumes in this film are very cute, although I can't vouch for their complete authenticity. The costuming suits each personality very well in this serious and hilarious film. |
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Costumes by Mike O'Neill |
David Copperfield (2000) / Starring Ciarán McMenamin and Amanad Ryan
Not Rated / ***
Time Period: Early Victorian. This is an excellant adaptation of one of Charles Dickens' most beloved novels. Follow young David's journey through life, as he becomes a man and faces endless odds to find happiness. While most of the characters in this film are men, the women who do come in have some very lovely gowns. Check out Agnes' beautifully simple day dresses - they'd be fun to recreate! |
Mansfield Park (2007) / Starring Billie Piper and Blake Ritson / Not Rated / ***
Time Period: Regency. Based on the novel by Jane Austen, Mansfield Park follows the life of Fanny Price, a girl who lives with her more privileged cousins. 18 years old, she is considered quiet and plain, but she will need all the hidden strength that she possesses to keep the family together. The costumes are a bit of a mish-mash as far as eras go (the ITV Austen films obviously had no budget :P), but there are a few that are quite lovely and Mary Crawford's gowns are calling to be re-created! :) |
North and South (2004) / Starring Daniela Denby Ashe and Richard Armitage
Not Rated / *****
Time Period: Mid Victorian. Elizabeth Gaskell's beloved novel comes gloriously to the screen in this beauiful adaptation. When Margaret Hale's family leaves her beloved southern home to reside in northern England, Margaret has much to get used to; including the handsome and disagreeable mill owner, John Thornton. The costumes in this film are so beautiful! If only the 1850s was a practical era to recreate! Excellent movie!!!
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Costumes by Walter Plunkett |
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) / Starring Jane Powell and Howard Keel
Rated G / **
Time Period: Early Victorian. Backwoodsman Adam Pontipee goes to town looking for a bride. Milly, a determined young woman, falls in love with him and things look blissful, until Milly arrives at her new home and meets Adam's 6 bachelor brothers. The costumes in this movie are not very accurate, but they are pretty, feminine and very sweet. An interesting thing I read online: For the brides costumes, designer Walter Plunkett went to the Salvation Army, found old quilts and turned them into dresses. Isn't that too cute? |
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Costumes by Anthony Powell |
Miss Potter (2007) / Starring Renée Zellweger and Ewan McGregor / Rated PG / ***
Time Period: Edwardian. Beatrix Potter was 32 years old, single and about to publish her first book. When the youngest brother in her publishing firm is assigned to her project they become fast friends, find a successful book on their hands and lose their hearts. This wins "Sweetest Film Of The Year" in my book and I'm praying it gets recognized at the Academy Awards. The costumes are for the most part delightfully simple and sweet. Everything is impeccably put together - a breath of fresh air! |
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Costumes by Carol Ramsey |
Tuck Everlasting (2002) / Starring Alexis Bledel and Jonathan Jackson / Rated PG / ***
Time Period: Mid Edwardian. Based on the beloved American novel by Natalie Babbit, this film follows the story of young Winnie Foster and the adventures she encounters when she meets up with a family possessing the great blessing/curse of eternal life. The costumes in this movie are very pretty. Winnie's outfits are very feminine and extremely sweet. A beautiful film for period drama enthusiasts. |
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Costumes by Helen Rose |
The Harvey Girls (1946) / Starring Judy Garland and Angela Lansbury / Not Rated / ***
Time Period: Late Victorian. Out among the saloons and wild horses of the west came Fred Harvey. He started an impeccable restaurant and hired an adorable line of waitresses from back east. It was revolutionary. When Susan Bradley comes out as a mail-order bride and decides to join their ranks, it's an instant classic. Very fun (if rather "musical-ly") musical for everyone! The costumes are adorable (but not accurate :) and Judy Garland is too much fun! |
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Costumes by Penny Rose |
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl / Starring Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom / Rated PG-13 / ***
Time Period: Georgian. You didn't believe in ghost stories, did you? Well get ready for what may possibly be the most hilarious of them all! Blacksmith Will Turner must band together with pirate rogue Jack Sparrow in order to save his love Elizabeth and break the curse of the legendary Black Pearl. This movie had me in stitches despite the fact that I knew almost everything about it before I got around to seeing it. The costumes are rather hodgepodge, with elements grabbed from many eras, but many are stunningly beautiful and would be a blast to re-create! Penny Rose won a Saturn award for costume design in Pirates, and was nominated for a BAFTA, among others! |
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest / Starring Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom
Rated PG-13 / **
Time Period: Georgian. Jack Sparrow is back - and this time he's running for his life. Davy Jones is hot on the chase, and it's sure to be a swell one with Will and Elizabeth along for the ride. This film was very enjoyable, but just couldn't top the first one. Nonetheless, it has me looking forward to the 3rd movie more than ever! Unfortunately, there is only one actual dress in this film, so the costumes aren't incredibly gorgeous, but they are still very put together and capture the spirit of the film excellently. Penny Rose was nominated for a BAFTA and a Saturn award for costume design in Pirates of the Caribbean 2. |
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End / Starring Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom
Rated PG-13 / **
Time Period: Georgian. Will and Elizabeth enlist the help of (formerly deceased) Captain Barbossa and the rest of the gang on a mission to rescue Jack Sparrow from Davy Jones' locker. They will all go on a personal journey to discover what it is they really want the most before this film reaches it's dramatic conclusion. Go Pirates!!! (4th movie, please? :) In this film, Elizabeth wears a lot of Asian designs, some of which are pretty neat. Another thing in the designer's favor; I actually noticed that some of the guy's outfits were cool ... :) |
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Costumes by Irene Sharaff |
Meet Me In St. Louis (1944) / Starring Judy Garland and Margaret O'Brien / Rated G / **
Time Period: Edwardian. This classic musical will sweep you off your feet with its timeless charm and hilarity. The Smith family is happy (most of the time) in their hometown of St. Louis and looking forward to the 1904 World's Fair when their father shocks them by announcing that they are moving to New York. A very funny movie (if full of bad family examples) that is enjoyable if you don't take it too seriously. Cute (if inaccurate) costumes. Judy Garland (as always) just about melts your heart with her singing and smile! Very sweet! |
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Costumes by Franca Squarciapino |
Cyrano de Bergerac (1990) / Starring Gérard Depardieu and Anne Brochet / Rated PG
****
Time Period: Mid 1660s. Edmond Rostand's beautiful play comes elegantly to life in this incredible French film. Cyrano de Bergerac is clever, courageous and romantic, but the size of his nose shuts him out from a lady's affection. It is only when he matches his words with a young baron's handsome face, that he is able to tell his lovely cousin how he adores her. Extremely accurate and breathtakingly beautiful costumes make this a delicious piece of candy! Bravo!!! Franca Squarciapino won an Oscar for "Best Costume Design" in Cyrano de Bergerac. |
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Costumes by Frances Tempest |
Robin Hood (2006) / Starring Jonas Armstrong and Lucy Griffiths / Not Rated / ****
Time Period: Medieval. Updated for a new generation of Robin Hood fans, this witty and modern television series is chock full of fun. Robin, earl of Locksley, returns from the crusades to find a very different England from the one he left behind. With the help of his comrade Much and a band of merry men, he must outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham, defeat Sir Guy of Gisbourne and win back the affections of the maiden Marian. I absolutely loved the modernized costumes in this show. The men had some really great get-ups and Marian's ensembles have me seriously fighting the costume-recreation bug. I think I'll just give in and be sick... :)
Frances Tempest was the only specific designer I could find for this series, and she only worked on two episodes, but for now I'll be keeping the show under her name. |
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Costumes by Carlie Tracey |
Love Comes Softly (2003) / Starring Katherine Heigl and Dale Midkiff / Not Rated / **
Time Period: Late Victorian. Based on the first book of a series by bestselling Christian author Janette Oak, this movie tells the story of Marty Claridge, who is widowed suddenly out west. She marrys Clark Davis to make a deal; she will care for his motherless daughter and he will pay her way back east in the spring. The costumes here, while not neccesarily incredible or extremely authentic, are lovely and some would be beautiful to recreate. |
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Costumes by Joan Wadge |
Under the Greenwood Tree (2005) / Starring Keeley Hawes and James Murray
Not Rated / ***
Time Period: Early Victorian. Adapted from Thomas Hardy's "light-hearted" novel, we follow young miss Fancy Day as she moves into the small village of Melstock as a teacher, and subsequently wins the affections of three very different gentlemen. Will she move up in the world, as her father desires, or marry for love, as her mother did? Absolute eye candy in every area, the 1850s gowns are gorgeous and incredibly put-together. Sweet "fluff" for a rainy day... |
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Costumes by Karyn Wagner |
The Magic of Ordinary Days (2005) / Starring Keri Russel and Skeet Ulrich / Not Rated
****
Time Period: 1940s. Livy Dunn travels to a small farming town to fulfill her end of the bargain in ...an arranged marriage. Ray Singleton is a gentle man who wants the best for Livy, and the baby she is carrying. But Livy does not intend to stay ...or fall in love. An extremely tender film (although sometimes on the slow side) with a slew of adorable 1940s ensembles - inspiration for the whole family! :) |
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