Historical dramas transport us to different times and places, allowing us to experience the world through the eyes of people from the past. They can be epic tales of war and conquest, intimate stories of love and loss, or anything in between. But the best historical dramas are more than just entertainment; they also teach us about our history and culture, and help us to understand the world we live in today.
Blow Up
The theme of voyeurism has an interesting potential even for the “metaphysical” directors of film. It is demonstrated not only by the comedy-drama “Being John Malkovich,” but also by the involvement of Michelangelo Antonioni in this subject. His film, “Blow Up,” follows a fashion photographer who spontaneously finds a subject for his photographs in the form of a very graceful but somewhat insecure woman, played by Vanessa Redgrave. Although she does not want to be photographed and tries to obtain the camera’s film to destroy it, Thomas develops the photographs and, in a corner of them, manages to distinguish something resembling a human corpse. Thomas goes out at night to check his hypothesis and indeed finds a human body lying among the bushes. The next day, the corpse has been moved, and Thomas loses any evidence that he had photographed the body. The voyeurism of the photographer inadvertently makes him a witness to a crime.
Ichi The Killer: Best Historical Dramas
“Ichi The Killer” is a film in the superhero genre, but the superhero of Japanese director Takashi Miike breaks all the norms. With a very dark psychological profile, although it turns out to be manufactured and manipulated, Ichi is a voyeur par excellence. In the opening scene of the film, dressed in a black latex suit, he watches an extremely sadomasochistic scene. A man brutally beats his girlfriend and then has sexual intercourse with her. At the end of the scene, Ichi, located outside the apartment window, sexually satisfies himself by watching the action but intervenes to save the woman. Strange and crazy, in the end, both the man and the woman are killed.
Everything in Ichi’s mind is linked to a memory from his adolescence when the girl who defended him against bullies was raped. Instead of saving her, Ichi watches the scene with a desire to participate in the violation. The scenario of the first crime repeats itself several times. Ichi’s innocent face hides a ruthless criminal who ruthlessly dismembers people, cuts the faces of characters as if peeling a banana, severs limbs and jugulars, and more. For someone who usually watches American action/thriller/horror films, the extreme and creative way Takashi Miike saturates the film with unexpected violence may make it impossible to watch. But “Ichi The Killer” is more than just graphic gore/violence and is worth experiencing.
3-iron / Bin-jip (2004): Best Historical Dramas
It’s one of the most poetic and romantic films, not only among Korean films but simply films, period. 🙂 The protagonist of “3-Iron,” Tae-suk, although he doesn’t have a home, is not a homeless person, and is not a house thief, even though he breaks into other people’s houses. A curious and gentle person, the young man regards shelter in a stranger’s home as a short vacation, during which he tries to get to know the absent residents through the things they’ve left behind. As a token of appreciation for the temporary shelter, he always makes small gestures: repairs broken found objects or washes the clothes of those who are away.
Things deviate from the “norm” when Tae-suk is silently watched by a woman in whose home he had entered, believing no one was there. The woman, Sun-Hwa, has a swollen and bruised face, in stark contrast to the beautiful pictures on the walls in which she posed as a model.
Broken by the physical and emotional abuse of an unstable husband, Sun-hwa looks at the intruder with an unspoken plea. And he, after witnessing the unhappy return of the husband, cannot remain indifferent.
“3-Iron” is signed by Kim Ki-duk. The name of South Korean director and screenwriter Kim Ki-duk has become a cult among Western cinephiles due to his very personal and sometimes shocking way of dealing with chosen subjects, starting in 2000 when he released his third feature film (“Seom/The Isle”) and began the series of productions that defined his style.
Thirst (2009)
A creation of director Park Chan-wook, the horror film “Thirst” is an original love story. We’re not fans of vampire films, but “Thirst” is completely different from what you’re used to thinking when we say “vampire films.”
A Catholic priest falls in love with his friend’s wife. Simultaneously, he participates in a medical experiment for the treatment of a blood disease. Through the transfusions he undergoes, the priest transforms into a vampire… His life is completely changed, but his attraction to the beloved woman remains just as strong.
“Thirst” is a very satisfying cinematic achievement. You simply declare yourself satisfied at the end of the viewing. You had excellent actors, a crazy and original story that challenged your imagination in the best way, and you had emotion, empathy, love, all wrapped in a delicious cinematic sandwich.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s – the love of an extrovert – SkyShowtime
There’s a good chance you’ve already seen it. But if, for some reason, you’ve missed it, we can tell you that it’s divine. Audrey Hepburn is delicate and feminine, surrounded by numerous men, always with a smile on her face but hiding a secret. She falls in love with her new neighbor. Always on the go, meeting someone, her life is a carousel. But she finds time to observe Paul, a writer without much success lately.
Audrey Hepburn delivers a truly memorable performance. With this film, she inspired entire generations of women with her elegance and playful spirit. You’ll laugh and relax, but be prepared, you might shed a few tears at the end.
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