formal backdrop

Movies with formal vibe

Emperor

1. Emperor

Drama History War Historical Event World War II
6.5
20121h 45min

Overview

As the Japanese surrender at the end of WWII, Gen. Fellers is tasked with deciding if Emperor Hirohito will be hanged as a war criminal. Influencing his ruling is his quest to find Aya, an exchange student he met years earlier in the U.S.

Themes

War crimes accountability, Decisions under pressure, Ceremonial power vs governance, Duty under authority, Postwar reconstruction negotiations, Personal loyalty vs public duty

Available on

Amazon Video
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The King's Speech

2. The King's Speech

Drama History Historical Drama Biographical History
8.0
20101h 58min

Overview

The King's Speech tells the story of the man who became King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II. After his brother abdicates, George ('Bertie') reluctantly assumes the throne. Plagued by a dreaded stutter and considered unfit to be king, Bertie engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue. Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, Bertie is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country into war.

Themes

Speech coaching under pressure, Mentor mentee bond, Voice as authority, War time leadership pressure, Private struggle in public, Duty versus family expectations

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Young Victoria

3. The Young Victoria

Drama History Romance Historical Drama Passionate Romance
7.2
20091h 45min

Overview

As the only legitimate heir of England's King William, teenage Victoria gets caught up in the political machinations of her own family. Victoria's mother wants her to sign a regency order, while her Belgian uncle schemes to arrange a marriage between the future monarch and Prince Albert, the man who will become the love of her life.

Themes

Family political bargaining, Marital alliance strategy, Succession under pressure, Autonomy vs influence, Public scrutiny and reform, Institutional independence

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Overview

Living with her snobby family on the brink of bankruptcy, Anne Elliot is an unconforming woman with modern sensibilities. When Frederick Wentworth – the dashing one she once sent away – crashes back into her life, Anne must choose between putting the past behind her or listening to her heart when it comes to second chances.

Themes

Class inequality, Social climbing, Deception and appearances, Autonomy vs propriety, Marriage market, Past relationships and second chances

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Britbox Apple TV Channel
The Roku Channel
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Curse of the Golden Flower

5. Curse of the Golden Flower

Action Drama Fantasy Epic Action Historical Drama
7.0
20061h 54min

Overview

During China's Tang dynasty the emperor has taken the princess of a neighboring province as his wife. She has borne him two sons and raised his eldest. Now his control over his dominion is complete, including the royal family itself.

Themes

Palace power politics, Poison as instrument, Forbidden alliances, Loyalty vs betrayal, Hidden lineage tensions, Dueling heirs

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Hidden Blade

6. The Hidden Blade

Drama Romance Historical Drama Passionate Romance
7.7
20042h 12min

Overview

Set in 19th Century Japan a young samurai who finds himself in love with a farm girl leaves his home to begin a new life. He has to take stock of his new life when he is put to the test and ordered to kill a traitor who just happens to be his dearest friend.

Themes

Class inequality, Duty vs desire, Social hierarchy, Romance under constraint, Honor vs happiness, Modernization pressure

Available on

Kanopy
Hoopla
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Mona Lisa Smile

7. Mona Lisa Smile

Drama History Romance Historical Drama Passionate Romance
6.6
20031h 57min

Overview

Katherine Watson is a recent UCLA graduate hired to teach art history at the prestigious all-female Wellesley College, in 1953. Determined to confront the outdated mores of society and the institution that embraces them, Katherine inspires her traditional students, including Betty and Joan, to challenge the lives they are expected to lead.

Themes

Gendered expectations, Tradition vs modernity, Women's independence, Education as emancipation, Professional ambitions of women, Institutional conformity pressure

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Emperor's Club

8. The Emperor's Club

Drama Coming-of-Age Drama
6.9
20021h 48min

Overview

William Hundert is a passionate and principled Classics professor who finds his tightly-controlled world shaken and inexorably altered when a new student, Sedgewick Bell, walks into his classroom. What begins as a fierce battle of wills gives way to a close student-teacher relationship, but results in a life lesson for Hundert that will still haunt him a quarter of a century later.

Themes

Private school culture, Donor influence in education, Merit vs favoritism, Academic integrity, Power and mentorship dynamics, Reputation and legacy

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Rules of Engagement

9. Rules of Engagement

War Drama Modern Conflicts Legal Drama
6.4
20002h 8min

Overview

A Marine Colonel is brought to court-martial after ordering his men to fire on demonstrators surrounding the American embassy in Yemen.

Themes

Leadership under fire, Political interference, Military accountability, Ethical duty, Propaganda vs evidence, Civilian casualties

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.