ceremonial backdrop

Movies with ceremonial vibe

Curse of the Golden Flower

1. 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 Queen

2. The Queen

Drama History Historical Drama Political History
7.3
20061h 43min

Overview

The Queen is an intimate behind the scenes glimpse at the interaction between HM Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Tony Blair during their struggle, following the death of Diana, to reach a compromise between what was a private tragedy for the Royal family and the public's demand for an overt display of mourning.

Themes

Public spectacle vs private grief, Media scrutiny and intrusion, Modernisation versus tradition, Monarchy legitimacy under debate, Duty versus personal sentiment, Political influence on ceremony

Available on

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

Marie Antoinette

3. Marie Antoinette

Drama History Historical Drama Political History
6.5
20062h 3min

Overview

The retelling of France’s iconic but ill-fated queen, Marie Antoinette - from her betrothal and marriage to Louis XVI at fifteen to her reign as queen at nineteen and ultimately the fall of Versailles.

Themes

Class inequality at court, Spectacle vs constraint, Extravagance amid crisis, Public image management, Social climbing and legitimacy, Motherhood and succession pressure

Available on

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

Fearless

4. Fearless

Drama Action Martial Arts Action Historical Drama
7.6
20061h 43min

Overview

After going through a series of tragic events in his life, martial arts master Huo Yuanjia returns to Tianjin and must fight four international soldiers, in order to safeguard his nation's pride.

Themes

Patriotism under pressure, Mercy over revenge, Exile and return, Ambition and downfall, Friendship and loyalty

Available on

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

Troy

5. Troy

War Action History Historical Event Epic Action
7.3
20042h 43min

Overview

In year 1250 B.C. during the late Bronze age, two emerging nations begin to clash. Paris, the Trojan prince, convinces Helen, Queen of Sparta, to leave her husband Menelaus, and sail with him back to Troy. After Menelaus finds out that his wife was taken by the Trojans, he asks his brother Agamemnon to help him get her back. Agamemnon sees this as an opportunity for power. They set off with 1,000 ships holding 50,000 Greeks to Troy.

Themes

Loyalty and betrayal, Glory versus restraint, Power through conquest, Fate versus choice, Romance amid war, Deception and strategy

Available on

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

Hero

6. Hero

Drama Adventure Action History Historical Event
7.9
20021h 39min

Overview

During China's Warring States period, a district prefect arrives at the palace of Qin Shi Huang, claiming to have killed the three assassins who had made an attempt on the king's life three years ago.

Themes

Duty vs desire, Loyalty under manipulation, Legitimacy through violence, Patriotism vs personal loyalty, Public spectacle of power

Available on

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

Miracle on 34th Street

7. Miracle on 34th Street

Fantasy Drama Family Christmas Family Family Drama
6.6
19941h 54min

Overview

Six-year-old Susan Walker has doubts about childhood's most enduring miracle—Santa Claus. Her mother told her the secret about Santa a long time ago, but, after meeting a special department store Santa who's convinced he's the real thing, Susan is given the most precious gift of all—something to believe in.

Themes

Belief under scrutiny, Commercial redemption, Family bonds and faith, Media driven faith, Legal legitimacy of myth, Corporate rivalry

Available on

Disney Plus
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.