Historical period films are those that are set in the background of a historical period with some exceptions. There are certain standards that have to be maintained to classify a film as a historical period film. All things including the sets, props, costumes, styling, and characters will have to symbolize the time and background of the event.



Producing Hollywood period films is always considered a very expensive task. The reason for this is that you need to prepare huge grand sets and design costumes that reflect the style of the era in which the film is based.

Many film critics say that whenever Hollywood scriptwriters lack scripts, they go for a period film. But, since most of the period films are a big success, who minds?

Filmmakers believe that making period films is a critical job, since most of the contemporary actors know very little of the time Hollywood period films are based. They have to go through extensive research to get a feel of the characters from epics. Imagining their mannerism and state of mind and to portray it on screen is a tough task for both the actors and directors.

Some of the recent favorite Hollywood Period Films are as follows:

"Braveheart" 1995: Starred, Directed and Produced by Mel Gibson, the film was a huge success critically as well as commercially. It won the 1995 Academy Award for best picture, best director, best cinematographer, best makeup and best sound editing. Braveheart is one of the largest grossing films worldwide.

"Titanic" 1997: Directed by James Cameron, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet was the biggest hit of the year 1997 and holds a record of highest grossing film of all time, worldwide. The film was nominated in 14 Oscar categories and won for best picture and best director. It also won 11 other Academy Awards. Apart from these, the film won many other awards.

"Elizabeth" 1998: Directed By Shekher Kapur, the film received huge critical acclamation. It starred Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I of England. The film won an academy award. It received 7 Oscar nominations, but won only for best make up. Apart from these, the film won many other awards.

"The Patriot" 2000: Starring Mel Gibson and directed by Roland Emmerich, the film was a hit. Though the film obtained some controversies, it still managed to get critical acclamation.

"Gladiator" 2000: Starring Russell Crowe and directed by Ridley Scott, the film was the biggest blockbuster of the year. It made a worldwide box office gross of 457,640,427 US Dollars,. The film won 5 Academy awards including the Academy Award for Best Picture.

"Chicago" 2002: Starring Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger, is an Academy award winning musical film. It won 6 Academy Awards and 3 Golden Globe awards.

"Troy" 2004: Starring Brad Pitt, Eric Bana and Orlando Bloom, is an Oscar nominated film. The film was a big worldwide hit commercially and was critically acclaimed.

"The Passion of the Christ" 2004: Directed by Mel Gibson, the film earned worldwide gross of 610,000,000 US Dollars. Though pre-release the film was surrounded by controversies but later the film was a big success.

"Kingdom of heaven" 2005: Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Orlando Bloom, Eva Green was a success. It won many International Film Awards and particularly a hit with the youth.