Vidhi Narula
Directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ is a romantic drama movie that revolves around Lady Constance “Connie” Chatterley, who falls out of love with her husband, Sir Clifford Chatterley, who gets injured in a war. Soon, Connie engages in a tumultuous extramarital affair with Oliver Mellors, the gamekeeper of Clifford’s estate. During the course of her liaison, she gets to know herself better and also discovers the biases she harbors. Based on D. H. Lawrence’s 1928 novel, the movie features Emma Corrin, Jack O’Connell, Joely Richardson, and Ella Hunt in lead roles.
With themes like infidelity, sexual pleasure, and the class difference between the partners, the movie manages to highlight significant issues in society. Furthermore, the Netflix production introduces viewers to the disparities faced by lower-class people in the past. If you’re looking to watch movies that revolve around a woman being caught between two lovers and the themes of sexual pleasure and infidelity, then we have the perfect suggestions for you.
8. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
‘Pride and Prejudice’ revolves around Elizabeth Bennet, who aspires to find love. Her mother insists on finding a rich husband so they can comfortably settle down. It is fundamentally the love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, who both have to go past their predispositions in order to find each other. In order to come to embrace the other’s goodness, both characters must unlearn their pride and prejudice throughout the course of the story.
Directed by Joe Wright, the period romance movie is based on the eponymous novel by Jane Austen. Starring Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, and Rosamund Pike in pivotal roles, the movie’s themes of navigating relationships in the midst of class divide are very similar to those of ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover.’
7. Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)
Adapted from Thomas Hardy’s eponymous book, the movie follows the experience of a young woman named Bathsheba who feels torn between the attention of three very different men. The romantic drama movie stars Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Tom Sturridge, Michael Sheen, and Juno Temple in intriguing roles. Helmed by Thomas Vinterberg, the movie features the conflict and battle of choice. Consequently, Bathsheba has to choose between her suitors and figure out how she feels. Like Lady Chatterley, she has to make her choice and then deal with the consequences of the same.
6. Wuthering Heights (2011)
In ‘Wuthering Heights,’ a wealthy farmer named Earnshaw adopts a young orphan, Heathcliff, from the streets. Soon, the latter falls in love with Earnshaw’s daughter, Catherine. Her brother, Hindley, does not like Heathcliff and stands resentful toward the young boy. The movie follows the tumultuous relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine as they stand against the world.
However, their love is so passionate that nobody can come between them. Andrea Arnold’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ is a very authentic adaption of the novel of the same name, written by Emily Bronte. The movie is a period romantic drama like ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ and focuses on the upheavals of a relationship.
5. Persuasion (2022)
Directed by Carrie Cracknell, ‘Persuasion’ recounts the tale of Anne Elliot as she deals with a blast from the past. When one of her former lovers comes back into her life, she stands at crossroads between her mind and her heart. The movie stars Dakota Johnson and Henry Golding in lead roles. Being a period romantic drama, the film focuses on a second chance at love.
Based on Jane Austen’s novel of the same name, the film shows that people are capable of forgiveness and can change for the better. Both ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ and ‘Persuasion’ explore the intricacies of a relationship and how both partners play equal roles in making or breaking the relationship.
4. Emma (2020)
Autumn de Wilde’s ‘Emma’ is a period romantic comedy film based on Jane Austen’s 1815 novel. Anya Taylor-Joy stars as Miss Emma Woodhouse, a rich and attractive young woman who lives with her dad in Regency-era England and amuses herself by arranging marriages and interfering in the love affairs of those closest to her. Like all period films, ‘Emma’ also hinges on the inner workings of love and affection. The protagonist has many suitors but ultimately chooses the one her heart desires most. Like Lady Chatterley, Emma also shows that love can blossom between people of any class or kind.
3. Atonement (2007)
Ian McEwan’s eponymous novel forms the basis of this romantic drama movie. Directed by Joe Wright and starring James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, Romola Garai, and Saoirse Ronan, the movie narrates how a novelist Briony Tallis makes life miserable for her housekeeper’s son, Robbie, to whom she is attracted. She does so when she misinterprets his relationship with her sister, Cecilia.
The 2007 movie charts the course of a relationship between Cecilia and Robbie as they face the consequences of Briony’s actions. ‘Atonement’ features a romance between two people belonging to different class statuses, similar to ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover.’
2. The Deep Blue Sea (2011)
Directed by Terence Davies, this movie follows the conflict between passion and true love. ‘The Deep Blue Sea’ is an adaption of the 1952 Terence Rattigan play of the same name. It is about a judge’s wife, Hester, who has an affair with a former RAF pilot. Hester’s affair has an irreversible effect on her life and marriage. It further leaves her emotionally void and alone. Starring Rachel Weisz, Tom Hiddleston, and Simon Russell Beale, the movie tackles infidelity and the overrated connotation of passion like in ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover.’
1. Coming Home (1978)
To pass her time, Sally Hyde (Jane Fonda) volunteers at a veteran’s hospital. Her path crosses that of Luke Martin (Jon Voight), and they soon become friends. Eventually, as they get attracted to each other, Sally’s husband, Bob, returns home. This makes matters difficult for Sally as she now has to decide between her husband and her new love. Directed by Hal Ashby, the movie focuses on infidelity and the passion for new relationships, which is very similar to the themes of ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover.’ ‘Coming Home‘ also features the aftermath of war and the subsequent loneliness in people.
Read More: Where Was Lady Chatterley’s Lover Filmed?
