The movie has been praised for its performances, music, costumes and emotional story (Image: Warner Bros.)
There have been countless period dramas released over the years, including royal stories, historical war epics and literary adaptations. But one 1980s film is still regarded by many as “the best period drama ever made”. This is despite the fact that it first arrived in cinemas more than 40 years ago.
The movie has been praised for its performances, music, costumes and emotional story, while some fans even call it “the greatest film ever made”. It also holds impressive ratings of 95% from audiences and 90% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. On top of that, the film won multiple Oscars, BAFTAs and Golden Globe Awards.
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Tom Hulce stars as Amadeus Mozart (Image: Warner Bros.)
That film is Amadeus, the 1984 historical drama directed by Miloš Forman.
The movie tells a fictionalised story about the rivalry between legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and fellow composer Antonio Salieri in 18th-century Vienna.
Tom Hulce stars as Mozart, while F. Murray Abraham plays Salieri, a court composer who becomes consumed by jealousy over Mozart’s extraordinary musical talent.
The cast also includes Elizabeth Berridge, Jeffrey Jones, Simon Callow and Roy Dotrice.
The film was based on Peter Shaffer’s 1979 stage play, which itself was inspired by Alexander Pushkin’s 1830 work Mozart and Salieri.
Amadeus first premiered in Los Angeles on September 6, 1984, before going on to become both a critical and commercial success.
The movie grossed more than $90million worldwide and received widespread praise from critics.
At the Academy Awards, it was nominated for 11 Oscars and won eight, including Best Picture.
F. Murray Abraham also won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Salieri.
The film also won four BAFTA Awards and four Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama.
In 2019, Amadeus was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry because of its cultural and historical significance.
F. Murray Abraham plays Antonio Salieri (Image: Warner Bros.)
Many viewers still believe it remains one of the finest films ever made.
One person said in a review on Rotten Tomatoes: “The best movie of all time. Everything lands in the right place in this movie, and the director is a genius.”
Another added: “Best period drama ever made. It’s a masterpiece, and thrilling to watch, bringing both laughter and tears. This is an exuberant exploration of the decadent life of one of the greatest artists to have ever lived.”
A third wrote: “Undoubtedly it’s a masterpiece. Fine balance between dramatic, comedic and ironic.”
Amadeus can be streamed on Now TV.