There have been plenty of period dramas released over the years, but only a handful are still being described as masterpieces. Many films are hugely popular when they first come out in cinemas before slowly being forgotten about.

Others, however, do the exact opposite and are constantly brought up in discussions about the greatest films ever made. One historical drama from 1993 has done exactly that. The film remains highly rated, and it holds an impressive 96% critics score and an 89% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The movie in question is The Remains of the Day. Released in 1993, the drama was directed by James Ivory and adapted from Kazuo Ishiguro’s Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name.

It stars Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson in the leading roles, alongside Hugh Grant, Christopher Reeve, James Fox and Lena Headey.

Set in Britain before and after the Second World War, the film focuses on life inside a grand country house and the people who work there.

The Remains of the Day was a critical and commercial success when it was released.

It went on to receive eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins and Best Actress for Emma Thompson.

The film was also recognised by the British Film Institute, which ranked it among the greatest British films of the 20th century.

Those who have already seen it say that the performances from Hopkins and Thompson are among the film’s greatest strengths.

Others have praised the film’s attention to detail saying it might be the best literary adaptation ever made.

One person said in a review on Rotten Tomatoes: “Pure masterpiece! Hopkins is magnificent.”

Another added: “Everything is perfect in that film: acting, filming, music, atmosphere. An excellent adaptation of a no less excellent novel.”

A third wrote: “Best drama film ever made. Best literary adaptation ever made. Nothing less than a masterpiece.”

Someone else commented: “This is the rare film that comes close to equaling the novel it’s based upon. It’s superb on so many levels. Watch it!”

The Remains of the Day is available to stream on Netflix.