Audiences have been enthralled by a period drama that’s not to be missed on Prime Video, after others have enjoyed a series hailed as “perfect” and a beloved Charles Dickens adaptation. Those looking for escapism into another era should look no further than this film, which has been previously hailed by audience members when it first came out in 1993.

The movie was released during the height of period drama popularity during the 90s, with the likes of Sense and Sensibility, Dracula and Emma being big hits among audiences. There’s now a new wave of period drama popularity among viewers across film and television, so this title may have been overlooked given the sheer amount of costume dramas on offer.

Taking to IMDb, one person gave the film a 10/10 and hailed it as an “ignored masterpiece”. They praised the “impeccable art direction” and “beautiful cinematography” and explained: “The film looks as impressionistic as the paintings that line the walls of the characters’ homes.” The viewer went on to say: “What an amazing pic. I completely “missed it” the first time around. Great observance of “high society.” Many of those codes are strangely applicable today.”

A second person awarded 9/10 to the film and titled their review: “Underrated masterpiece from the top director of our times.” Their glowing praise continued as they explained: “Everything in this movie is based on the observation and recording of the social behaviour codes, the unexpressed feelings and of things which are not not said but implied.”

A third 10/10 review stated: “There is a lot to love about this film, which is more like a piece of art than a movie. Every scene and every bit of dialogue denotes elegance and brutality simultaneously.” The audience member went on to reveal that they’d already seen the film 15 times since it first came about, describing it as “a priceless ode to individuality”.

Yet a fourth person wrote in their top-rated review: “The production is gorgeous with ornate sets and wonderful costumes. The performances he helped craft are intricate and dedicated.” They went to say how the film was “evidence” that the director was “one of the greatest filmmakers” with a “unique approach” that worked.

While a fourth person wrote in their top-tier critique: “Will eventually be seen as Scorsese’s masterpiece”. They elaborated: “The greatest movie adaptations are usually made from novels of the second or third rank, the adaptations of the greatest novels-The Brothers Karamazov, War and Peace, Ullysses, are not very good, while Dodsworth,and The Magnificent Ambersons are ranked among the classics. This is yet another example. Scorsese surpasses his material to make a beautiful, bravura nmasterpiece [sic].” 

The Age of Innocence was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by American author Edith Wharton, who was the first female writer to be awarded the prestigious accolade. The 1920 novel is set during the 1870s in the Gilded Age of New York City, during Wharton’s childhood, and follows members of upper-class society during this era.

The Age of Innocence charts respected New York lawyer Newland Archer (played by Daniel Day-Lewis) preparing to marry the innocent and sheltered May Welland (Winona Ryder). However, everything is thrown into doubt when Newland encounters May’s fascinating cousin, the Countess Ellen Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer), who is the complete opposite of his wife-to-be.

Ellen was previously living in Europe and left behind a failing marriage to a Polish count to return to New York. Her re-entrance into the rigid aristocratic society causes shockwaves, and there are initial fears that her presence could impact May’s prospective marriage. Instead, Newland is intrigued by Ellen, who flouts the rules of society as she plans to scandalously divorce her husband. 

Over time, Archer and Ellen fall in love in what is to be a tormented romance as they are bound by the rules of society. The compelling story sees both of them trying to fight their feelings, with Newland trapped between his duty to May and his passion for Ellen.

The Age of Innocence was directed by acclaimed auteur Martin Scorsese with Day-Lewis, Pfeiffer and Ryder carrying the movie. Other cast members included Miriam Margolyes, the late great Michael Gough, Withnail and I star Richard E. Grant, Game of Thrones’ Jonathan Pryce, Geraldine Chaplin, Mary Beth Hurt, and Norman Lloyd, among others.

The Age of Innocence (1993) is streaming on Prime Video now