Fingersmith on DVD (2005)

Ultimately, a satisfying film

Mel from London, UK , 28/04/2005

Having read the book, I found the first third of the film rather disappointing. I always try to judge an adaptation on its own merit. However, the film raced ahead, action-packed for the first hour, without ever establishing the characters fully. Key features were glossed over (the fingersmith business, pornographic book collection, characters of Mrs Sucksby, Gentleman et al and the build up to the first lesbian encounter) leaving the remainder of the film to pick up the pieces.

Later in the film come the many twists and turns, which make for compelling viewing and many surprises. This is a great story and all the threads are pulled together toward the end. Ultimately, it's satisfying, complete and thought-provoking, but a shame about the start.

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Read The Book You Get More From It

A customer from Alcester, England , 23/06/2005

I rented this DVD thinking it would be as good as the book, if not better. Sarah waters is a brilliant writer and having read all of her books and seen Tipping The Velvet, I was very dissapointed by this Film. There are parts of the story for example Maud, tending to her mothers grave, that don't even get mentioned in the film but were quite a large part in the story. To get the full impact of this fantastic story of double crossing thieves I would reccomend you read the book and not watch the film.

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excellent period drama

A customer from Norfolk , 18/06/2005

this excellent period drama has it all. A bit of a twist in the tale and an unusual love interest. we saw it on the tv when it was shown and couldn't resist having a second look. recommended

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unexpected pleasure

A customer from St Albans, Engalnd , 24/08/2005

I rented this on a whim and was pleasantly surprized. I missed the series when it was on the BBC. What surprized me the most is that the film is actually in two parts, I almost turned the DVD off after the credits began to roll on the first part, feeling slightly cheated with the length of the film and large plot holes. Fortunately the second part soothed my troubled soul. In short well worth watching even if you dislike period dramas, with some cool twists.

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Ultimately, a satisfying film

Mel from London, UK , 28/04/2005

Having read the book, I found the first third of the film rather disappointing. I always try to judge an adaptation on its own merit. However, the film raced ahead, action-packed for the first hour, without ever establishing the characters fully. Key features were glossed over (the fingersmith business, pornographic book collection, characters of Mrs Sucksby, Gentleman et al and the build up to the first lesbian encounter) leaving the remainder of the film to pick up the pieces.

Later in the film come the many twists and turns, which make for compelling viewing and many surprises. This is a great story and all the threads are pulled together toward the end. Ultimately, it's satisfying, complete and thought-provoking, but a shame about the start.

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excellent period drama

A customer from Norfolk , 18/06/2005

this excellent period drama has it all. A bit of a twist in the tale and an unusual love interest. we saw it on the tv when it was shown and couldn't resist having a second look. recommended

Read all highest rated reviews