Middlemarch on DVD (1993)

LD from Herts , 05/03/2004

Hadn't realised this DVD was made up of several episodes, but I just couldn't press the stop button, once the plot got rolling.

I was surprised when I checked that this film was made only 2 years before Pride and Prejudice, because it looks much older than that. In fact I thought it had been made in the early 80's, due to the lack of vibrancy in the cimematography in comparison. It's maybe deliberate, as the subject matter is quite depressing in this half of the series.

Like Austen's character the story is centred around a strong female character of little means, living in a male dominated world of class, and the power and influence that this has on her, and those not within the different social groups and hierachy. She marries a man who she believes has the same high values pertaining to those less forunate, and needing help.

She lives in a town that is trying to increase it's status, by building a hospital. Different characters are introduced, including that of the doctor who has arrived to run the hospital and his interactions with those inside and outside the powerbase of the town.

The acting is very good, and you have a good understanding of the different characters to take you into the second half, which I am looking forward to.

  16 out of 18 people found this review helpful

Read all reviews

LD from Herts , 11/03/2004

I enjoyed watching this disc, and it certainly captivated me enough to watch all three episodes at one sitting.

It follows three main stories.

1. the main female character's attempts to change the poverty in her immediate world, despite her sex and resistence by others, plus the love interest you would expect.

2. The doctor's love life, financial crisis and how this affects his work and integrity.

3. What happens to the most powerful man in the town when a man from his past comes to blackmail him.

It didn't have the same impact on me as Pride and Prejudice, nor is it as well produced in my opinion, however if you like a gentle period drama it is worth considering.

  8 out of 8 people found this review helpful

Read all reviews

A customer from Lisburn , 13/11/2005

An otherwis excellent 2 disks was spoiled by that awfull music. When somwone is talking I wish to hear that person talk - not to fight my way through the music, and what's wrong with natural sound effects, 'bout time production teams got things right.

  7 out of 9 people found this review helpful

Read all reviews

A customer from Bridlington, England , 27/08/2005

If your thing is the classics of English Literature adapted for the screen, you'll find this example unmissable. Superb performances by the whole cast, and George Elliot's story brought to life superbly well.

  5 out of 6 people found this review helpful

Read all reviews

elab49 from none , 21/01/2004

I thought I would try this again - I remember the first TV showing as being somewhat dry and greatly disliking the character of the female lead.

In retrospect I didn't fully appreciate the other stories being told - the new doctor bringing modern science to the town and coming into conflict with religion and the 'old guard', the play-off between those who hold the power in the town, the political forays of the local landowner.

The female lead - a dry, humourless, madam - still does not impress which is unfortunate as this storyline seems to be intended as the most passionate. But, like Fanny Price, Juliet Aubrey's Dorothea is an insufferable prig.

Overall - a stellar cast and a crisp script, still make this an enjoyable watch.

  3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

Read all highest rated reviews

A customer from Bridlington, England , 27/08/2005

If your thing is the classics of English Literature adapted for the screen, you'll find this example unmissable. Superb performances by the whole cast, and George Elliot's story brought to life superbly well.

  5 out of 6 people found this review helpful

Read all highest rated reviews