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Reviews
Rebecca (2020)
I enjoyed it, think other reviews are a bit too harsh!
This movie is not a 'remake' of the 1940 Hitchcock version. It is a book adaptation, which is what I think people tend to forget. I have read the book and seen the earlier film version and I think others are being a bit overdramatic with comparisons. It is fine to prefer the Hitchcock version but I think this movie did a good job. It was enjoyable, acted well, and beautifully shot. I was expecting this to be a fun, light hearted romance based off other's comments and was pleasantly surprised. It did have a Great Gatsby feel at first when they were in Monte Carlo but that quickly changes once they get to Manderley and the difference is stark. The psychological aspect was definitely there and I found myself very anxious watching the narrator deal with the 'ghost' of Rebecca. Lily James did well portraying the main character as insecure and paranoid, and much of it was communicated through her body language. I felt her emotions right along with her. My biggest disappointment was the lack of relationship development with Max, and I also think they could have cast someone older because the large age difference isn't present here. Overall, I enjoyed this film. It could have went a bit longer, and I was fine with the ending. I actually prefer the ending over the Hitchcock version where Rebecca died accidentally instead of actually being murdered by her husband. To me that totally changes the whole narrative and I'm glad they kept true to the book there. It's a heavier story and I appreciated the upbeat final scene. Definitely a movie to watch and form your own opinions on. If you enjoy gothic romances, give this a chance.
The Great (2020)
A very modern historical drama
I am a huge fan of historical dramas and try to watch as many as I can. This one feels very different than most, more modern and almost comedic, almost to the point of being silly at times. It's definitely not my favorite, but I enjoyed the series and await the second season.
It's a gorgeous show, costuming is swoon worthy and I think the casting decisions were accurate. Nicholas Hoult really grows on you as Peter. I started off anxious for him to be killed off but his character grows a bit more sympathetic as the show goes on. He and Elle Fanning have great chemistry (now Catherine and Leo...not so much). It can be a bit too raunchy for me. The sex isn't overly gratuitous but it makes up that with all the dirty jokes. Definitely not a show to watch with your mom!
There are some dark and very serious issues and situations and I wish they had treated these issues a bit more respectfully. Sexual assault, domestic violence, and animal abuse are kind of blown off. I get the direction the show is going for but these issues aren't handled how I would preferred. You just have to take the show for what it is and not think about it too much.
War & Peace (2016)
Beautiful and moving show, ignore the horrible reviews
So, disclaimer, I had no prior experience with War and Peace and had no idea how the story line was going to play out, so that might color my review a bit. I love historical dramas and was very happy to discover this one. It's absolutely gorgeous. The costuming, scenery, music, are all top notch. The plot moves pretty fast and it would have been nice to have a few extra episodes to slow things down, especially for some of the romantic relationships. All of the main romances moved very quickly and I found some of them a little unbelievable, though I did like them overall. It doesn't feel very Russian except when we're reminded of the war.
There are definitely things to nitpick, and probably more if you love the novel, but I find other reviews unnecessarily harsh and overly dramatic. It is a entertaining and beautiful show with good acting. Personally, I was very disappointed in what happens to the main characters and how they end up in the last episode, but it was taken from the source so I can't fault the show writers for that. It's not a very happy show, which I'm totally fine with, but the last two episodes are especially dark so if you're looking for a heart warming, Russian version of Downton Abbey, this might not be for you. It is a good historical drama and a nice way to pass the time.
Medici (2016)
It only gets better! One of my favorite shows, drastically underrated
I notice several reviews that mention the first season only, IE Dustin Hoffman's role, etc. On my first viewing, I found the first few episodes to be slightly boring, but the show only got better as it went along. I truly enjoyed season 1, but season 2 is on a whole other level and I urge anyone who didn't care for season 1 to keep watching. I find Lorenzo (seasons 2-3) to be much more likeable as a main character, and the Pazzi storyline was captivating. I gasped and cried throughout this show and I found myself very attached to the characters. The Medicis have their faults but for the most part, they're good characters who you root for. I really enjoyed some of the character and relationship arcs, and the romance is done well. More of a slow burn between the two main couples, infuriating at times, but entertaining to watch as there's good chemistry. Not a ton of sex or nudity, mostly in the first season and then it drops off after that. The costuming is gorgeous, and the soundtrack! I'm currently obsessed with it and listen to it frequently. The music is very prevalent throughout the series, but to me it just helps tie everything together. The acting is great and Daniel Sharman especially is amazing as Lorenzo. I can't imagine anyone else in that role as he IS Lorenzo.
I think anyone who loves history, politics and scheming, and family drama will enjoy this show. It's very underrated and I had never heard of it until I came across it randomly on Netflix. As much as I loved Game of Thrones, I think I enjoyed the Medicis much more. It's simply one of the best shows I've ever watched, personally.