Reviews

I was very sceptal about this movie when I rented it. I usually like English period pieces. And it took some time to get into it. But once I did it kept me captivated. Because you could see where the lines conflict was coming together. It was a very good illustration of what 19th century england's social mores was. I myself or the audience can see the obsession that Jude had for his cousin. Even today marriage between cousins is considered bad. I don't really what rank cousins they were. It was interesting to me. Jude started out being very religious and Sue was'nt. The last hour of the story seemed to point this out. The experience had changed them both. Its interesting how Jude gave up on his Ministerial aspirations so easily and fell into his role as a stone mason to support he and his cousin. They really brought out the social mores about marriage in that time. I also recognized Robert Powell from his playing Jesus of Nazareth. That came through a few times also. Even though this was a few years before he did that work. It was very well acted. Especially the scene in the church after the death of the children. A very intense kind of story. I started out looking for his success as minister and wound up thinking in a way how tragic it was going for them and subject of marriage between cousins. He came full circle when he said at the end well I have done something here and I may as well make the best of it. He did'nt seem to recognize that he said the same thing when he married Bella. I recommend this movie highly because of its intense drama and the subject and period that it was about. And just to see excellent acting. I have looked for other work by Fiona Walker on your Web site but came up with nothing. Thank you for letting comment on this.

I thought the settings and period costumes was excellent. But the acting was theatrical as all get out. I looked at it as a farcical comedy. I thought francesca Annis was beautiful but miscast as a partner of a detective series. The whole thing seemed like fluff. It made me wonder why this was made. Except I found out later it was a TV series. It was entertainment to watch but that's about all.

I agree with the main reviewer about this film. I also think you have to stick with watching it for a couple of segments before you see the plot become interconnected. It is a very satisfing movie in that way. You become interested in the characters and you can't let it go until you have seen it all. I think each location plot was well done and of course to make a good movie of it you have to take time to let things develop. I thought the location of Pakistan was very well done. It really showed the social conditions you are fighting against to stop farmers from growing poppies. it also showed the involvement and corruption of the government in this also. I think the acting by the actors was superb. Of course I have always loved Duncan as a person and actress. She really played the strip scene quite well. I think this is another well done piece of work by the British. I think they really have superb actors anyway. I could go on and on. But thats all I have to say.