Wives and Daughters

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Summary: Wives and Daughters ~
Review: The movie Wives and Daughters is a long movie full of romance and very mild suspense and action. Although it is not a bad movie whatsoever, it falls short of other romances I have seen. If you like long, drawn-out romances, you might enjoy this one, but its length makes it not worth it for all to see. --TJM

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Summary: I absolutely adore Wives and Daughters the movie!
Review: I decided to read the book before purchasing the DVD. I am very pleased to say that this movie is rather true to the book. One can feel that the actors took time to develop their characters. I would give this a 5 star plus if there were such a rating. Also, a side note, Elizabeth Gaskell died suddenly before completing the book, but, one can assume the ending from all that is implied in the previous pages in the book. The movie does end the story and in the way that was implied in the book. It is very nice to have the actual closure. I cannot say enough about how wonderful I found this movie. It is definitely worth it to buy. I have already watched this 300 minute movie twice since Christmas, and I am one who usually waits six months between rewatching any movie.

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Summary: One-of-a kind!
Review: Drama, suspense, romance, fortunes, secrets, lies, good vs. evil, the list goes on and on. There's nothing more engaging than this edge-of-your seat Wives and Daughters. It was an immediate success the first time I saw it, the plot was creative, and the setting was superb. One never has to look so far as to see the definition and make-up of fantastic story-telling, it was all there, and it was simple yet delightful.

The climax was mainly centered around little Molly Gibson, a spirited yet heart-felt young woman who is a virtual "out for herself" kind of girl, whose world was suddenly turned upside down as her intimate father-daughter relationship was barred with newcomer and step-mother, Hyacinth; a self-absorbed, and outlandish lady whose daughter shared similar coherent characteristics. Being a two-sided engagement, Molly soon convened and speculated the hearts of everyone she meets. Those of which includes the Hamelys, a well respected but inarticulate
family and the Brownings, sisters that deserved well to "keep themselves quiet."

And the plot moves on, a little slowly at first but gradually picks up its pace, the timing was perfect and a perfect adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's original novel. If there was one series worth seeing, Wives and Daughters is on the top of the moutain.

Rating:
Summary: Loved this movie!
Review: Having been a huge fan of BBC's "Pride and Prejudice," I watched this movie hoping for similar movie that I could enjoy. I really liked this just as much, if not more, then P&P. If you enjoy period dramas then you will definitely like "Wives and Daughters." This movie has inspired me to read "Wives and Daughters" as well as the other writings of Elizabeth Gaskell.

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Summary: Beware of "Box Set" claim!
Review: While I just love this movie, I was really disappointed in the case it came in. Amazon advertises it as a "Box Set," but it's not like any box set I've ever seen or owned! It's more like what I'd call a foldout case. There is no "box" around it to hold the flaps of the folder together. The three DVDs are really hard to remove from the clear hard plastic that holds them into the inner side of each of the three panels of the foldout holder. The discs are not in the nice keep cases that I thought they would be in. I imagined the box set would be like my "Pride and Prejudice" special edition box set, but it is definitely sub par. Aside from this physical problem, I absolutely love my "Wives and Daughters" DVD. The dialouge is not a witty as what Jane Austen wrote, but it has it's own charm and is a wonderful story with superb acting. The character of Squier Hamley is especially well developed, and Molly is adorable!

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Summary: Cream of the Crop
Review: I had never heard of Mrs. Gaskell, the author, nor Justine Waddell, the actress who plays the heroine, but now I am a big fan of both. The only equal to this DVD in its genre is the BBC Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin with Collin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. If there was a super bowl of 19th century English literature brought to the screen, these two would be in it. Great job! Another note- the gentleman who plays the Saxon lord, Roger's father, is a tremendous actor. Don't miss his fabulous performance. In general, a terrific, talented cast.

Rating:
Summary: I expected more.
Review: After reading the reviews I expected more of this movie. I had just watched Berkely Square before the four episodes of Wives and Daughters and I have to say Wives and daughters does not compare to Berkely Square. It took me four days to watch all four episodes because I just did not have my normal itch that prompts me from one episode after another - as I did with Berkeley Square. The entire plot was tired and predictable: a sweet innocent girl is subjected to the many follies and complications apparent in other character's lives. She falls in love with a guy who favors her step sister more and so on and so forth...

It was not hilarious, as some have suggested - the humor was actually so subtle that one might not initially notice it unless it is specifically pointed out - and even then it's not that funny. It is not a particularly clever or witty movie - it moves slowly and I tended to stop caring about what happened to the characters: none of the characters had a strong presence (except possibly for Molly and I didn't find her that interesting). Additionally, the problems are not made to be a big enough deal - they seem to be solved before they ever have time to develop.

I have seen to many good movies, of this period, brought to screen to consider this movie worthy of five stars. The acting was not great in general and the costumes confused me. I have a whole bunch of books showing clothing form the period and I can't seem to find any with the high waisted look - which was prevalent in the film. I though went out arounf the regency era - and Elizabeth Gaskell wrote this book in 1865. I was also dissapointed that none of the ladies whore crinolin. All in all - big dissapointment!

Rating:
Summary: Oh, just buy this already-you know you want it!
Review: As a BBC and A&E miniseries addict(is there a 12 step program for this problem?), trust me when I say that this adaption is in equal standing with Pride and Prejudice in terms of how much I love this story. It's a bit more quiet in it's plotting than the former, but I think it should stand on it's own merits and storyline(which I will spare you of a synopsis at this point). Let's just say it's very endearing to watch the two less splashy siblings(Justine Waddell's Molly and Anthony Howell's Roger) of the greatly admired Cynthia and Osbourne blossom in their own way through the series.And of course, it's obvious they are meant for one another from the start-but with five hours to fill up, of course they are given distractions, obstacles, meddlings, and long absences from eacthother before they can finally take a moment to realize how perfect they are for eachother! Good, clean, sweet, love story.

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Summary: The Best!
Review: If you like the 1996 BBC version of Pride & Prejudice, then you will LOVE this! Excellent storyline, excellent script-writing, excellent acting, directing, filming, art directing, costuming, settings, etc. Absolutely magnificent! Even better love story than that between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy (though not quite as suspenceful). Villians, scandal, impropriety, rank, society, stupidity, frustration, valor, friendship, love, tragedy, gossip, jilting, and everything else you could want. Simply fantastic.

Rating:
Summary: Two thumbs and two big toes up!!
Review: Perfect for that rainy (or any) weekend night with friends gathered all around. Good production, acting (if sometimes flowery,) and story that has firm morals to boost it. Look at it carefully, and you will notice that this is essentially a story about women. The love story that comes with it plays second fiddle. Young people will do well to learn a thing or two from Molly Gibson, and from the other ladies as well. Overall, a winner that can never pale to BBC's other production, "Pride and Prejudice."
Michael Gambon (the new Hogwarts headmaster) is a pleasure to watch. During a deathbed scene, you can see him drool in grief and understand why he garnered a Best Actor Award from BAFTA. Justine Waddell is perfect and beautiful for the leading role of virtuous Molly. Keeley Hawes (whom you can also see in BBC¡¦s nice rendition of Dickens¡¦ ¡§Our Mutual Friend¡¨) is also good as the tortured stepsister that must escape from her past when it came looking for her. Penelope Wilton (of ¡§Calendar Girls¡¨) has a short role as Mrs. Hamley whose character departed all too early.
Some of the sceneries of the English countryside are quite breath-taking; makes one want to take a hike through the forests. This production is never poor in color. And, who can let that original music by John Keane pass by??!! One of the things I love about this DVD is that it has a special 30-minute section devoted just for Mr. Keane¡¦s music. It is very good, no kidding.
I understand that this was originally an unfinished (almost-finished) novel by Mrs. Elizabeth Gaskell. It is odd, but I get the feeling that Mrs. Gaskell mirrored herself with Mrs. Hamley¡¦s character. Anyway, BBC did an excellent job in capping up the story for her. Bravo all around!!! Two thumbs and two big toes up!!!