Gormenghast

Rating:
Summary: Bloody Fabulous!
Review: This has to be one of the best fantasy movies without magic that there has ever been. I adored Jonathan Rhys Meyers' portrayal of Steerpike, and he seemed to be made for the part. Not to mention he's bloody gorgeous. But, as for Titus, Andrew Robertson plays the part well. He seems to understand the pressures of a ritualized life as if he has lived it himself. All the actors and actresses do every part they play a justice that is rare in a movie based on a literary masterpiece. The scenary and sets make you believe that you are actually in a place called Gormenghast, that it is more real and alive than just a fictional place in a book. If you have read the Gormenghast trilogy, or just fell in love with the idea of it, watch this movie! It is the ultimate escape from reality with a handsome, powerhungry kitchenboy, a romantic, lonely dreamer, and a strong, spirited heir.

Rating:
Summary: Nice art direction, I'll give it that...
Review: Anything Ian Richardson does is worth full attention, but the acting by the younger leads is embarrassing & the lines sound like weak warmed-over watered-down Lewis Carroll. What is it about the British appetite for this silly mindless nonsense? Something in the air I guess...or maybe it's the water. Too kewt by a couple of light-years.

Rating:
Summary: Enchanted... Easily an A plus performance
Review: I just viewed the miniseries not more than half an hour ago, and the only words that come to mind are stunning, tragic, and poignant. Steerpike especially captures the essence of the books with his excellent acting. For those who adore Peakes' masterpiece, this wonderful rendition should be in your masterpiece collection at all costs! Wonderful acting, setting, and cinematics bring Gormenghast to life like never before. I only can hope that the upcoming "Lord of the Rings" movie will be as good (though I have my doubts, unless Kate Winslet has been dumped, then perhaps all may be saved). (And I may not forget Lady Fuchsia, played by Neve McIntosh, who is always a delight on-screen.)

Rating:
Summary: The Sweetest Type Of Revenge
Review: I saw Gormenghast when it first aired on BBC America. At first I found it to be a bit stuffy and boring. Then the character of Steerpike appears. He's just so different from the other characters he quickly became my favorite. The down side is Steerpike's the bad guy, yet I really wanted to see him win.

Rating:
Summary: Great rendition of the Gormenghast series
Review: I first heard about Gormenghast when I was watching Red Dwarf on BBC America. During the commercials, they played a long trailer which showed elaborate costumes, interesting backgrounds (some obviously computer generated), and an odd assortment of characters. I got the impression that it was some sort of fairy tale. Best of all, it boasted two of my favorite actors, Christopher Lee and Stephen Fry.

The show came on every Saturday, and I watched each hour or so segment every week. The story revolves around an old castle called Gormenghast. The people themselves are born into caste systems, and adhere to the strict rules and rituals of the Kingdom. Nothing changes; the culture won't let it. That is, until Steerpike, a young kitchen hand, grows tired of the kitchen life and denounces his caste. His goal, to seek for better things, and for him better things can only mean greater power.

Now, after the reading the books, I was all the more impresed with the BBC rendition. While the series had to cut out a lot of scenes, as the trilogy itself is huge, they were very prudent with their cuts. While they couldn't capture the absurdity and creative flair in its entirety, they also didn't rehash Mervyn Peake (the author's) tendency towards pointless, self-indulgent waste (i.e. cliche romance scenes/dialogue), and occasional repitition (i.e. conversations and thoughts of characters). However, the acting was superb, the costumes elegant, and the plot as unique as ever. Above all is Jonathan Rhys-Meyer (Steerpike), and Christopher Lee (Flay). Also, Zoe Wanamaker and Lynsey Baxter did a superb job playing the mad twin sisters(and stroke victims) Cora and Clarice Groan. Gormenghast runs miles around anything America produces (i.e. Noah's Ark, The Tenth Kingdom), and deserves, despite its minor flaws (even those from nitpicky Peake fans), nothing short of 5 stars.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful eye candy, delicious acting...
Review: Whilst this miniseries is perhaps overlong, it captivates nonetheless. This is due in no small part to the high production values and excellent cast. Lead character Jonathan Rhys Meyers alone is worth the price of this film; he's fantastically OTT, devouring every scene. John Sessions is equally wonderful.

I recommend this film to anyone who appreciates Terry Gilliam-esque films. This isn't as perfect as a Gilliam film (too slowly paced, a couple of grating characters, the last few minutes were so precious they made my skin crawl), but it's definitely worth a viewing...

And did I mention Jonathan Rhys Meyers?

Rating:
Summary: Fantasy and opulence
Review: Eurasian costumes, downright weirdness, humor and strategy make this lavish adaptation well worth watching. Captivating and an epic to watch with special people.

Rating:
Summary: Strange, but fantasy
Review: The film begins with the birth of the 77th Earl of Gormenghast, which is currently ruled by the 76th Earl. Gormenghast is a large and impressive castle, in which resides the royal Groan family.

Little do they know, someone is trying to bring them down. A lowly kitchen boy who charms his way up the ranks within the castle walls.

Funny at times and moving at others, Gormenghast is a great film brought to life by the exotic characters which help it move at an easy-to-follow pace. The movie goes without special effects, in hopes to keep it believable.

Not your everyday movie, but then again what is 'every day' these days? Grab a few bags of popcorn, as it is rather a long film (in its entirety), and sit back and enjoy the new name in fantasy; Gormenghast.

Rating:
Summary: An unsettling and captivating dark fantasy
Review: "Gormenghast" is an odd series, a little too odd at first glance. I have never read the books, and didn't even know that a "Gormenghast" series existed when I watched it. I just thought it looked like an interesting fantasy series, so I gave it a try.

It was very surprising, and I had to watch the first episode twice before I got a feel for the series and could get captivated by its peculiar meter and character. However, when you get sucked in it is as complete a world as "Labyrinth," "Legend" or any other such darkly gothic fairy tale kingdoms. The endless rituals, the conflicting costumes, the affected accents and speeches all combine to create a disturbing reality of crumbling decadence and a society that has run its course, aching for change and new blood.

The amazing actors in this series, many with an impressive fantasy film pedigree, are what pull you in, and force you to believe in the topsy-turvy kingdom. Christopher Lee ("Lord of the Rings"/"Star Wars"/"Dracula"/Too many to name...) brings you home right away as the brutish but loyal Flay. It is interesting to see him play such a sympathetic and nobel character, after watching him is so many villain roles. Jonathan Rhys-Meyers ("Bend it Like Beckam," "Titus") is perfect as the charming anarchist Steerpike. who plays a necessary role as a bloody catalyst for change. Zoe Wanamaker ("Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone") and her sister Lynsey Baxter play the bizarre twins perfectly, with an unsettling atmosphere each time they are on screen. Ian Richardson, who comes with an impressive Shakespear resume, portrays the descent into madness of the Earl of Gormenghast, as crumbling as his realm.

The BBC again proves that they know how to make quality programs, allowing for a slow wicked pace and a weird mood along with bright costumes and talented actors. I highly recomend "Gormneghast," but give yourself some time to get into it. You might have to watch the first episode twice like I did.

Rating:
Summary: Not Bad
Review: I haven't read the books either, but decided to watch the series since it was highly recommended by a friend. I immediately found the cartoony look and silliness of the first episode offputting, but the series improved with each episode. In spite of the murders, the villain Steerpike still appears to be most fit to be ruler. After all, other great monarchs have killed to rise to power and maintain it. He's also the craftiest and most intelligent of the characters, almost all of whom are mad or incompetent. Evil is too strong a description for him -- I didn't see it as the worst thing that he would want to get rid of an incapable monarchy run by a doddering old man who didn't care for the poor. And his situation is sympathetic, since he doesn't get respect even when he ascends to high-ranking positions. Jonathan Rhys Meyers does a perfect job of playing him. The only one who comes close is the countess, who could have been a good ruler if she cared a little more about the city and less about her pets. In all, I think the series could have been excellent if it were a bit more serious.