Rating: 
Summary: Feet of Clay
Review: If you liked "Dallas, Texas," you'll love this silly remake of "Forsyte Saga." I don't know which is worse, the script or the casting. There is not the slightest attempt to reflect the customs and mores of that age -- presumably they thought the audience this version would attract would be too ignorant to know, for example, that for people who could afford it, it was not in the least unusual for married couples to have separate bedrooms.I liked Damien Lewis and Gina McKee, but the other actors were as alike as peas in a pod, so it was difficult to tell the characters apart. Go for the old black-and-white version, which was infinitely superior.
Rating: 
Summary: Well-acted but hard to like
Review: Rupert Graves is wonderful in the role of Young Jolyon. But one is forced to wonder how this character emerged from the insufferable and unlikeable Forsyte family. Damian Lewis as Soames Forsyte is thoroughly unsympathetic, except for the final moment of the production. Lewis is a fine actor, so I suppose this can be laid at the feet of the director. But what really sinks this production is Gina McKee. I really liked her in Notting Hill; there, her character and performance lent depth to a vapid movie. Here, however, it is impossible to see what draws so many to her character of Irene Heron Forsyte. The fashions and hairstyles of the day make McKee look emaciated and unattractive (again, contrasting with her loveliness in Notting Hill), and for much of the production her manner seems bordering on a fugue state. For The Forsyte Saga to succeed, the audience must be as enraptured with Irene as the other characters are alleged to be. Instead, I was mystified. I understand that there is at least one more series to come. I'm not sure why I would want to inflict that on myself, based on this production.
Rating:
Summary: Horridly melodramatic and with a dreadful cast!
Review: I saw this on PBS and I have never read the book. I find the character Irene disagreeable and her attitude irksomely arrogant. The music featured in this series cannot be more mundane - too many times of the "four seasons" - Gluck's "Che faro senza Eurydice (J'ai perdu mon Eurydice)" for lost love. It will be wise to wait for the re-run if one wishes to see it for curiosity sake.
Rating: 
Summary: Re: "Dreadful Aspect Ratio"
Review: This release is in anamorphic widescreen, enhanced for 16:9 television sets. If you are watching it on a standard television, your DVD player should be set to "4:3 Letterbox" mode (use the "setup" button on your remote to access this). Many DVD players automatically default to "16:9 Widescreen" mode, because of the increased popularity of widescreen sets, but people with standard sets should always have their players set up as described above. This should clear up any of the "stretching" problems you describe.
Rating:
Summary: Horrible version of the Forsyte Saga
Review: I would actually give this version no stars. Irene is wooden, can't act, and down right ugly. She actually makes Soames look good. If possible, see the version with Nyree Dawn Porter (or any other).
Rating:
Summary: Liked Second Saga Better
Review: I have only seen six episodes in this series but I like it better than the original. I always thought that Eric Porter in the original was a little to old for Soames and so was the woman that played his sister. You could tell because as they to me they didn't need that much help in the aging process. The woman that played the Irene in the original series was beautiful but this woman is also doing a good job, granted she is a attrative as the 1969 Irene but she has a certain poise about her.
Rating:
Summary: A Thing of Beauty
Review: Having thoroughly enjoyed the Forsyte saga in print, I'm happy to find that the film version is just as good, and even at times better than the book(s). Damian Lewis is spectacular as Soames Forsyte, (AKA the Man of Property) who is the central figure in the series. Oh my heck, what a gifted actor! His performance is without a flaw and truly classic. He says so much with just a look- those eyes stare in a way that is truly sociopathic- I get goosebumps! The episode with the rape in it has many examples of his creepy body language- no dialog needed for the talented Mr.Lewis to express who & what Soames is. I found myself being blown away with his ability to evoke sympathy for his character, in spite of the nasty way he behaves. Galsworthy, were he alive, surely would have approved. Rupert Graves is also amazing in his role as Young Jolyon Forsyte. That unfortunate facial hair and even more unfortunate mussy 'do may obscure his charming good looks, but he still shines like a crazy diamond and smolders like a steak on the grill every time he's onscreen. Rowr! One complaint: Gina McKee (who plays Irene) is SO not the gal I read about in Galsworthy's fictions. Not even close. Whoever did the casting screwed up there. Don't get me wrong, she's a great actress- but this role was meant for a regal, blonde-haired angelic vision, and this (IMO) miscasting just messes with the narrative in a bad way. Good thing her and Graves have chemistry- that's something to look forward to in the 2nd series when they share the greatest love the world has ever known, though I'm not believing for a minute that this Irene is irresistible and gifted with a quiet beauty of both mind and body.
Rating:
Summary: Sad remake
Review: This is an sad remake of the BBC mini-series and a loose and inaccurate rendition of a brilliant book. Many of the characters were hopelessly miscast, particularly Uncle Swithin and the elegant and mysterious Irene, on whom the focus of the story lies. Did anyone here even read the book? I was so thrilled to learn that The Forsyte Saga was being put out on DVD, but this was an unmitigated disappointment. Hopefully, the Beeb will feel the same way and release their original series in order that the audience can enjoy the true quality of a finely crafted series.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Have!
Review: This is a must-have for those who love great drama full of twists and surprises. It is a familial saga that will break your heart. Soames is a villain you'll love to hate and yet feel empathy. Irene is heart-breaking as she struggles to be independent from her possessive,abusive husband. A woman of her times as she is both a prize and chattle to her husband. Many can relate to this dynamic family in the many emotional traits displayed by the fine ensemble of actors. Excellent performances from all especially Damien Lewis and Gina Mckee. If you didn't catch all PBS episodes, then buy and savor this finely crafted drama in the company of your loved one--bring a box of tissue along for those misty eyes. Even for those big strong silent type men.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Cast Stands on its own merits
Review: Remakes can be a tricky thing. Many long for the past. Some say there is only the present. The present remake of the Forsyte Saga can stand on its own with its excellent cast, writing and cinematography. Acorn has presented us with a magnificent remake. I'm waiting for the continuation of the saga. What the "Magnificent Ambersons" lost over the years was enhance and added to in this the first round of the "Forsyte Saga." Mr Behrens will be please (as I am) that the original "Forsyte Saga" is scheduled for release February 25, 2003 (See BBC America now and this site NOW). The quality of production in the DVD format is something that ACORN can be proud of. Buy it! It's a keeper! ACORN tells us that the next installment is already in process.
Roderick
| 
