Doctor Thorne (2016)

I actually first head of this new series by reading a review of it on Old-Fashioned Charm. It sounded like something I would enjoy, so when my mom casually mentioned that it would be sent on TV, I couldn't believe my luck.

To those of you who hasn't heard of it, here's a brief summary:
Mary Thorne has grown up with her uncle, Doctor Thorne, and they have always had close relations with the Greshams of Greshamsbury Estate. But when she and the son Frank develop feelings for each other his mother is very much against the match, as she wants Frank to "marry money" in order to save the indebted estate. At the same time Mary gets some unexpected news about her parentage.

If I should describe this series in one word it would be: pretty!

Everything is a treat for the eyes; the scenery and the mansions look like like they should be on post cards (and they probably are in real life), and the ladies with their pastel coloured gowns and their flower adorned hairstyles look like they have stepped right out of a painting.

The plot, on the other hand, is predictable almost to a fault. I was not even half ways through the first episode before I knew exactly how everything between Mary and Frank would resolve itself.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind knowing from the start who will end up together, but a little suspense in how they will get there is generally preferred.

                                    

While I did enjoy some of the characters - especially Frank and Miss Dunstable, I found most of them to be rather two dimensional and shallow. To be honest, I didn't really get a feel of most of the characters until episode 3, which is a bit too late in a 3 part series.

I just wish that they would have spent more time on the characters so I could get to know their motivations. If they had maybe given the series 2 additional episodes that could have been achieved, and I think I would have enjoyed it more. (Then again, I haven't read the book so I don't know if there is enough plot to fill up 2 more episodes)

                

Content wise there are mentioning of a gentleman seducing a woman and a child born out of wedlock, but that is all.

From this review you might have concluded that I didn't like this series at all, which is definitely not the case. Despite all its shortcomings I did enjoy it - especially the visuals. And if you like pretty period drama dresses you shouldn't deprive yourself the experience of watching this.

Without A Clue

It is no secret that the story of Sherlock Holmes has been the object of a myriad of adaptions, reimaginings, and parodies, and in the latter category Without A Clue is definitely one of the best.

           

If you aren't familiar with the movie, let me give you a brief summary:
This is your classical Sherlock Holmes, but with one major difference: Doctor Watson is actually the brains behind it all, and Holmes merely an actor paid to play the role. Watson, very tired of being completely overlooked, decides to fire Holmes and start on his own, but a case of some stolen printing plates that may have national consequences, needs Sherlock Holmes and no one else, so Watson reluctantly decides to take on one last case with Sherlock Holmes.

Does the concept sound hilarious? It is!
And as the roles of Holmes and Watson are taken on by Michael Caine and Ben Kingsley nothing stands in the way of a great movie.

            

I was actually introduced to this movie prior to seeing any "real" adaptions of Sherlock Holmes and it has always been a favourite of mine. 

What makes it truly great isn't just the superb acting but the many funny dialogues, which are very quotable.

           

Sherlock Holmes: What are you doing?
Doctor Watson: Thinking.
Sherlock Holmes: Right. I'm going to think too.
(long pause)
What shall we think about Watson?

Or there's the scene where Holmes is shown a drowned corpse to search for clues.
Sherlock Holmes (poking man with stick): It is my opinion...that he is dead.
Onlookers: Genius!

             

Sherlock Holmes: I'm reminded of the curious case of the Manchurian Mambo.
Dr Watson: I believe that is the Manchurian Mamba
Sherlock Holmes: Mambo, mamba. What's the difference.
Dr Watson: Well, very little, except that one is a deadly poisonous snake while the other is a rather festive Caribbean dance.
Sherlock Holmes (at conclusion of story): As the snake struck at me, I danced out of the way. If it hadn't been for my flawless footwork, I'd be standing here a dead man today.

Apart from these scenes there are plenty of delightful conversations between Holmes and Watson simply overflowing with sarcastic remarks.

          

As for content, there are 2 scenes where the villain kills someone with a knife, but no blood is shown. There is a scene where a man spies on a woman undressing, but she discovers him quickly, and lastly there are a few scenes with a man cross dressing as a woman.

So, as a conclusion: this is a light and extremely funny movie that I am sure you will enjoy if you like Sherlock Holmes.

Seven Brides For Seven Brothers

This is a long awaited post!

I recall wanting to write about this movie almost from my very first day of blogging - and now, 2 and a half years later it is finally happening: my incoherent and fangirly review of Seven Brides For Seven Brothers!!

I recently rewatched the movie for the first time in a while, and as it thoroughly reminded me why this is my favourite musical of all time, that was the final push I needed to write this.

                                    

But first, let us have a summary: In 1850's Oregon, Adam Pontipee decides he wants a wife, so he goes to town one day to find one. To everyone's surprise he meets Millie who agrees to marry him at once and goes off with him to his remote farm.

When they arrive she is very surprised to find Adam has six brothers that he forgot to mention she is also supposed to take care off. After she has gotten over the shock, she decides to help finding them girls of their own. It works only all too well, for suddenly they are all pining away for their girls that they can't visit due to the remoteness of the farm.

To cheer them up Adam suggests that they take inspiration from the ancient Romans and simply kidnap the girls away...

                  

If you haven't picked this up from the context yet, let me tell you one thing before we go any further: in my subjective and very biased opinion Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is the ultimate movie musical of all time!

And what made watching it even better this time, was that I was watching it with a friend who had never seen it before (but she had listened to me ramble about it for years), so not only was I reacquainting myself with all my favourite moments, I was watching it through her eyes too as a first timer!

It is truly one of a few movies where I enjoy every single minute of it!

                  

But why this movie in particular? I will tell you why!

Firstly, the songs! There are 8 original songs which are all brilliant! Not a single miss! That is quite a feat in itself! And none of the songs slow the plot down.
From the funny and catchy "Bless Your Beautiful Hide" to the melancholy "Lonesome Polecat" the songs cover quite the spectrum of emotions. But my all time favourite song of them all will always be the beautiful and dreamy "June Bride."

                 

Secondly, it doesn't have any of that drawn-out-ness that some musicals of this period had. For instance it only has one long dance sequence, but even then that involves a lot of laughs and is in no way boring.

Thirdly it actually has a lot of plot and a lot of humour.

These three facts also means that this is the ideal movie to watch with ones who aren't musical enthusiasts, as they will probably like it too.

Furthermore, the movie has a long list of great characters, who in no small way contributes to the many funny moments and conversations.

The Pontipee brothers in particular bring a lot of laughs.

From Adam, who very sagely explains that being in love is just like having the measles, to Benjamin who thinks offering chewing tobacco is a good way to open a conversation with girls, to Frank who starts a fight every time someone says his real name (it's Frankincense, because his mom couldn't find any F names in the bible).

And then there's Gideon, who is so sweet and adorable, and who I always had a soft spot for.

                  

As for content, I don't really recall any. Some might find the whole ordeal of the men kidnapping the girls a disturbing concept, but to them I will say: the movie obviously doesn't take itself very seriously, so neither should you. And in the movie they were also thoroughly chastised for it.

                   

What more can I say?
All over it's just a wonderful movie!

April & May Period Drama Challenge Tag

            

1. What period dramas did you view in April/May?

I watched Great Expectations, Les Miserables, Doctor Thorne, Into The White and probably a few more that I can't recall right now.


2.Do you prefer to watch period dramas that have a happy ending or a bittersweet ending?

Happy endings, no doubt!
I can appreciate bittersweet endings but the endings might be the factor that decides if a movie becomes a favourite.


3. What media forms do you prefer to use when watching period dramas (i.e. purchased DVD's, rented/borrowed DVD's, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu)?

I don't particularly care as long as I get to watch the movie.


4. Which period drama character's wardrobe would you like to own?

How to choose....I think I would love to own the wardrobe of any Jane Austen character. But Emmas wardrobe in the 2009 version is as near perfection as one can get.


5. What period dramas are you looking forward to viewing in June 2016?

I can hardly decide, mainly because the list is so long.
Due to a clearance sale at the biggest movie store in town, I've aquired a bunch of new period dramas that needs watching, among others the 3 Sissi movies and 4 Sharpe movies. And I still really want to watch The Paradise.


As the Period Drama Challenge is nearing its end and I have only reviewed 3 movies out of 10, I'll just let you know that June is gonna be a very period drama heavy month, mainly consisting of reviews.
So consider yourself warned:)

On a completely different note: I got a new header!

After seeing so many summer themed blogs I was inspired to do the same.
Do you like the result?

The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982)

If you're looking for a tale filled with danger, romance and daring rescues all lead by a swashbuckling hero in disguise, keep reading, for the movie I gush about in this post has all these qualities and more!

If you for some reason haven't read the title, I can reveal that the movie I'm talking about is The Scarlet Pimpernel.

                        

My father really loves the 1934 movie so I've always been familiar with the tale of The Scarlet Pimpernel, but it was not until a few years ago I discovered there was a whole series of books.
I read them all in a few months so I considered myself quite the Leaguette, and it was at that time that I just happened to stumble upon the 1982 version on Youtube.

In most movies that I love, there is a specific time/scene that has me convinced that this movie is absolutely wonderful. When was that moment in The Scarlet Pimpernel?
It was when the opening credits wrote "based on the books The Scarlet Pimpernel and Eldorado" - as those were my two favourite books from the series, I was convinced that next to nothing could ruin this film - and I was right!

But I have already rambled too much, let's get on with the actual review!

                     

If you are unfamiliar with the story here's a short(ish) summary:

During the Reign Of Terror a mysterious hero known as The Scarlet Pimpernel is saving many French aristocrats from the guillotine. In reality he is Sir Percy, a rich English nobleman who has everyone believing he is a complete fop. Together with a few of his trusted friends he is planning their most daring project yet: to rescue the French Dauphin.
But everything gets more complicated when he meets and falls in love with the French actress Marguerite St Just, who is also closely connected to Chauvelin - a man who has made it his personal mission to discover the identity of The Scarlet Pimpernel. 

Have I convinced you to watch it yet? If not, keep reading (and even if I have, keep reading anyway)

                     

There's so many things I love about this movie that I barely know where to start...

The acting, for once, is just stellar!!

Anthony Andrews completely catches the character of Sir Percy, and plays both his personalities splendidly. One of my favourite moments is a scene where he initially is in his Sir Percy persona, but suddenly reveals he is The Scarlet Pimpernel - the way his facial expression changes and in only a split second he is transformed into a completely different person. It's brilliant I tell you!
Oh, and all his one-liners...I will try not to spoil them for you, but sink me one or two of them will slip in.

                        

I also adore Jane Seymour's portrayal of Marguerite. She plays her with a passion, and the viewers really feel her happiness and pain.

                      

I was very surprised when Chauvelin enters the scene and turns out to be a young Ian McKellen. I don't even think it necessary to say that I love him as well.
Yes, I know I'm supposed to dislike him, and I do most of the time, but the acting is just so good! Haven't you ever loved scenes with the villain just because the actor was doing a wonderful job?

                     

Another thing I have to praise about the acting in general is this: This movie manages to take every romantic cliche that I dislike, and throw it all together in one movie - and I bought it all, and was not bothered in the slightest!! (A rarity indeed)

That's how good the acting is!!

From the Love at First Sight scene between Percy and Marguerite, where you can see the surprise and love in his eyes that makes his facade slip for a moment, to the concealed conversation in the library where he realises the motives behind Marguerite's actions and you can feel just how relieved he is... ( that scene made me crack up a bit, though, but it was soo over the top)

                    

As a true book purist I am also very pleased with the way they adapted the story and weaved the 2 plot lines together. You don't even notice it's 2 books compressed into one movie.

Another thing I just love, is the way the movie pays a lot of homage to the 1934 version. I count no less than 5 scenes taken directly from that movie. (If you want to know exactly which scenes, I will gladly elaborate in a comment.)

                  

And what more can I say about the action, the suspense, the all together brilliantness of it all that hasn't already been said?

The answer is: lots and lots! One can never say too much about this movie!

But to not turn this review into a complete novel, I will restrain myself;)

Before we finish I should briefly mention the content: there are a few execution scenes, and though nothing is shown those scenes are very intense. There is also one or 2 scenes of a couple lying half dressed in bed, but apart from that and some low necklines I don't remember anything else worth mentioning.

                  

As a way to conclude this very long post: The Scarlet Pimpernel is a brilliant movie, and if you haven't seen it you should!! (You can watch it here)

Now, I'm eager to hear if any of you have seen this movie, and if you liked it!

Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World

                       

Summary: In 1805 aboard the H.M.S Surprise, the brash Captain Jack Aubrey is ordered to hunt down and capture a French vessel off the South American coast. The hunt is long and takes its toll on everyone in the crew.

I know, it's quite a short summary, but the main plot is that simple. However, it is all the little stories that unfold on the ship that truly makes up the movie.

Now, first of all let me state: I really like this movie!
But if asked the reasons why, I must shamefully admit that it has been so long since I watched it that I've forgotten most of the things that happened.
(Note to self: Procrastinating reviews doesn't make them easier to write)

But let me talk about the things I DO remember.

The casting, for instance. I loved all the actors in it. I firmly believe that some actors should never be in anything but period dramas, for they wear the apparel so well.
And let me tell you, this is a movie that firmly cement that belief!

                         

                                         

I rest my case!

Other things I enjoyed about the movie was the way the plot was executed. Everything progressed very slowly but still with an incredible amount of tension and excitement, so there was not a boring moment.

And I simply loved the fact that they actually filmed on the Galapagos Islands - something that apparently is very rare for a feature film to do.

Content wise I don't remember there being any, but a little gore and fight scenes, though, that is to be expected in a movie about war.

            

So as a conclusion, I can say: this is a really enjoyable movie, with lots of adventures and if you enjoy movies taking place in the British navy *cough*Hornblower*cough*, you will like this one too.

Period Drama Challenge Tag - February

The second month of the Period Drama Challenge has already passed - how quickly time flies at the moment...
Well, here's my answers to the monthly tag.

            

1. What period dramas did you view in February?

I watched Jane Eyre, O Brother Where Art Thou and season 2 of Agent Carter.


2. What is your favorite period drama musical?

Ooh that's tough! Now I come to think of it most of my favourite musicals are also period dramas.
But the one that immediately comes to mind is Les Miserables.


3. If you could order up an adaptation of your favorite classic book, what would it be and who would star?

For a long time I have wanted a new adaption of Mansfield Park that stays true to the book, but also really gets the characters.
I haven't really thought about casting though.


4. If you could be a famous royal from history, who would you be and why?

I have never really wished to be royal, but if I should choose I think I'd want to be Queen Victoria.
She had quite a bit of freedom (being the queen and all) could make important decisions and she got to marry the man she loved. Also, I would love to live in palaces and I just adore the time period.


5. What period dramas are you looking forward to viewing in March 2016?

Again, I haven't made an exact list, but I've dubbed March and April official period drama watching and reviewing months, so I'm looking forward to rewatch some old favourites as well as some new ones.

A Grand Way To Start The New Year

I have one, and only one tradition for January 1st. I have done it as long as I remember. On this day it is of utmost importance that I am home and seated by the TV when they broadcast the New Year's Concert live from Vienna!

                       

For those of you who haven't heard about the New Year's Concert before, it's a concert of classical music mostly consisting of waltzes and polkas written by the Strauss family (very famous Austrian composer family).
As it has been played every year since 1939 it's filled with traditions and very prestigious.
One of the highlights of the concert for me is that some of the music is accompanied by ballet filmed in beautiful castles in and around Vienna.
In general the concert is just filled to the brim with shots of beautiful architecture, gorgeous costumes and breathtaking vistas.

                            

This year they played my favourite waltz of all time: The Emperor Waltz. And to make it even better - they danced ballet to it! So I was basically flowing on a cloud of bliss for the remainder of the concert, and had to share my feelings on the subject with you all:)

My favourite part of the concert each year are the encores! They are the same every year so you have something to look forward to: The Blue Danube and The Radetzky March. If you haven't heard those pieces you should! TBD is such a tranquil and dreamy waltz and TRM is a true military march that makes you wanna dance around the room.


Another random thing I need to tell you, mainly because I am ridiculously proud of myself right now, is that I finally finished Hamlet today!!

And because this post turned random as of right now, I might as well announce that I am doing the Period Drama Challenge hosted at An Old-Fashioned Charm.
It's a challenge to watch and review as many new period dramas you can in the next 6 months, which is something I always love doing. (And a little extra motivation never hurts)
I've chosen to watch and review 10 films which should earn me the  title of Period Film Devotee.

            

I think that was all for now;-)