Recently rented this in DVD format. I look forward to anything produced by the BBC and this was no exception. Not having read the book, I don't know if this was a non-conventional take or a realistic adaptation of a classic. At any rate, after watching the mini-series I am encouraged to read the book! The humor in the story reminds me of Elizabeth Gaskell, another English writer I admire. Whatever the case, I think this is TV worth watching.
The casting of the characters was very good except for the lead roll. I believe the character playing Tom Jones (Max Beasley) should have been a lot more physically attractive to make the story work. He was terrific at portraying naive, which is needed for the story but way to childlike to come across as a women's man which was equally important to the plot. Having said that, the other characters were wonderfully cast. Samantha Morton was very convincing as a young woman in love while betrothed to another and her father played by Brian Blessed was so powerful and funny that sometimes I felt like I was watching a Shakespearian comedy. Benjamin Whitrow was a delight as Tom's guardian and the straight man to the foolishness of most the other characters, including my favorite, Kathy Burke as the hilarious maid to our star crossed heroine. Her facial expressions alone were worth the price of admission! This is not a spoiler, but there is a scene in which Kathy Burke as woman servant, Honor sums up a rival maid at an inn that can only be classed as brilliant. And lastly, James D'Arcy, general evil doer was understated but very believable as Tom's arc rival. This may be an actor with future potential.The remaining cast is wonderfully successful as well. It's a six hour performance with a huge cast and all were very skilled at carrying an audience to a previous time in history for this fun little tragic/comedy/farce/drama.
And oh yes...the costumes and sets were wonderful! As was the music.
Worthy of a rent from your favorite DVD store.
The casting of the characters was very good except for the lead roll. I believe the character playing Tom Jones (Max Beasley) should have been a lot more physically attractive to make the story work. He was terrific at portraying naive, which is needed for the story but way to childlike to come across as a women's man which was equally important to the plot. Having said that, the other characters were wonderfully cast. Samantha Morton was very convincing as a young woman in love while betrothed to another and her father played by Brian Blessed was so powerful and funny that sometimes I felt like I was watching a Shakespearian comedy. Benjamin Whitrow was a delight as Tom's guardian and the straight man to the foolishness of most the other characters, including my favorite, Kathy Burke as the hilarious maid to our star crossed heroine. Her facial expressions alone were worth the price of admission! This is not a spoiler, but there is a scene in which Kathy Burke as woman servant, Honor sums up a rival maid at an inn that can only be classed as brilliant. And lastly, James D'Arcy, general evil doer was understated but very believable as Tom's arc rival. This may be an actor with future potential.The remaining cast is wonderfully successful as well. It's a six hour performance with a huge cast and all were very skilled at carrying an audience to a previous time in history for this fun little tragic/comedy/farce/drama.
And oh yes...the costumes and sets were wonderful! As was the music.
Worthy of a rent from your favorite DVD store.