Cubussoli Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

NekoHomey Purely Joyful Movie!

Usamah Harvey The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Dana An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

sobot Given the money being invested in TV shows nowadays, it is unlikely that most viewers will be swept away with "The Forsyte Saga" from the very beginning. Although the acting, costumes and scenography are good, some of it seems modest compared with the likes of "The Crown"; for me the weakest side of it was the aging of characters: some of them look the same in the beginning and 30 years later. However, once you get acquainted with the characters you are drawn into their world. The beautiful thing is that you can sympathize with all of the main personas, share their dilemmas and misfortunes. Especially distinctive is Soames, being portrayed far more human and fragile than in the novels (at least as I remember them). The last two episodes are among the most emotional stuff I have seen lately.

ferdinand1932 This is one of the best mini-series. It has a strong book, excellent adaption and very good production values. The narrative takes its time and enjoys its characterizations and episodes.The performances and following the characters over so many years makes it engaging, just like a 19th century novel. All the actors are on form and while comparisons with Eric Porter's huge portrayal of Soames in the 1960s in invidious, Lewis takes this essentially tragic character completely.Likewise Gina Mckee as Irene is fully realized, and McKee, in the 1920s sequences at least, resembles Virgina Woolf so perfectly that she must be automatic casting for any films about that writer.The story is best in the first half to two-thirds as it uses a refrain later on and by then is overly thematic toward the end as the younger children are not as interesting and their relationships to their parents are repeated too often.The discordant note is the aging of the cast. The story starts in 1874 and by the end Soames is in his mid-70s, June is about 66, and Irene about the same age yet they appear to be ageless, or about the mid-forties. Difficult to do with make up without it being distracting.

Flower_of_the_Lily I recall watching this when it was first aired (on ITV, I think) and recently re-watched some of it when round at a friend's - and found it very thought-provoking. Read on ...Whilst we can always rely on the good old BBC to produce a great costume drama whilst blindfolded and handcuffed, I've always thought ITV's efforts to be hit-and-miss affairs. So which is The Forsythe Saga? Predictably, both.Visually, there's no problem - it's a gorgeous production, the script is nicely paced, and a generous amount of time is allocated to each of the main characters so we can watch the most interesting developments without getting bored or losing sight of the big picture. This is truly a family saga, spanning several generations and their friends and enemies, their acts and consequences. It's also a cracking story - I've never read the original novel, so can't vouch for it's accuracy, but the script is very well done.But I'm afraid the largest stumbling-block comes in the form of casting. This, ostensibly, ought to be Irene Forsythe's story - pressured into a loveless marriage by a guardian who ought to be taking care of her, the victim of a cold, and often brutal man who violently rapes her, she dares to risk it all for a chance at true love with a young businessman. Tragedy and eventual bittersweet joy result. The majority of our sympathy ought to be with Irene.But unfortunately it doesn't work out like this. Gina McKee looks beautiful, but whether through the script she was given or a decision to play Irene as a sad, reserved woman, she comes across as unfeeling, unresponsive, and totally indifferent to those around her. Indeed, it's hard to see why one man would become obsessed with her, let alone three or four. It was difficult to relate to her, with the only moments I genuinely felt bad for her being Soames's violent attack and when she is told of Bossiney's death. Ioan Gruffudd by the way, does his not inconsiderable best, but his character is really just a means to an end - a common-or-garden bold young man who loves the central female character and prompts her escape.I spent the majority of the viewing time, meanwhile, cursing Damian Lewis - he is simply superb. He takes the vile Soames - a bully, a cruel, violent rapist, a jealous and possessive husband - and at times threatens to win sympathy totally from Irene. His repressed passions and darkness glimmer beneath his surface, and his spurned adoration of Irene prompts genuine pity. Damn you Lewis, we're not supposed to like Soames! But he is by far the most complex character of the series, and Lewis emerges as a star-in-waiting.Every other actor and actress does themselves credit, but Rupert Graves deserves a mention as a an excellent contrast to the cruel Soames. But it's the above love triangle that drives the story. Make up your own mind where your sympathies lie, but definitely worth a viewing.

maxineski This saga of the extended Forsyte family is full of 3-dimensional characters. You fall in love with some, are charmed by others, and a few bad guys exist to keep things tense. The six episodes are complete in themselves. Of course, you crave more information on at least one of the story lines, but, you can wait until tomorrow to continue. You will feel sated, and, at the same time, want more. A soap opera at its finest.If you are as charmed by our young architect as much as I, you must see Horation Hornblower. It is an 8 part DVD set that is based on the classic C. S. Forester novels. They are books, and now a DVD series, for people of all ages. You must be prepared to applaud his bravery, delight in the misfortunes which, of course, must come to the villain in each episode. The repeated theme music will warm your heart. Am I being to soapy? Have a sense of humor. A word to the wise . . .