1. JennetP

   10

   BH is my second-favorite Dickens novel, so I put off watching this miniseries for 5 years, lest it disappoint. I needn't have hesitated. No the adaptation is not completely faithful, but it captures the essentials: the range of characters (good, bad, and purely eccentric), the dynamic storytelling, the social critique (here focused on the legal AND class systems). And it does more. It's a fair criticism of Dickens that his characters, for all their quirky vitality, are a little one-dimensional. But great actors can enrich such characters, and this series has so many that I almost hate to single anyone out. Much has been made of Gillian Anderson, and she is indeed excellent, but, for me, the standout has to be Anna Maxwell Martin as the young orphan at the center of events. She could easily have been too good to be true; instead, she is admirably kind but also confused, wise, wry, and naive--in other words, profoundly human. But no one works in a vacuum, and it's obvious that the casting, script, and direction have all contributed to her performance, as have the other actors. The scene between Anderson and Martin on the Ghost Walk is a perfect example of two achieving more together than one could do alone.… Expand

   • Helpful? 2 of 3 users said Yes.
2. Panos

   10

   Superb production, excellent storyline and sturdy direction emphasize the outstanding performances of all actors and especially the formidable Gillian Anderson. It's a shame she didn't get a single award for her work.… Expand

   • Helpful? 2 of 2 users said Yes.
3. Brenda

   10

   Awesome show! I just wish I could have viewed it in one sitting instead of waiting for more each week. I am buying this on video! (and I only OWN one other film - LOTR-so I"m not into purchasing such things). LOVED IT!… Expand

   • Helpful? 0 of 0 users said Yes.
4. robertt

   1

   I´s too dark. I didn´t like the camera work and I didn´t like to wath Gillian 'Scully' Anderson as Lady Dedlock. Tho only star that i gave to this went to Charles Dickson, the writer himself. Dont´waste your time. Go watch Deseparate Wifes. LOL… Expand

   • Helpful? 0 of 6 users said Yes.

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