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- BBC Two
- Nov 10, 2022
- BBC Two
- Nov 10, 2022
Summary Set in the 1890s, Lady Cornelia Locke (Emily Blunt) seeks to avenge her son's death with the help of Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer), a Pawnee ex-cavalry scout in this limited series written and directed by Hugo Blick.
Created By: Hugo Blick
- BBC Two
- Nov 10, 2022
- BBC Two
- Nov 10, 2022
Summary Set in the 1890s, Lady Cornelia Locke (Emily Blunt) seeks to avenge her son's death with the help of Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer), a Pawnee ex-cavalry scout in this limited series written and directed by Hugo Blick.
Created By: Hugo Blick
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 26 Critic Reviews
74
77% Positive
20 Reviews
20 Reviews
19% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
4% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 26 Critic Reviews
74
77% Positive
20 Reviews
20 Reviews
19% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
4% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Blick’s script is as spare and gorgeous as the landscape. If he could have spent some of the time afforded the plot machinations on interrogating more intensively the myths of the Old West, the colonial impulse, the difference between retribution and justice and the other questions his western raises, the ambition that is everywhere in it would have been even more gloriously realised. But it remains a sweepingly wonderful thing.
Flaws and all, The English is impossible to look away from. It’s a bold, epic take on the Western, drawing from a half-dozen different cinematic modes and smashing them together until the pieces fit.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 28 User Ratings
6.6
61% Positive
17 Ratings
17 Ratings
18% Mixed
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
21% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 28 User Ratings
6.6
61% Positive
17 Ratings
17 Ratings
18% Mixed
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
21% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
Every so often, a series comes along that rasies the bar for all other scripted series. The English is that series. Besides being brilliantly written, directed, produced and acted, it's an historical monument to immigration in the US during the late 1800's and a tribute and testament to the Cheyenne and Pawnee legacies. Add to that the fact that The English is pure poetry. The writing by creator Hugo Blick is a cross between highly emotional, considerably brutal, and in the end, brilliantly executed to the point of prosaic. The cinematography by the insanely talented Arnua Valls Colomer is breathtakingly, heartbreakingly passionate, but its the not to be missed relationship between Emily Blunts Lady Cornelia and Chaske Spencers Eli Whipp that cements the series to the heart and soul. Ms Blunt has never been better. Her Exposed, tender, tough, determined, achingly emotional performance is the heart of The English. Her every move, every nuance, every action is perfection in form and style, firmly establishing her as the preeminent actor of our time. Mr. Spencers stoic, reserved, strong, passionate, secretly smitten Eli matches Ms. Blunt's open, razor sharp wit and personality and the two blend together to create the most enduring duo in modern scripted Series history. There's no need for spoilers here. The story is as intensely engaging as the characters and Mr. Blick's sharp direction and detailed and deeply impactful dialogue rounds out this marvel of creation that will redefine the Western for years to come. I never really see anything on TV that moves me to write a review like this. But I feel that The English has actually made me a better writer and creator, and I take my hat off to Mr Blick for his tenacity, his brilliance and for giving this very mediocre entertainment industry something to revere and to champion. Bravo!!!!
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SEASON 1
Despite the languid pace of the first episode, the unique perspectives at play in The English make it different enough from your standard Western to make it interesting.
There is too much speechifying in a style that brings to mind the films of Quentin Tarantino. For the above reasons, you might be tempted to give up on it after the first episode. I certainly was. But I’d recommend that you persevere. It unfolds into an operatic tale of revenge and romance set against the backdrop of a lawless American West in the late 19th century.
The English does not quite thrive, but where it fails, it fails in intriguing ways.
I can see that there are many things to admire about The English. The cinematography, for instance; the sparky, economical use of dialogue; the stillness of Emily Blunt’s acting. But I can’t seem to take to it.
If “The English” had spent less time reveling in wicked behavior and more time developing the story of Eli and Cornelia, it might have forged a narrative strong enough to justify sitting through the butchery. ... “The English” is populated with an impressive cast, particularly boldfaced names of Great Britain and Ireland like Blunt, Ciaran Hinds, Toby Jones and Stephen Rea. Unfortunately their talent is not enough to save this miniseries from its overwhelming obsession with the myths that make the Old West a violent playground for the imagination.
Emily blunt is absolutely amazing as always, she is MOTHERRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!
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SEASON 1
No, this wasn't the western I've been waiting for. Casting, and cinematopgraphy are topest of top notch, but where this show fails is it's direction. The production got too cute by half in it's constant use of riddle speech, and the "wait it will ball be fleshed out before it ends" style of story telling, after the first thee episodes it became so annoying as to distract. I couldn't read any of the actors faces for what they meant when they were talking, lot's of confusing charecter choice which never really made sense. I was left with the feeling of what could have been, and grateful it was finally over.
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SEASON 1
Started out strong and intriguing, however, the hurried revelations turned it into one big flop.
PS: Rafe Spall! (chef's kiss)
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SEASON 1