Forsyte Saga (Widescreen) [3 Discs]

 

 

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"The Forsyte Saga" takes us back to another time -- when soap operas were dressed up in lace, gilt, marble and love threatened by society's dictates.

This sprawling, sumptuous miniseries, adapted from John Galsworthy's novels, introduces viewers to the Forsyte family, who never change and uphold themselves with rigid propriety. And the first season of it is a wonderfully dramatic tale of love, possession, and a man's obsession with his unattainable wife.

As the story opens, Young Jolyon (Rupert Graves) realizes that he is in love with the governess, and leaves his wife to begin a new life with his beloved. The Forsyte family shuts him out, more angered by his sin against society than his leaving his wife. (Lovely people)

Four years later, Soames Forsyte (Damian Lewis) catches a glimpse of the beautiful Irene Heron (Gina McKee) at a concert, and is instantly smitten. Irene rejects him, but is trapped by lack of money. Eventually she concedes -- if he promises to let her be free if the marriage fails.

But she doesn't come to love him, although he still tries to get her affection. Finally he commissions his niece's fiancee, Bosinney (Ioan Gruffudd), to build a country palace for Irene. But then Irene and Bosinney fall passionately in love, and the enraged Soames strikes back at them -- with shocking, then tragic results.

Ten more years pass. Soames wants to remarry a pretty young French girl, but is still legally married to Irene. He demands that she name a recent lover, so he can get a divorce -- but then he starts obsessively stalking his wife, trying to win her back. Instead, he drives her into the arms of the grieving Young Jolyon...

Love, sex, violence, death, war, gambling, scandal, babies and seething resentment -- all the ingredients of a juicy drama. And despite the period clothing, this is a very juicy miniseries, as well as being mostly faithful to Galsworthy's sprawling novels, and very prettily made.

In fact, it juggles the various storylines -- Dartie's scandals, Holly and Val falling in love, Irene's affair -- with remarkable flair. And as Galsworthy did, it explores how women were treated ("Miss Heron, will you be mine?" "I will MARRY you, Mr Forsyte"), forgiveness, and how a scandal only affects you if you allow it to. The writing is impeccable.

And it takes place in magnificent period sets. Sure, they're too ornate for the sensible Forsytes, but they are gorgeous -- from the more modern house by Bosinney, to the stately, ornate homes in London. The main flaw is that it slows down substantially in the final third, and some threads are left hanging for the second season.

And the cast is stunning. Rather than making Soames sympathetic, Lewis makes him UNDERSTANDABLE -- he's despicable, but the audience can see how narrow-minded and desperate he is. McKee is quietly enigmatic, and Graves is passionate and lovable. They're backed by equally good performances by Gruffudd, Corin Redgrave as the family patriarch, and Gillian Kearney as lonely June.

"The Forsyte Saga's" first season is a dramatic, intense miniseries, though it slows down a great deal at the end. In all, a spellbinding look at a family that thinks way too much of itself.

Some of my readers might have very warm recollections of the 1967 black and white BBC mini-series (from before, I believe, the term was coined) that brought to life in 26 episodes and 21 hours all six of the nine novels written by John Galsworthy under the supertitle "The Forsyte Saga." Few video adaptations quite as good were to come again until "The Pallisers" attracted millions, and both would be very difficult to improve upon. Well, Granada has tried with what might be an 18 part remake of the Galsworthy saga; and the first series of 6 is now available on three DVDs from Acorn Media.

Taken on its own terms, it is extremely good--but not perfect--and had me and wife pretty well riveted to the screen on three successive evenings. It did not, however, erase fond memories of the earlier version. Now the 1967 version was "studio-bound, with static camera work, long scenes and long speeches" (as the press release puts it). What the release leaves out was superb acting by established stars and by newcomer Susan Hampshire whose Fleur made her a star.

For example, Eric Porter made Soames a sympathetic human who hurt himself more than he hurt others, especially his miserable first wife Irene. In the 2002 version, Damian Lewis, looking like a demonic Steve McQueen, is 99% pure villain; and his mother's recollection of how he loved a pet cat to death does little to soften his character. It is only in the very last minute of the last episode that he softens--but I will not tell you why.

Another problem is the actress playing Irene, Gina McKee. The original Irene was portrayed by the extremely beautiful Nyree Dawn Porter; and all of the comments in the script about her looks were not contradicted by what we saw of her. Here (at the risk of being attacked for being another John Simon), McKee is simply attractive but by no means beautiful. In fact, some of the profile shots make her quite unattractive; and somehow all the praises the other characters sing about her are not justified visually. Then too, Soames' sister, played in 1967 by Margaret Tyzack, was always referred to as unattractive and lucky to catch a husband at all, even if he is a "bounder." Here Amanda Root, being very pretty indeed, draws no such disparaging comments in this new script.

The rest of the cast-- Ioan Gruffudd, Rupert Graves, Gillian Kearney, Corin Redgrave, and so many more that I could only wish Acorn Media had provided a booklet with the cast as it did for "The Pallisers"--can stand comparison with the 1967 actors.

The production values are just fine, but all too often the camera work becomes annoyingly "innovative" when one character close to the camera is speaking to one further away, and they are brought alternatively in and out of focus as they speak or listen.

But, as a comic Shakespearean character says, comparisons are odious. Again, on its own terms, this is a very enjoyable if somewhat flawed remake of (so far) the first two Forsyte novels; and I can honestly recommend them for once and future viewing as I look forward to the next releases when they are filmed. But let us yet hope for some Kind Soul to restore the 1967 version not too long in the future.

I came across "The Forsyte Saga" and its sequel, "The Forsyte Saga: To Let," in my local library. (I had not read the original books by John Galsworthy, nor seen the original 1967 movie.) It was the sequel that I had watched first, not realizing there had been a mini-series made prior to this. THE FORSYTE SAGA is an utterly brilliant film, in my opinion, ranging from the exceptional performances of the actors (notably Rupert Graves, Damian Lewis, Gina McKee, Gillian Kearney, & Corin Redgrave), to the screenplay, to the cinematography, to the music (closing theme). The actors executed their portrayals with such realism that I was engrossed in the mindsets of the major players in the film. Such performances are refreshing in the movie industry, as one loses sight of the actors for the "characters." The complex character of Soames was articulated magnificently by actor Damian Lewis. Although Soames is stoic, hard-hearted, cruel, selfish, and devoid of empathy.....there were times when I felt sympathy for this pathetic character. Although he showed little emotion, other than anger and frustration, Damian Lewis' portrayal of Soames allowed viewers to glimpse through his bitter facade, and see a man who simply wanted to have a loving and happy marriage with the woman he truly fell in love with. Young Jolyon's gentle nature, compassion, respect for all people, and belief in embracing life and savouring its beauty.....was skillfully portrayed by seasoned actor Rupert Graves. Young Jolyon's strength and resolve in standing up to the injustices from his "society" family (with the consequences of being disowned) were admirable to say the least. Perhaps one of the most emotionally-charged parts of the movie was Old Jolyon's subtle transformation from an old, rigid, authoritarian man set in his upper-class ways.....to a man of compassion, remorse, forgiveness, and even recognition.....that one must not be so quick to judge others with different views, circumstances, or social/economic status. Old Jolyon's "departure" in the drama was the most heart-wrenching parts of the story for me. For me, this drama evoked powerful emotions ranging from: deep sorrow & loss, to empathy & sympathy, and even a few moments of unexpected humour. The plot was very good and the screenplay well written; as such, the movie never seemed to drag. I kept wanting more. (That's where you watch the sequel, "The Forsyte Saga: To Let.") All in all, this miniseries shows us many injustices, and that dignity, integrity, goodness, and compassion can prevail. If you can set aside an afternoon or long evening to relax and watch the miniseries in one sitting, it will be worth savouring. I hope others find THE FORSYTE SAGA (and the sequel) to be a pleasure to watch. I certainly plan to add the DVD set in my film library soon.

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5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely wonderful!
brilliant acting performance of a wonderful story. I enjoyed every minute of it, and after watching more than eight hours, I couldn't believe it was over.

Published on July 2 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars Do yourself a favour
Do yourself a favour and watch this series of DVDs also Series 2. If you love this era then dont miss this lavishly produced series with gorgous costumes and handsome heroes... Read more

Published on Jun 23 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars Far superior to the original
Having read the books and now having seen both the 69 version and the 2000 version I am somewhat mystified by some of the reviews. Read more

Published on Jun 12 2004 by bub

5.0 out of 5 stars Best in OLD WORLD COMEDY DRAMA
I absolutely loved this movie. I don't want it to end. I want to see Soames' daughter Fleur grow up and reform her father in his old age. Read more

Published on Jun 3 2004 by ANGELA

2.0 out of 5 stars dumb reviewers and a lacklustre production
I read the reviewer from Paris and thought it was an in depth critique. This person seems to have a good grasp of the period and the book. Read more

Published on Jun 2 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars Probably the best period servies EVER produced....
This six disc DVD series with 2 espisodes per disc, a full 'nine' hour story was so exciting that my wife and I we had a veritable group show up at the house demanding that we... Read more

Published on May 18 2004 by Rudolf Spoerer

4.0 out of 5 stars The Forstyste Saga: Slow Moving but Well Acted
In 1969 as a callow youth I was mesmerized by a black and white flicerking image on our 17 inch television screen. Read more

Published on April 27 2004 by C. M Mills

5.0 out of 5 stars A Genuine Masterpiece
I take issue with the long-winded reviewer who referred to Gina McKee as "horse faced and unattractive". Read more

Published on April 12 2004 by Reviewer

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding - Superb - Sublime
There aren't enough adjectives to describe this modern masterpiece. Poignant, heartbreaking and totally insidious, it grabs you and doesn't let go. Read more

Published on April 6 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars McKee is Sensational...
As one of England's most gifted actors, Gina Mckee is superb in "The Forsyth Saga" (BBC) . Read more

Published on Mar 25 2004

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