Customer Reviews

Our Mutual Friend

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For the first 20 minutes of this film, I thought, "Oh no, this is going to be one of those dark, gloomy Dickens tales," and I almost gave up on it. I'm so glad I didn't, because before long I was glued to the screen, and it stayed with me for days after seeing it. Beautifully acted, masterfully directed, it's a gem and now ranks as one of my favourite films of all time.

I have been systematically working through many of the wonderful period dramas that the BBC has to offer and I was pleasantly surprised by their version of "Our Mutual Friend", which was Charles Dickens's last novel (and, dare I say, one of his best). There are many interesting plotlines that are all connected to each other through the "mutual friend", John Harmon (subtly yet beautifully played by Steven Mackintosh). All of the actors are somewhat lesser known, but I believe that this only enhances their performances, making them able to become fully immersed in their respective characters. I especially loved the romantic story that developed between Bella (a young Anna Friel at her feisty best) and John, as well as Keeley Hawes' portrayal as a poor working-class girl. Overall it was a wonderful adaptation, providing social commentary on Victorian England, romance, mystery, and danger, with characters that you can't resist falling in love with.

I got this DVD in a box set and, not knowing the story (mea culpa), I watched all the others and kept this one for a long rainy week-end. Why didn't it pour before? It was the best of the lot! I was completely taken by this story! Need I say I got the book and read it with sheer delight? This story is fantastic, the dialogues are clever and the acting is really first-rate. Particularly worth mentioning is Anna Friel. She is spot-on and so believeable in this part that you'd think it had been written (by Dickens himself) especially for her. One must not forget the very touching Stephen Mackintosh. This man is able to convey so much with a single look, and he has that rare quality: he makes you care even before the plot unfolds and you understand what motivates his character to act a certain way. I've been watching it many times over since my first viewing, and I always see something new because all the other characthers are so well portrayed (no big names, only incredibly good actors, that's what I love about the BBC, they'd rather have an unknown who is perfectly cast rather than a miscast star just to "get the ratings").

This movie is unforgetable. The plot is intense, the romance is a pleasure and the acting is superb! I highly recommend this for anyone who values an extremely well done period drama.

British programs are always good no matter what but this one is
a bit dark but still quite good.
Video quality is poor, too dark all the way through

It is long, but it is well worth it to buy..... Great storyline and you really get involved with all the characters

I hadn't heard of this movie before i purchased it. I bought it solely on the recommendations of other reviews i had read. And i wasn't disappointed. If you enjoy period dramas (esp by the BBC) then this is a movie for you. Received way before the estimated shipping date. I've already recommended this movie to friends!

I found this movie dark on the screen in places and sometimes a bit difficult to follow. True to Dickens however. Overall I enjoyed the film.

Great acting! Great narrative! Dickens doesn't disappoint. He covers a variety of themes and has an array of intriguing characters- likeable and appalling. This film gives you a sense of what life was like in those times. Money often divides those who are despicable and righteous with some exceptions.

Acting is superb, as is the costumes. The production, however, seemed a little flat but is easily overlooked if one is looking for a film production of Dickens.