I am a huge fan of the book, and have been for the longest time. The book has a very poignant story of forbidden love and the loss of innocence, but I love also about the book are its rich memorable characters, memorable settings and thoughtful dialogue. This 1981 mini-series is just sublime and one of the best mini-series there is. I also think anyone who hasn't yet seen the 2008 film with Ben Whishaw, Greta Scacchi and Matthew Goode and are a fan of the book as well should think of avoiding it, as it doesn't do any justice to this wonderful story and has several disappointments on its own terms.
The mini-series of Brideshead Revisited does however do justice to the book, as it is remarkably faithful in spirit and in the details. But what makes the mini-series so extra good is how amazing it is on its own terms as well. For one thing, Brideshead Revisited looks exquisite still. You can never go wrong with picturesque settings, beautiful scenery, costumes that stick remarkably well to the period and skillful photography, lighting and editing, and as far as I'm concerned Brideshead Revisited succeeds in every single one of those areas. Geoffrey Burgen's background scoring is melodious and memorable, if careful not to intrude too much at pivotal points.
The mini-series' writing is also to be commended. There is a very rich and faithful script, that is thoughtful, intelligent, eloquent, amusing and poignant. Ryder's narration and delivery especially is mesmerising. The way the characters are written impresses too, Sebastian is not too effete too soon and none of the other characters feel sketched over either. The story is still the compelling and poignant story that made me fall in love with the book, it is also very well paced with seldom a dull moment and the themes that form the story are still intact.
The acting is truly excellent. Overall, Diana Quick is the weakest of the three leads. Not that she is bad, far from it as she is very compelling and moving in the later episodes, it's just she is not quite ideal at first in terms of looks and age. Anthony Andrews is much better though, he is the epitome of innocence and the destruction of it, and Sebastian as I have said already is not made too effete too quickly which was just one of many mistake that was made in the 2008 film. Roger Milner does very well with a very well-explored character and is very dashing. Pheobe Nicholls is both disarming and charming, and Nicholas Grace is suitably venomous, theatrical and snake-like. John Gielgud is a real scene-stealer too, while Laurence Olivier and Claire Bloom especially play their characters perfectly and faithfully. Jeremy Irons gives my personal favourite performance of this splendid cast, his narration, delivery and portrayal of Charles Ryder is simply masterly.
All in all, a real jewel of a series and a must watch for fans of the book, period dramas or any of these fine actors that play their parts so amazingly here. 10/10, though I would give it an 11 or higher if I were allowed. Bethany Cox
The mini-series of Brideshead Revisited does however do justice to the book, as it is remarkably faithful in spirit and in the details. But what makes the mini-series so extra good is how amazing it is on its own terms as well. For one thing, Brideshead Revisited looks exquisite still. You can never go wrong with picturesque settings, beautiful scenery, costumes that stick remarkably well to the period and skillful photography, lighting and editing, and as far as I'm concerned Brideshead Revisited succeeds in every single one of those areas. Geoffrey Burgen's background scoring is melodious and memorable, if careful not to intrude too much at pivotal points.
The mini-series' writing is also to be commended. There is a very rich and faithful script, that is thoughtful, intelligent, eloquent, amusing and poignant. Ryder's narration and delivery especially is mesmerising. The way the characters are written impresses too, Sebastian is not too effete too soon and none of the other characters feel sketched over either. The story is still the compelling and poignant story that made me fall in love with the book, it is also very well paced with seldom a dull moment and the themes that form the story are still intact.
The acting is truly excellent. Overall, Diana Quick is the weakest of the three leads. Not that she is bad, far from it as she is very compelling and moving in the later episodes, it's just she is not quite ideal at first in terms of looks and age. Anthony Andrews is much better though, he is the epitome of innocence and the destruction of it, and Sebastian as I have said already is not made too effete too quickly which was just one of many mistake that was made in the 2008 film. Roger Milner does very well with a very well-explored character and is very dashing. Pheobe Nicholls is both disarming and charming, and Nicholas Grace is suitably venomous, theatrical and snake-like. John Gielgud is a real scene-stealer too, while Laurence Olivier and Claire Bloom especially play their characters perfectly and faithfully. Jeremy Irons gives my personal favourite performance of this splendid cast, his narration, delivery and portrayal of Charles Ryder is simply masterly.
All in all, a real jewel of a series and a must watch for fans of the book, period dramas or any of these fine actors that play their parts so amazingly here. 10/10, though I would give it an 11 or higher if I were allowed. Bethany Cox