"Desperate Romantics" (2009) TV series

User Rating:

(awaiting 5 votes)

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

2009 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Cast

Samuel Barnett	...	John Millais (6 episodes, 2009)
Sam Crane	...	Fred Walters (6 episodes, 2009)
Tom Hollander	...	John Ruskin (6 episodes, 2009)
Jennie Jacques	...	Annie Miller (6 episodes, 2009)
Amy Manson	...	Lizzie Siddal (6 episodes, 2009)
Rafe Spall	...	William Holman Hunt / ... (6 episodes, 2009)
Aidan Turner	...	Dante Gabriel Rosetti / ... (6 episodes, 2009)
Josie Farmiloe	...	Charlotte Siddal (5 episodes, 2009)
Polly Kemp	...	Mrs. Siddal (5 episodes, 2009)
Zoe Tapper	...	Effie Ruskin / ... (5 episodes, 2009)
Georgie Glen	...	Ruskin's Mother / ... (4 episodes, 2009)
Mark Heap	...	Charles Dickens (4 episodes, 2009)
Ian Puleston-Davies	...	Mr. Siddal (4 episodes, 2009)
Philip Davis	...	Mr. Stone (3 episodes, 2009)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Filming Locations:

King's Bench Walk, Holborn, London, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

A fun Romp

Anybody watching the series expecting a realistic portrayal of the lives of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood will be disappointed however those just wanting an enjoyable romp with a good story that is well acted then this is just the thing. The characters were delightfully over the top without coming over as parodies.

The story follows the lives of artists Millais, Rossetti and Hunt along with their fictional friend Fred Walters as they recruit models Lizzie Siddal and Annie Miller and fall in love with them. The other main character is John Ruskin who supports their work.

While we do see some of their art the series was far more interested in their romantic entanglements which means there many sex scenes which means a fair amount of nudity... no strategically positioned sheets here. Another main theme is their quest to gain a patron who will enable them to become established.

From the moment it starts it is clear that this is going to be a romp as the music is as over the top that the story it goes with. Some people might not like this but I found it very jolly and suited to the story. The acting was fine throughout, I especially liked Amy Manson and Jennie Jacques's performances as Lizzie and Annie, I can see why the men in the story were besotted by their characters.