The perfect antidote to the glut of reality TV, this sprawling chronicle following the fortunes of a wealthy mercantile family from the Victorian age to WWI--based on John Galsworthy's novels--achieved immortality with its first filming, a 1967 BBC production that became an international addiction, setting the standard for the newly-minted “miniseries.” In fact, the original version was so etched in my mind as the definitive interpretation that it was with great trepidation that I slipped in the first disc for this new 2002 production. Happily, this is a stunner, featuring magnificent, opulent interiors; fabulous period costumes; and--best of all--uniformly superb acting across the board. Damian Lewis as Soames, Gina McKee as Irene, and Rupert Graves as “Young Jolyon” bring depth and nuance to the leading roles, while supporting characters actors such as the warmly human “Old Jolyon” (Corin Redgrave) are fully realized, and even minor characters delight (Maggie Fox's Bilson is a gem). Unlike many overproduced, stultifying period pieces, The Forsyte Saga remains engrossing and emotionally involving on a narrative level, while still boasting superb attention to detail. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (J. Reed)
The Forsyte Saga
Acorn, 426 min., not rated, VHS: 6 videocassettes, $79.95; DVD: 3 discs, $59.95 Volume 17, Issue 6
The Forsyte Saga
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
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