Customer Reviews

Daniel Deronda

5 star:		(54)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Having a familiarity with the field of psychology, I have always found morality plays fascinating. If you delight in thought-provoking films with careful layers of morality and virtue, Daniel Deronda will be just your cup of tea. In addition to being a magnificent piece from a purely artistic perspective (the gowns, horse-drawn carriages, and exquisite English countryside will stir the hearts of even the most ardent modernist), it also offers a magnitude of ideal conversation starters.

The miniseries is based on the classic novel by George Eliot, and is essentially two plots woven into one. The first is an utterly heartless and wretched marriage for a spoiled young Gwendolyn in the form of the evil Grandcourt, a landowner whose sole pleasure lies in torment. Be it his wife or dogs, our heartless villain never takes greater pleasure than in dangling something before them and tearing it away again, only to feed it to someone else. We see a kind of barbarism in this act, be it with the family spaniel or his impoverished, abandoned mistress.

The second plot line is about the film's lead, Daniel Deronda, a presumed illigitimate boy who has been raised a country gentleman. One day while out boating he saves a Jewish singer from drowning herself, and sets out to discover his own true identity through finding her family.

The acting is very stellar. There's not a weak link in the cast, although I have to say seeing Barbara Hershey seemed a little out of place in this Victorian paradox. The film makes numerous contrasts between good and evil, selfishness and humility, lies and deception. It's actually quite an achievement, and I was pleased at the amount of restraint showed by the filmmakers. The sexual tension between man and wife will go over most younger viewer's heads. From rationalizing and defending one's wrong choices to showing the difference between attraction and subtle, strong love, Daniel Deronda is a gem not merely for its beauty but also its hideousness. Filmmakers have done a tasteful film which deals with many heavy subjects without becoming vulgar or crass. The costuming is absolutely gorgeous, and there's not a weak link in the cast, which includes screen knowns such as Barbara Hershey and Gretta Sacci, as well as the exceptionally talented Hugh Dancy, Romola Garai, Hugh Bonneville and Jodhi May. Fans of other period films will recognize actors from Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion, and Emma.

It's rare to find a wonderful Victorian bodice ripper where the bodice actually stays on. 

Masterpiece Theater's brilliant production of George Eliot's "Daniel Deronda," was adapted by Andrew Davies from George Eliot's last and, perhaps, most ambitious novel. (although certainly not her best). Essentially, both the novel and the film are composed of two separate stories, linked by protagonist, Daniel Deronda, (Hugh Dancy).

Set in England in the 1870's, the viewer is given a glimpse into the lives of British Jews, a society-within-a-society, though Daniel Deronda. Interestingly enough, most of Miss Eliot's contemporaries were oblivious to the Jews, who lived totally outside their frame of reference. Through her heroine, Gwendolyn Harleth, (Romola Garai), who marries for money and power rather than love, Eliot and the film explore a side of human relations that leads only to despair.

Daniel sees Gwendolyn, for the first time, at a roulette table. He is fascinated by her classical, blonde English beauty, and vivacious, self-assured manner. When Miss Harleth is forced to sell her necklace to pay gambling debts, Deronda, a disapproving observer, buys back the jewelry, anonymously, and returns it to her. This is not the last time the deeply spiritual and altruistic Deronda will feel a need to rescue Gwendolyn.

Daniel was adopted as a young boy by Sir Hugo, (Edward Fox), an English gentleman. He has received affection, a good education, and to some extent, position, from his guardian. However, Deronda has never been told the story of his true parentage, and sorely feels this lack of roots and his own identity. Not content to play the gentleman, he always appears to be searching for a purpose in life, and a spiritual center.

Daniel's and Gwendolyn's lives intersect throughout the novel. They feel a strong mutual attraction initially, but Gwendolyn, with incredible passivity, decides to marry someone she knows is a scoundrel, for his wealth. The decision will haunt her as her life becomes a nightmare with the sadistic Henleigh Grandcourt, (Hugh Bonneville), her husband.

At about the same time, Daniel inadvertently saves a young woman from suicide. He finds young Mirah Lapidoth, (Johdi May), near drowning, by the river and takes her to a friend's home to recover. There she is made welcome and asked to stay. She is a Jewess, abducted from her mother years before, by her father, who wanted to use the child's talent as a singer to earn money. When young Mirah forced her voice beyond its limits, and lost her ability to sing, her father abandoned her. She has never been able to reunite with her mother and brother, and was alone and destitute, until Daniel found her. Daniel, in his search for Mirah's family, meets the Cohens, a Jewish shop owner and his kin. Deronda feels an immediate affinity with them and visits often. He also comes to know a Jewish philosopher and Zionist, Mordecai, (Daniel Evans), and they forge a strong bond of friendship.

Daniel finally does discover his identity, and has a very poignant and strange meeting with his mother. He had been earnestly taking steps to make a meaningful existence for himself, and with the new information about his parents and heritage, he is able to act on his dreams.

One of the novel's most moving scenes is when Daniel and Gwendolyn meet for the last time. Gwendolyn has grown from a self-centered young woman to a mature, thoughtful adult, who has suffered and grown strong.

This is an extraordinary period piece, directed with wit and subtlety by Tom Hooper. The cast is outstanding as are their performances. Lush costumes and beautiful scenery add richness to the film. However, like the novel, the movie is lacking. It is too metaphysical, too metaphorical, too much a morality play. There's not enough verve and vigor!! Although Hugh Bonneville's Grandcourt, does make a fabulous scoundrel.

I did thoroughly enjoy this BBC production, flaws and all. It is wonderful entertainment and artfully done.
JANA

i am not a huge fan or British Literature, for that matter i have a particular dislike for VICTORIAN British Lit. i had to read DANIEL DERONDA for a class many moons ago and loved, loved, loved the book (which i highly recommend to anyone-- it's 800 pages, a bit of a commitment, but well worth it).

the movie version of George Eliot's last novel is one of the fairest productions which is based on a book i have ever seen; the characters are presented as brilliantly here as they are in the book (with the small exception of Jodhi May as Mirah-- she was far too old to play her!). The sections of the novel which seem long-winded are presented fluently and gracefully, and the iterations which are wonderful to read are an even bigger joy to watch. Hugh Dancy as the title character does not overplay Deronda's inward contemplation nor does he downplay the spurts of emotion. Romala Garai as the beautiful Gwendolen Harleth-Grandcourt portrays her complex and difficult with ease and candor; a true triumph!

I would definately recommend this movie to anyone whose got a rainy afternoon to spare and fans of BBC productions to boot! You will not be disappointed!

This is yet another well-crafted film adaptation of a nineteenth century British novel by the BBC. There are some dynamite actors here, including the increasingly popular Jodhi May (Tipping the Velvet,Turn of the Screw, House of Mirth, Mayor of Casterbridge), Hugh Dancy (King Arthur, Madame Bovary), and exquisite Romola Garai (Nicholas Nickleby, Vanity Fair). The costumes and landscapes are beautiful and the actors gorgeous, the story compelling and captivating, and the fit and finish is superb.

Perhaps Hugh Bonneville's depiction of the cold, abusive Henleigh Grandcourt left him more palatable than others may have interpreted him, and some scenes could have been drawn out more - despite the 3 1/2 hour length for the 3 parts - but these are minor quibbles. Overall, this is a gem.

I read Daniel Deronda recently and decided to watch the film to acquaint myself with some of the fuzzier details. I was impressed by the BBC version of George Eliot's book from the word go. Well casted and beautifully filmed this is a lush story of Daniel Deronda, Gwendolen Harleth, and all of the other players in George Eliot's novel of subtle prejudice and self discovery.

I found that the film did in fact crystalize all of the details from the book that I had somehow missed, and for me this was one of those rare cases where I found myself enjoying the film much greater than I had the book. The pacing is different and one or two events are rearranged to heighten the story telling, but I do not believe this hinders the original story. I found myself completely taken in by this superb adaptation and I believe that any of Eliot's admirers, or any period movie fan for that matter, would revel in this wonderful retelling of a classic.

Wow....If the ratings could go higher than 5 stars, I'd sure give it at least a 7!. The actor who plays Daniel Deronda couldn't have been chosen any better and the selection of Romola Garai to portray the beautiful but selfish Mrs. Grandcourt was equally rich. What makes this movie so memorable and endearing is the theme. You have two beautiful, very beautiful and talented girls vying for the heart of one man (of course, this is every man's dream). But where it gets really good, is the humbling process that Mrs Grandcourt must go through, in order to see what kind of woman she was. At the end, through great pain and self discovery of her inner selfishness, she is finally fit to become someone's excellent wife. She pines away the hours and for days on end for the chance to become Daniel's wife, but during this humbing and transformation of the most beautiful Romola Garai, Daniel is falling in love with another girl, whom he rescued from a watery grave. Daniel was an English Gentleman, with manners, courtesy, love and caring for those he knew. As Daniel was slowly discovering his Jewish roots through the girl whose life he saved, he began to fall in love with her, not only for her beauty, but her commitment to God through Judaism and her angelic voice. She was very talented and nice to look at, but it was her singing voice and dedication to God is what attracted Daniel to her. Towards the end, Daniel became more involved is his new found Jewish family and began identifing with them. The scenery of the film switched back and forth from England to Italy, and the twist at the end with Daniel's mother emerging from a life long silence added to the excitment and plot. As Daniel finally proposed to this beautiful Jewess, it was followed by a Jewish wedding ceremony with Jewish wedding music. It was so good to see a film that included the richness of the Jewish traditions and religion without apology. And now, at the end of the story, where both beauties wanted Daniel Deronda, only one of them won the prize. On the one hand, this story is every guys dream; a well mannered rich guy, who is handsome and desired by all the ladies, and on the other hand, they both can't have him, and it leaves your heart broken for the beautiful Mrs Grandcourt. The picture on the cover of the DVD is really a prophetic look at the whole thing. It's a wonderful show, and real treat for guys!

"Daniel Deronda" is an exceptional piece of cinema. I first saw it on PBS recently, and was captivated right away, even though I didn't see it from the beginning. It's one of those stories that may not sound to interesting to hear in the beginning, but once it grasps you, it won't let go. I loved the fact that there was no 'bathroom break' scene in the movie. I was glued to my bed, and just couldn't leave the room.

I hve to say kudos to the director and the actors. They did a brilliant job in making the movie. You can sense the tensions in the scenes that occur b/t Daniel and Gewendolen after she is married. I especially thought the scene of Daniel on the beach looking at the ocean when he came to meet his mother was beautifully portrayed. You could see the confusion and disbelief that he was within him.

I recomend this movie to anyone who wants to see an exceptionl movie during the Victorian era. Not only will you get great visuals, but you'll also get a histroy lesson on the treatment of Jews during the era.

Based on George Eliot's novel of the same name, this masterpiece theater miniseries, in a long list of excellent ones by PBS and the BBC, is viscerally entertaining, yet also incredibly moving and resonant all the same. Daniel Deronda thrives on a strong script, subtle effective directing, and an extremely charming and talented cast. Hugh Darcy couldn't be a more ideal choice to play Daniel Deronda. He beautifully juxtaposes inner strength with sensitivity and compassion, and is instantly likable, absolutely necessary to such a main-character driven story. A shout out to Jodhi May who is absolutely fetching and wonderful as Mirah Lapodoth the "Jewess" and Deronda's love interest. She played the younger sister in Last of the Mohicans. And she continues to act convincingly and be a compelling presence onscreen. The chemistry between her and Darcy is electrifying. Kudos to the two young British actors that make this PBS special truly wonderful.

Daniel Deronda was the second special that I have seen featuring the immensely talented Hugh Dancy. Daniel Deronda gives us a passionate peek into the life and times of a young Jewish man who was adopted in Victorian-era London. Jodhi May and Romola Garai also giving stunning and emotionally moving performances as the competing romantic leads. I cannot fathom why some would say the cast is questionable.

The whole movie was a heart-wrenching ride with some unexpected turns and well-directed vignettes. Most scenes were believable for the period and the costuming was divine. I admit that I had not read Elliot's book before seeing this movie, however I can say due to that fact, that this movie stands well on it's own merits and is a delightful addition to anyone enjoying period-set Victorian movies.

Oh and Hollywood, why are you waiting? Hugh Dancy is your next heart-throb.

One of George Eliot's most brilliant novels was "Daniel Deronda," a heartfelt story about a young man searching for his past, and in it, his future. The BBC did a brilliant job dramatising this, with an excellent cast and an exquisitely beautiful backdrop -- and all the feeling, message and passion of the original book.

Daniel Deronda (Hugh Dancy) is the ward (and rumored illegitimate son) of a nobleman, but he feels somehow aimless and unfulfilled -- he wants to devote himself to something, but doesn't know what. During a tour of Germany, he encounters pretty, reckless, arrogant Gwendolyn (Romola Garai) at a casino.

Gwendolyn (who boasts that she gets everything she wants) is interested in Daniel, but when her family loses all their money, she marries a rich suitor, a relative of Daniel's -- knowing that his mistress and illegitimate children will be disinherited. But she soon finds that her new husband is a sadistic brute, and sees Daniel as her only help.

Meanwhile, Daniel rescues the despairing Mirah Lapidoth (Jodhi May) from a suicide attempt, and he helps the young Jewish singer find a home and friends. As he helps her find her family, he becomes passionately attached to the Jewish population and their plight. Then he receives an important message -- one that will illuminate his roots, and give him a course of the future.

When Eliot published her final novel, it caused a massive stir -- not many novelists tackled the plight of the Jewish population, or how it compared to the gilded upper classes. In a way, "Daniel Deronda" is both a love triangle and an allegory -- Daniel must choose between the pretty, shallow English life (Gwendolyn) or a rich Jewish heritage (Mirah) with a background of tragedy.

The movie itself overflows with beauty -- sumptuous rooms, colourful ball gowns, rambling mansions, even the brilliant Mediterranean. But it has substance as well, with excellent direction in moments both beatiful and hideous (the wedding night scene).

In fact, the direction gets stronger as the movie progresses, such as Daniel's tightly-wound conversations with his mother, and the last few conversations with Gwendolyn. And the cinematography is excellent -- the shot of Mirah slowly descending into the dark river is exquisite and chilling, like something from a beautiful horror movie.

Handsome Dancy is one of the reasons this movie works so well -- Daniel is a kind, almost saintly person, but Dancy manages to imbue him with the restless, yearning quality that the character needed. Garai is excellent with the immature, selfish girl who desperately wants to be better. And while May is not as conventionally pretty as Garai, her performance is much more striking, such as when Mirah tells Daniel about her father trying to sell her.

"Daniel Deronda" could have been a pompous mess with an annoying lead, but instead it's a magnificently nuanced, beautifully filmed story about finding out who you are -- and who you're destined for. Brilliant.