Customer Reviews

The Forsyte Saga, Series 1

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

I approached this remake with an open mind, having already been enchanted by the novels and the original series on PBS. This series is good, but suffers greatly from miscasting of pivotal character of Irene Heron Forsyte. Gina McKee, a talented actress, does not convey the mystery and allure of Irene the way Nyree Dawn Porter had already done in the original series. Gina McKee's coldness and drabness makes it hard to believe that men would be captivated by her. For instance, I found it hard to believe that Philip Bosinney would throw over sweet and pretty June for this coldblooded woman. Nyree Dawn Porter on the other hand was Irene Forsyte, matching the description of Galsworthy as a beautiful woman with brown eyes and blonde hair who was charming. Ms. Porter effectively portrayed the aversion she had for Soames Forsyte, her first husband, and the warmth and devotion she showed to her second husband, Young Jolyon and their son, Jon. She made it easy to understand why Bosinney would leave June for her.

The male characters were better: Rupert Graves, Ioan Gruffaud, Damien Lewis, and Corin Redgrave were wonderful. Damien Lewis captured the tormented Soames quite well and Ioan Gruffaud was an improvement over the actor who played Bosinney in the earlier series. Corin Redgrave was an outstanding Old Jolyon and Rupert Graves was sympathetic as Young Jolyon. The only problem was that Ms. McKee's Irene looked more mature than her love interests, Philip and Young Jolyon. Irene was sixteen years younger than Young Jolyon, but Rupert Graves looked younger than Gina McKee. Ioan Gruffaud looked more suited to the actress playing June than the more mature Irene.

The scriptwriters I felt took liberties with the novel that really clashed with what the characters were all about. For instance, the proud Young Jolyon after his exile from his family, would never have gone back to his Uncle James and Cousin Soames asking for a loan. This scene was totally out of character. Also, Irene was supposed to be gentle and passive; Gina McKee's Irene slapped June. This too was totally out of character. There was never a scene with Soames asking his fiancee Annette to throw Young Jolyon and pregnant Irene out of a restaurant. The scene was absurd and totally unnecessary. It would have been better had the writers stayed with the novel and had Soames seeing Irene and Jolyon in a crowd at Queen Victoria's funeral. I also could have done without the graphic bedroom scenes involving Irene and Soames. The first series and the novels more appropriately left their intimate relationship to the imagination.

Overall, this was a good effort. I hope that care is taken in casting Fleur Forsyte, who was brilliantly played by Susan Hampshire in the earlier series. If she is miscast, like Irene, the second half will fall apart, since Fleur is such a pivotal character in part two.

Some of my readers might have very warm recollections of the 1967 black and white BBC mini-series (from before, I believe, the term was coined) that brought to life in 26 episodes and 21 hours all six of the nine novels written by John Galsworthy under the supertitle "The Forsyte Saga." Few video adaptations quite as good were to come again until "The Pallisers" attracted millions, and both would be very difficult to improve upon. Well, Granada has tried with what might be an 18 part remake of the Galsworthy saga; and the first series of 6 is now available on three DVDs from Acorn Media.

Taken on its own terms, it is extremely good--but not perfect--and had me and wife pretty well riveted to the screen on three successive evenings. It did not, however, erase fond memories of the earlier version. Now the 1967 version was "studio-bound, with static camera work, long scenes and long speeches" (as the press release puts it). What the release leaves out was superb acting by established stars and by newcomer Susan Hampshire whose Fleur made her a star.

For example, Eric Porter made Soames a sympathetic human who hurt himself more than he hurt others, especially his miserable first wife Irene. In the 2002 version, Damian Lewis, looking like a demonic Steve McQueen, is 99% pure villain; and his mother's recollection of how he loved a pet cat to death does little to soften his character. It is only in the very last minute of the last episode that he softens--but I will not tell you why.

Another problem is the actress playing Irene, Gina McKee. The original Irene was portrayed by the extremely beautiful Nyree Dawn Porter; and all of the comments in the script about her looks were not contradicted by what we saw of her. Here (at the risk of being attacked for being another John Simon), McKee is simply attractive but by no means beautiful. In fact, some of the profile shots make her quite unattractive; and somehow all the praises the other characters sing about her are not justified visually. Then too, Soames' sister, played in 1967 by Margaret Tyzack, was always referred to as unattractive and lucky to catch a husband at all, even if he is a "bounder." Here Amanda Root, being very pretty indeed, draws no such disparaging comments in this new script.

The rest of the cast-- Ioan Gruffudd, Rupert Graves, Gillian Kearney, Corin Redgrave, and so many more that I could only wish Acorn Media had provided a booklet with the cast as it did for "The Pallisers"--can stand comparison with the 1967 actors.

The production values are just fine, but all too often the camera work becomes annoyingly "innovative" when one character close to the camera is speaking to one further away, and they are brought alternatively in and out of focus as they speak or listen.

But, as a comic Shakespearean character says, comparisons are odious. Again, on its own terms, this is a very enjoyable if somewhat flawed remake of (so far) the first two Forsyte novels; and I can honestly recommend them for once and future viewing as I look forward to the next releases when they are filmed. But let us yet hope for some Kind Soul to restore the 1967 version not too long in the future.

A beautifully filmed history piece re the Forsythe's. Drama, romance, tragedy all carefully weaved into the lives of those directly involved in the family, as well as innocent bystanders. For Damian Lewis and Ioann Gufford fans, definitely add to your collection. One becomes so involved in the story, you really believe you know them. And as for Damian Lewis as Soames, you love him, hate him and pity him all at once. A wonderful performance by all! For lovers of period pieces, this is a catch!

This is English TV at its best. I did not see the old version of this series and knew nothing about the series before viewing, so I did not have the disappointment that some reviewers felt, either because the series was not as good as the old one or not as good as the books. Onscreen things are always a disappointment for those that have read the books. And rarely remakes make people that saw the originals happy. But for me, as I approached this with a beginners mind without any previous experience of this material, I was riveted by it.

I thought the actress playing Irene was masterful. She oozed intrigue, coldness and an angelic quality all at the same time. She floated around with a refinement that made her stand out in a crowd, even if her looks might not have been perfect.

The character of Solmes was also greatly depicted. I felt compassion for this man and hated him at the same time. The actor's port rail of an abusive because too controlling in his love type husband was realistic in my experience. I have come across a man of this kind. The raging, the subtle shaking, the twitching and the facial expressions were priceless here. I disagree with those that say his performance was monotone. Anything but.

The costuming and the settings were also great. Some people said they looked too modern. I disagree. Modern UK decorating is very inspired to the Victorian era. I lived in the UK for 15 years and the sets looked beautiful and realistic to me.


And last but not least the story- how wonderful. It is rare to find a story that involves you so much that you are eagerly anticipating the next episode, as each installment whisks you away into another world filled with interesting characters dealing with love, passion, integrity, struggling to remain true to themselves in a very restricting society.

Excellent on all levels. Beautiful, intriguing, transporting, emotional, passionate, moving...What more can one ask of a TV drama!

"The Forsyte Saga" takes us back to another time -- when soap operas were dressed up in lace, gilt, marble and love threatened by society's dictates.

This sprawling, sumptuous miniseries, adapted from John Galsworthy's novels, introduces viewers to the Forsyte family, who never change and uphold themselves with rigid propriety. And the first season of it is a wonderfully dramatic tale of love, possession, and a man's obsession with his unattainable wife.

As the story opens, Young Jolyon (Rupert Graves) realizes that he is in love with the governess, and leaves his wife to begin a new life with his beloved. The Forsyte family shuts him out, more angered by his sin against society than his leaving his wife. (Lovely people)

Four years later, Soames Forsyte (Damian Lewis) catches a glimpse of the beautiful Irene Heron (Gina McKee) at a concert, and is instantly smitten. Irene rejects him, but is trapped by lack of money. Eventually she concedes -- if he promises to let her be free if the marriage fails.

But she doesn't come to love him, although he still tries to get her affection. Finally he commissions his niece's fiancee, Bosinney (Ioan Gruffudd), to build a country palace for Irene. But then Irene and Bosinney fall passionately in love, and the enraged Soames strikes back at them -- with shocking, then tragic results.

Ten more years pass. Soames wants to remarry a pretty young French girl, but is still legally married to Irene. He demands that she name a recent lover, so he can get a divorce -- but then he starts obsessively stalking his wife, trying to win her back. Instead, he drives her into the arms of the grieving Young Jolyon...

Love, sex, violence, death, war, gambling, scandal, babies and seething resentment -- all the ingredients of a juicy drama. And despite the period clothing, this is a very juicy miniseries, as well as being mostly faithful to Galsworthy's sprawling novels, and very prettily made.

In fact, it juggles the various storylines -- Dartie's scandals, Holly and Val falling in love, Irene's affair -- with remarkable flair. And as Galsworthy did, it explores how women were treated ("Miss Heron, will you be mine?" "I will MARRY you, Mr Forsyte"), forgiveness, and how a scandal only affects you if you allow it to. The writing is impeccable.

And it takes place in magnificent period sets. Sure, they're too ornate for the sensible Forsytes, but they are gorgeous -- from the more modern house by Bosinney, to the stately, ornate homes in London. The main flaw is that it slows down substantially in the final third, and some threads are left hanging for the second season.

And the cast is stunning. Rather than making Soames sympathetic, Lewis makes him UNDERSTANDABLE -- he's despicable, but the audience can see how narrow-minded and desperate he is. McKee is quietly enigmatic, and Graves is passionate and lovable. They're backed by equally good performances by Gruffudd, Corin Redgrave as the family patriarch, and Gillian Kearney as lonely June.

"The Forsyte Saga's" first season is a dramatic, intense miniseries, though it slows down a great deal at the end. In all, a spellbinding look at a family that thinks way too much of itself.

My husband and I first got this from our public library without knowing anything about it. Within 30 minutes of the first DVD, we were glued to it. The acting is phenomenal, the sets and cinematography flawless, and the story completely riveting. Damien Lewis, who, my husband tells me, was fabulous in Band of Brothers, is amazing. He really proves his acting prowess in Forsyte and Band of Brothers, because 1) the characters couldn't be more different, and 2) he shows in BOB that can do an American accent perfectly (he was born in London). We watched the first DVD set pretty much without stopping, it was that compelling. Since our library didn't have season two, we got that from Netflix.

I cannot recommend this mini series enough. I would recommend watching it with subtitles; then you won't miss a word (those Brits tend to mumble occasionally!). Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. What a story -- and it's done AMAZINGLY! You won't want it to end.

Unlike many of the reviewers here, I thought Gina McKee was excellent in the part of Irene. I noticed that many of those who were unhappy with her performance or her casting were fans either of the original 1969 miniseries or of the Galsworthy novels themselves. I think these people may have been prejudiced against McKee's performance and not given her a fair shot. Having never read the novels nor seen the original black-and-white version of the Forsyte Saga, I came to this production with clear eyes, and I found McKee's Irene to be sensual, enigmatic, richly nuanced, and certainly desirable enough to attract the attention of Soames Forsyte and Philip Bosinny. It's true, she might not be an outgoing, blonde beauty queen, as apparently described in the novels or as cast in the original production--but please note that nowhere in THIS production does it say she's SUPPOSED to be an outgoing, blonde beauty queen. She's simply a woman of a certain intriguing allure, dark-haired, introspective, a bit mysterious. In other words, rather than being an imitation of the original, this production of the Forsyte Saga follows its own rules and has its own internal logic, as any production should. If the director and producers had merely attempted to recreate the novels or the 1969 TV series, they would have ended up with an inferior product. Instead they showed originality and creativity and came up with a production that is unique and, to my eyes at least, totally absorbing and convincing. I think if viewers could approach this production with an open mind they would see that the story of Irene and Soames' marriage is compelling, tragic, and convincing, and that Gina McKee puts on a fascinating performance of a woman of integrity forced by circumstance to compromise her principles, a decision for which she cannot forgive herself or her husband. Anyway, I thought she was absolutely brilliant.

Rarely have DVD releases been as prolific as now, but some do titles stand out. Acorn Media's transfer of THE FORSYTE SAGA onto DVD is pure alchemy. If period costume dramas are what they do best in Britain, it is sensible to import rather than mimic, and pleasant to see an American company taking such obvious care and pride in this line of work - one has to salute this.

As for Mr. Behrens' comments, while one can understand his fondness for the original BBC version. However, did he really wish to see the series made the same again, or does anyone, for that matter? What Granada has done with this story has to be praised, especially when people will unimaginatively compare it with the earlier version.

In defense of Gina McGee in the role of Irene, it's obvious to the trained eye that the producers were styling her look after the more "pre-Raphaelite" faces of the age - a further display of their understanding and skill in adapting this piece for television.

Without any doubt this is the very best piece of television to have reached our shores in the last ten, or fifteen years. If future instalments in any way match the compelling viewing of this first series, then I am quite sure this will be considered a great triumph for television drama.

I was very excited when I heard that a new version of The Forsyte Saga was coming to television. After all, I was one who had seen the original version two times and read the complete series at least five times. To say I was disappointed in this fall's production is an understatement. Yes, the settings were grand..much more impressive than the original black and white version, which was obviously shot on a sound stage. The problem was the cast. Yes, the cast in the new version is probably closer in age to the characters they portray, and there were some excellent choices, particularly in the casting of Colin Redgrave and Damien Lewis. The biggest problem is Irene. She simply does not look or act like Galsworthy's character -- a brown-eyed blond who attracts men because of her beauty and her inner mystery. She is very fragile and passive on the one hand, but has a complex internal life that draws men to her. The actress who plays Irene in the current version is simply not convincing. If you cannot believe that Soames, Bosinny, young and old Jolyn and the various uncles find her irresistable, then it becomes just another costume drama.

A great fan of Ioan Gruffud and Damian Lewis, I could not resist purchasing the DVD to watch these two actors work together on screen! Damian Lewis portrays Soames Forsyte, a man who is very much conservative in his ways but finds his passions for Irene too difficult to bear. Lewis does an EXCELLENT job creating Soames' tortured and at times sensitive character. Ioan Gruffudd plays Philip Bosinney, a young passionate dashing man of little financial wealth, but greatly talented as an architect. The only complaint that I have about the casting is Gina McKee. Her portrayal of Irene Heron is disappointing. Gina McKee falls short of creating a vibrant character that evokes emotional interest. Otherwise, the series will delight! If you like British drama, this series is for you!