Customer Reviews

Poldark

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

All those viewers who loved the popular, epic BBC production of "Poldark", which was shown on Masterpiece Theatre in the mid to late nineteen seventies, will be more than disappointed with this film. They will be outraged. There is nothing epic about this film. The Poldark family saga is done an injustice by its very release, so very bad is it. It is with absolute justification that this film was pilloried by the critics.

While none of the same actors of the original BBC production appear in this film, and they should thank their lucky stars that they do not, the fault lies not with the actors cast in this film. Mel Martin is a credible Demelza, and John Bowe is an adequate, though uncharismatic, Ross Poldark. Unfortunately, they cannot compare to Robin Ellis and Angharad Rees in those respective roles. Ioan Gruffudd, lately of Horatio Hornblower fame, is fine as Jeremy Poldark, and Kelly Reilly gamely acts the role of Jeremy's beautiful, high spirited sister, Clowance. Michael Atwell is excellent as George Warleggan, Ross Poldark's arch enemy. Still, their innate abilities are not sufficient to overcome the poor direction, the bad screenplay, and the inartful editing of this film.

This is a film that, quite simply, should never have been released. The direction by Richard Laxton is ham handed and has all the drama of day old bread. The editing of the film leaves it incomprehensible at times. The screenplay is startling in its ineptness, as the film abruptly, though mercifully, ends with absolutely no closure of any of the story lines in the film. Perhaps, the director had high hopes that it would be continued as a sort of miniseries. If so, he was decidedly mistaken. This hellish screenplay, based upon Winston Graham's novel "Stranger From the Sea", is sure to have Winston Graham turning over in his grave over the indignity of being associated in some way with this complete travesty. Not even a viewer who loves period pieces, as I do, can sanction this mess. Do not waste your money. This film is a turkey.

If you know and love the original 1975-1977 TV series (shown on PBS in
America), then you'll hate this new dreadful version. None of the
brilliant actors from the classic BBC production took part in this
mess, and it was justly despised by all fans and slammed by most UK
critics. The warmth and charm such talented actors like Robin Ellis
(as the title character), Angharad Rees, Ralph Bates, Clive Francis
and Judy Geeson put into the original series is totally missing
here. If you want faultless performances, theater-like atmosphere and
good quality television (mostly filmed on videotape, except for the
outdoor scenes), then you're best advised to wait for BBC to release
the whole original series on DVD (soon please !!!) or stick with your
good old VHS.

OK, I admit I'm a fan of the orginal but, being aware that the original cast were not involved I approached this with an open mind. I came away with one burning question. Had any of the casting department actually read any of the books???

The saving grace could have been the presence of Fiona Victory. In the (much lamented) absence of Judy Geeson, she could have made a very credible Caroline Enys. I have seen Ms Victory in other roles and know that she could have brought the right qualitites to the role. However, she was prevented from doing that by the dreadful screenplay.

In short, my advice is stick to the books or buy the BBC series. This production bore no relation to the books and, had it not bore the Poldark name, I would never have made the connection.

The British dawdled about releasing this dubious gem to its unhappy public. Not surprising. There had been a petition to hire at least Robin Ellis and Anghard Rhees of the original series. Since this makes all the sense in the world and would probably have led to filming the final Poldark novels, it wasn't to be. The result is a 'new' Poldark who looks as though he's been stuffed and mounted for years and a Demelza (Mel Martin) who gives a game try but one keeps looking for that tiny redhead.

For avid readers of the novels, not to mention those who periodically stagger under the weight of their VHS collection to reprise the original, this may be a necessity. And you can still rely on the beauty of Cornwall.

This was awful. Reviewer Lawyeraau is right--it is a turkey and doesn't finish any of the story lines.This Poldark is such a mess that I'm not sure it even qualifies to be called a film. Were it done in the states - it would have been directed by Alan Smithee (if you get my drift.) Phew, what a stinker!

As a long-time fan of Masterpiece Theatre's "Poldark" sagas, I was pleasantly surprised to find a new edition to the video epic. Sadly, none of the original stars came back to make this sequel. It's difficult to accept the new cast at first, but they do grow on you and soon you find yourself back in Cornwall enjoying an exciting story. Unfortunately, the movie abruptly ends just when you start to feel back at home. If this is a movie to be followed by more sequels, hurray and sign me up! As a stand-alone film, it is little more than a quick reunion with characters you once cared a lot about in the mini series. Well-acted, but ultimately going no where.

Don't waste your money on this DVD. It is fragmented and does not have the quality the original series has. If you have enjoyed the series from the BBC, you should purchase the complete series from Amazon UK (you do need to have a region free DVD player though). It is an investment, which gives about 24 hours of addicting televison. Robin Ellis and Angharad Rees are perfectly cast as Ross and Demelza Poldark. And although the series also strays from the books sometimes, it keeps the overall story intact. Of course production values are always less than with comtemporary movies or productions, but I find that good acting and a good script are more important. It is a shame though that they have edited the series (for contractual reasons it says on the cover of the DVD box) and I always wonder why.

I expected something a little different when I bought this Title. Instead of getting an entire movie, I felt as if I was coming in on the middle of a TV series. My feelings were amplified when the "movie" ended without conclusion - my only questions are: When will the "sequels" be available? Why was this made if it's the only one?

Given the list of truly excellent actors in this film, I expected something special in the way of a continuance of the Poldark saga. The original series was and remains one of my all time favorite adaptations of some of my favorite reading. Unfortunately, talent can be wasted and does not always shine through a terribly lackluster production. A true disappointment!

This had the makings of a great movie, but it ended too abruptly. In fact, it ended as if there were more episodes to follow. Apparently this movie met with lukewarm response from the public and the powers-that-be decided to axe it. Not a very smart decidion! They didn't give this movie an opportunity to build a fan-base of its own via video sales.

Still, it is a good movie to watch, especially if you are a Ioan Gruffudd fan. Just do not expect an ending.