Customer Reviews

Silas Marner, The Weaver of Raveloe

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If it weren't for movies based on books today, many of us would never become acquainted with classic literature. Silas Marner is a gem of a movie, obviously based on a classic, and after seeing it, I understand why the book is required reading in many English classes. I myself have never read the book, and therefore appreciate becoming acquainted with it through this movie.

The setting appears to be in the 1600-1700s England. Silas Marner is wrongly accused of murder and is exiled from his community. When he arrives in another village, he becomes the mysterious weaver of fine cloth, who lives alone and rarely speaks to anyone. The squire from whom he rents his cottage meanwhile, is providing for his opium-addicted wife that he has secretly married. He keeps her and their baby daughter hidden from the public in a tiny apartment in the village. Struggling to the squire's mansion one night to reveal her existence to his family, the woman dies in the snow, and Silas Marner finds the toddler in his cottage. Immediately he takes to her, and convinces people he should adopt her. The following part of the movie of his developing relationship with this adorable little acress is precious.

Marner lives frugally, raising the child, but when she is 16, the squire steps in, and Marner and his daughter must make a decision that will test their relationship. There is a subplot concerning the squire's wayward brother whose actions affect all their lives, forcing all the characters to a turning point.

Ben Kingsley's acting is excellent as he goes through the different periods of his life, and the movie does a fine job of portraying the era. The movie, like the book, may not be top-draw, but like the book, it also deserves classic status.

After reading George Eliot's masterpiece, Silas Marner, I rented this video from my local library. I was presently surprised to see that the movie followed the basic pattern of the book. Though there were a few variances, for the most part Ben Kingsley did a masterful job of bringing Silas Marner to life. Kingsley's portrayal of the old miser was stunning. However, the best acting came from the young lady who portrayed the heroin-addicted wife of Godfrey Cass. The love between Eppie and Silas was almost felt by the viewers. Kingsley is a most remarkable actor, and this is one movie that you should purchase for your own collection. END

This is a fantastic, and very accurate adaptation of George Eliot's novelette, Silas Marner. The acting is superb, and with its fairy-tale like quality, very enchanting. One of Eliot's most creative pieces, often wasted on the young who cannot appreciate the storyline, it becomes more endearing as you age! This definitely needs to come out on DVD!

Having watched this drama, I can recomend it highly to anyone who wishes to purchase it. It catches the characters in there historical background perfectly and the acting is superb. You will be delighted with it should you buy it.

I enjoyed this well-made version of the novel. It was intelligently made and very moving, especially toward the end. It is a stirring testimony to loyalty and love. I am hoping the film will soon be available on DVD.

George Eliot's classic, _Silas Marner_, is masterfully recreated by the BBC, and the character of Marner is superbly performed by veterian actor and Academy Award winner, Ben Kingsley. This charming story is about a man, Silas Marner, who is wrongly accused of theft and is then ostracized by his religious community. Silas takes up residence in a faraway town, continuing his means of livelyhood as a weaver. Marner becomes a recluse and a miser, his gold becoming an obsession. When Marner's gold is stolen, see how Silas Marner experiences Redemption.Silas Marner, The Weaver of Raveloe.

I read this book for the first time a couple of years ago. I didn't really think that all of the pertinent information in the book could be included in a 90 minute movie...but I can think of nothing left out.

And the fact that it stays true to the book was important to me, also. Very touching, very believable acting.

Interesting and informative George Eliot biography bonus feature is also included.

This 1985 BBC production of Silas Marner is pretty loyal to Mary Ann Evan's (i.e. George Eliot's) novel "Silas Marner: The Weaver of Raveloe." I had to read the novel "Silas Marner" in 10th grade English. While I do not remember all of the minor details of the novel, I do not recall this BBC production missing any of the major characters or elements of plot.

I also have always enjoyed watching videos starring Ben Kingsley (ex: Oliver Twist, Gandhi, Schindler's List). While Silas Marner seldom speaks for the first half of the film, Ben Kingsley does a good job portraying Silas Marner's essential character traits (as described in the novel).

Now, unlike BBC's Daniel Deronda or Middlemarch, which have an aspect ratio of 16:9, Silas Marner (like The Mill on the Floss and Adam Bede) has an aspect ratio of 4:3. This in unfortunate, but it does not make the film too difficult to view.

Also, unlike many of Charles Dickens' works, many of Mary Ann Evan's novels have NOT been made into films by other companies (ex: Hallmark or Masterpiece Theatre). Therefore, viewers have very few others choices except for the BBC version, which I think is adequate.

This period piece is well acted. It is an excellent adaptation of the novel but having read the novel makes it a bit easier to follow. Ben Kingsley is excellent! This movie does not drag, is not overly long or overly dramatic. Ms Elliot (Elliot was a pen name for Maryann Evans) was a terrific author and this is one memorable adaptation from BBC. I would give it 4 and a 1/2 stars if I could.

George Eliot is one of my favorite authors of English literature, and my favorite of her novels is Middlemarch.
I confess Silas Marner (1985)is not my favorite of Eliot's works, but this adaptation does stay faithful to the novel for the most part. Sir Ben Kingsley does a credible job in the title role of Silas Marner, who despite having led a reclusive life for many years, changes dramatically when he decides to raise a motherless infant girl whom he names Eppie. Kingsley's performance is both touching and heartbreaking and Eppie's romance feels altogether real. This is a recommended watch for fans of George Eliot's works as well as those who love watching period dramas.