Customer Reviews

The Tide of Life [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This three-part miniseries is based on the book written by Catherine Cookson: it tells the story of housemaid, Emily Kennedy, who's ups and downs through life are followed in great detail, as she begins as a complete innocent, and must learn about men and their "ways". It's the story of life, love, and experience for one young woman who is forced to mature quickly as she learns hard truths about how fragile life is and how fickle men can be.

For those of you worried about content: be aware that this film is like a period drama soap opera! There are instances of violence, scenes of adultery and premarital sex (although some inferred, some bits shown), an unmarried couple living together, cruelty, etc.

All in all, it was fairly well done, well filmed and entertaining: just be aware that the storyline is not family-friendly: if you are a die-hard period film lover like me, you will want to watch it anyways, to learn more about the time period. This story focusing on a housemaid gives a much different perspective on life in those times, than if it focused on the grandeur and ease of the upper class: that alone made this film a great peek into the lives of the "normal" people of this era.

This film, an adaptation of the Catherine Cookson novel of the same name, is a three part miniseries detailing the changing fortunes of a young housekeeper, Emily Kennedy, played by Gillian Kearney. The time period is the Victorian era. Emily Kennedy learns about life and love through relationships with three very different men. Forced from the home of her first employer Sep McGilby (John Bowler) after his plans to marry Emily come to a tragic end, Emily finds work as a housekeeper with a farmer, Larry Birch (Ray Stevenson) and his crippled wife Rona (Diana Hardcastle), in Croft Dene House, a place which holds many secrets. Eventually after a strange turn of events, wholesome Emily defies convention to share a life in a rundown cottage with Larry Birch. I did not like this part of the movie, and I knew where the situation was going to end with Birch. As upright and clear minded as Emily was, it was difficult for me to believe that she would be willing to sacrifice her dignity for Birch after all the time she had known him as his housekeeper. Throughout the movie, one is given conflicting evidence about Birch's character. Emily is initially curt when she meets the new owner of Croft Dene House, Nick Stuart, played by the always charismatic James Purefoy, who in this role is just about his most handsome (very becoming Rhett Butleresque wardrobe and thin moustache). Emily is curt, but is eventually won over by the charming and compassionate Nick Stuart. The tide shifts again, and Nick gives Emily a way to take control of her future.

There is little I can add regarding this movie that hasnt already been said in the excellent review by the lady from Virginia.
All I will say is that I found the cinematography both believable and beautiful in its capture of the 19th century northern English life.
What drew me most to the film is the courageous character of Emily ..played so wonderfully by Gillian Kearney.
Suffice to say I loved the movie so much that I am buying it ... from Amazon because it is not available here in New Zealand.

This is a keeper for sure. I will watch it over and over again. I love this era where men were men and women were feminine. The story line is intriguing and I sat riveted from beginning to end.

I usually love a Catherine Cookson movie, but...this one did not appeal to me. It was acted well and the sets were great. I just found the story line a little too pat for a Cookson story. Others may well like it better than I did.

If you love the time period you will love this one. Very fast moving romantic story. Strong female lead character and lots of handsome men. Lots of fun with a happy ending!! Couldn't be any better than that! Highly recommend!

I first saw this movie on Netflix and knew I would love to own it. The price was reasonable. The shipping was VERY fast. In short, I was quite pleased with this purchase!

A delightful story, done in three parts, of an in-service housemaid. It spans three parts of her life and each one is better than the first. I recommend people who like "Period Pieces" to obtain this great piece.