Middlemarch

The BBC has raised the mini-series to an astonishing creative peak. A prime example is the 1994 production of Middlemarch, based on the classic novel by George Eliot, which juxtaposes morals and money, grand ambitions with petty jealousies, and pursuits of the mind with bodily needs. A handsome young doctor named Lydgate (Douglas Hodge, Vanity Fair) comes to the provincial town of Middlemarch to start a new hospital; a headstrong young woman named Dorothea (Juliet Aubrey, The Mayor of Casterbridge) yearns to contribute to the greater good of the world. These idealists enter into marriages that derail all their intentions and lead them into lives they never imagined. The network of characters in this six-episode program, ranging up and down the societal ladder, create an intricate and utterly engrossing narrative as well as a magnificent recreation of life on the cusp of the Industrial Revolution. The cast, from the largest to the smallest roles, is impeccable. When a scene turns to a character you've only glimpsed before, the precision of the writing (by miniseries master Andrew Davies, Pride and Prejudice) and the vivid performances suck you into the life of this person who seemed like mere background scenery only moments before. The cumulative impact of Eliot's story will leave you gasping at its brilliant balance of romance and reality. Performers include creepy Patrick Malahide (The Singing Detective) and sexy Rufus Sewell (Dark City) among the familiar faces of dozens of inspired character actors. Don't let the literary pedigree of Middlemarch scare you off--the plot is as juicy as a soap opera, with a psychological fullness that makes every dramatic turn all the more gripping. --Bret Fetzer Amazon.com

Why don't you read the novel!!!

This is an absolutely brilliant adaptation of Eliot's novel in its psychological depth of characterization and 360 degree view of life in Middlemarch. What I don't understand is why people give it a low rating because they don't like the characters!!!

For heaven's sake, if you're not into 19th century literature, don't rate the movies: you don't know what you're talking about.
June 5, 2008

Unwatchable

The story might have been compelling, but the blurry, out-of-focus, crummy transfer made it unwatchable. After 10 minutes I felt as if I had on a pair of someone else's prescription lenses. Avoid a migraine - read the book instead! May 13, 2008

Horrible movie

Couldn't wait to be over. Characters are ridiculous and frankly, repulsive excuses for human beings. I hoped it developed the love story of the two main characters better and not wasted the majority of the film with the rest of them. May 12, 2008

slow but sure

This a a very long version of the movie, watched the whole thing in one sitting and took most of the day. Well cast, good production, worth your time... March 30, 2008

Great Film

I had rented this film once and did not complete it. I decided to purchased it from Amazon and so glad I did. It is a fully well made film and the story is full of interesting characters, though I did not care to much for the finale. I will buy all your period films since I am a great lover of BBC and England. Thanks March 15, 2008

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