The Forsyte Saga, Series 1 (2002)

Granada Television's adaptation of The Forsyte Saga achieved the seemingly impossible in spring 2002, matching the BBC's 35-year-old black-and-white classic version with a richly cast and superbly directed take on John Galsworthy's first two novels. The success of these six 90-minute episodes proved that despite the current emphasis on miniseries and dramas developed around the hot actor of the moment, our appetite--and attention span--still craves ensemble pieces that are given space and time to develop. It also demonstrates that nothing generates television gold like a compelling family drama crammed with lust, rape, class conflict, and the insuperable power of money.

The Forsyte Saga is nothing if not superior soap opera. It could all have gone horribly wrong, haunted by the specter of its BBC predecessor--a television legend for anyone over 40. Instead, it succeeds entirely on its own merits with scarcely a weak link--from Stephen Mallatratt's taut and fluid script to David Moore's carefully measured, seamless direction. Risks were taken to banish the old ghosts, particularly in the casting. Damian Lewis's repressed Soames and Gina McKee as his ill-matched bride, the enigmatic Irene, are inspired choices delivering complex portraits of unhappy, damaged human beings who deserve our sympathy. In a sea of marvelous cameos and splendid acting, the top honors go to Corin Redgrave and Rupert Graves for their hauntingly sensitive interpretations of old and young Jolyon, as well as to Amanda Root for her increasingly exasperated Winifred and Gillian Kearney for her sharply intelligent and worldly June. --Piers Ford Amazon.com

I really wish I could have enjoyed this more

I wanted to like this so much. Really, I did. But there was one flaw that I just could not get past, and her name is Irene. The character is already difficult to sympathize with, but she might have stood a chance if it weren't for the grossly miscast Gina McKee. I don't doubt McKee's acting ability, but she was a mistake for this role. Her stone coolness was a bit too cold. Her interpretation of Irene is not the sort of woman that would cause this kind of "enchantment" of so many members of this family. I just don't believe it. I didn't believe passion at all, and she had three different chances to try to prove it to me. I don't like to judge anything until I've finished it, but I had to grit my teeth any time Irene was on screen. This made it near impossible to enjoy some of the pros, like Damian Lewis's extremely convincing Soames. Yes. Because of Gina McKee's interpretation of Irene, I actually found it easier to sympathize more with SOAMES. January 11, 2008

2.5 stars, great production values, ruinous casting

Having seen both verions of The Forsytes now, I must agree with those who decry the major casting error of Gina McKee as Irene Heron Soames. Irene Soames, in the book and in both series, is constantly mentioned as the idealization of beauty, as Venus come to life who mesmerizes men w no effort. If in the series they had left off constant reference to her incomparable beauty, it may have worked better, but the newer series keeps these references and one is left with a serious credibility problem which extends through the whole series, since Irene is present throughout each episode.

It's nothing against her, but instead of being mysterious, goldenly beautiful and alluring, McKee is depressed, wan, wilting and rather plain, and a bit too old to play the 17 year old Irene.

I also agree that the newer Soames is cast in a meaner mold than Eric Porter's. One really cannot feel sympathy for him, whereas in Porter's characterization, you do feel some sympathy.

It is a lovely looking series, but when you miscast the central role, you basically ruin the whole. It would be like if they had cast Jimmy Stewart as Rhett Butler instead of Clark Gable.

Another thing I really missed was the wonderful George Forsyte from the original. They pretty much got rid of that role in this verion and the series is woefully witless without him.

The only improvement, rather the two major improvements are the casting of the dashing Iaon Griffould as Bosinnay and the colorful production values.

Do not let the length and black & white cinematography of the original version dissuade you from sinking into that series---it is the book come to life in every way. August 22, 2007

Beautiful!

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! July 9, 2007

If Fornication floats your boat!

The costumes and cinematography were well done. I just really have a hard time with movies that have Adultery as a main theme. May 24, 2007

The Forsyte Saga, Series 1

Excellent series. Recommend viewing Series 1 and 2. My comments for Series 2 also applies to Series 1. A thought provoking series on the lives of individuals with different characters and the effects that their behavior has on the lives of others. This series also conveys how money has the ability to change circumstances for good as well as for evil. May 18, 2007

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