Berkeley Square
|
Our Price: $69.95 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $24.29 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Berkeley Square
Movie Review: great series
Summary: 5 Stars
Despite what a few have said, the plots in Berkely square are entirely believable - as well as representative of the Victorian Era. The ten episodes address many problems that were prevalent in the Victorian and Edwardian era such as: baby farms, the easy access of laudanum (and the overdoses and addictions associated with it - and it actually was used to quiet babies in addition to treat illnesses), women hoping to better themselves by employment in wealthy families, people given unfair trials because of prejudice, women having to hide pregnancy out of wedlock so that they can have good references to be hired at decent wages - or even at all, etc...
There is just so much addressed in these ten episodes that were actual issues in this era. The only thing that surprised me was how well behaved the children were towards their nannies and governesses. From my research on these periods, it was not unusual for the children to be absolute horrors towards governesses and nurse maids. Also the employers were nicer to the servants than I would have expected. It was interesting, however, that not one of the married men had a mistress - actually one of the upper class wives was shown cheating (though not unusual of the period, I would think it would be more likely in the men, who were more likely to be encouraged to behave this way).
Overall, anyone who has actually researched the period knows that this series is pretty accurate in its portrayal. Yes parts of it are dramatized - but that's just good TV. I highly enjoyed the 10 episodes that I saw and I only wish that there was more to see.
Movie Review: Even my husband liked it!
Summary: 5 Stars
I found this series at my local library. Having just finished watching the entirety of "Upstairs, Downstairs" -- an endeavor that took several months! -- I was hungry for another Edwardian series. "Berkeley Square" did not disappoint. It had the gorgeous costumes, terrific acting, and timeless quality of a good British period drama.There were several surprises, though. For one thing, this series had some edginess to it. Things did not always work out well for the characters; their struggles were not always resolved rosily and easily ... much like life itself. These darker shades in the plot were introduced and developed with skill and realism; the writing was fabulous. Rather than being simply a pretty period romp, this series has a bite. In fact, my husband -- who exits the room whenever I slip in a tape of "Mapp and Lucia" or "Upstairs, Downstairs" -- watched the entire series with me, a testament to its brisk pace and its many engaging plot twists. The writers kept several plotlines going at once, and managed to weave them all together impressively. That's no easy feat.
Like some of the other reviewers on this site, I too wished for more resolution at the end of the series. I've since learned that the BBC decided not to order a second season of this show, in which -- presumably -- these loose threads would have been sewn up. What a shame! -- I found myself wishing to know the ultimate fates of these characters. I can only envy those who are just now being introduced to the series: I too wish I had it to watch all over again, for the first time.
Movie Review: Enjoyable "Upstairs, Downstairs" Like Tale
Summary: 5 Stars
"Berkeley Square" is an Edwardian period piece with an "Upstairs, Downstairs" flavor to it.
London's Berkeley Square of the 1800's (as it still is today) was a genteel residential area situated around a central neighborhood park. Here is where upper class families and their servants lived their lives with what turns out to be very little privacy. "Berkeley Square" centers around three nannies and the difficult task of living in residence, and maintaining some semblance of a personal life. Unfortunately for the nannies, their personal lives often intersect disastrously with that of their wealthy employers.
The casting and acting is excellent. The Edwardian fashions reflect the period perfectly, and the ups and downs of the nannies relationships illustrate the class driven society, it's rules, and it's casualties for both the genteel and working class. An enjoyable production, with the only drawback being that the series was cancelled; leaving the last episode hastily packaged up leaving plotlines dangling, and a desire for more that can't be satisfied.
Movie Review: Excellently Done, But Where Are The Subtitles??
Summary: 5 Stars
This mini-series is done excellently, I cannot praise it any higher. Ten episodes in all, culminating in an unfinished conclusion. I wonder why BBC didn't bother to finish this? This is my first complaint, albeit an unimportant one. The second complaint I have is why the DVD doesn't have subtitles? For those of you who may find the lack of subtitles annoying, then beware.
As you know by now, having read the numerous reviews here at Amazon's, the story centers around the three nannies who work for three different families which resided in London's Berkeley Square in early 1900s. Along with their personal stories are intertwined those of the masters and ladies they serve, as well as their fellow servants'. Only the children they take care of seem neutral, which is why I felt that at many times in the story, it was like I was seeing the story through the children's eyes. The entire series is like a looking glass into the different affairs of the characters, both in high places and in low. This could be the reason why the DVD's back cover likens it to "Upstairs Downstairs."
Movie Review: Simply Pleasurable Costume Drama
Summary: 5 Stars
Berkeley Square is a perfect blend of costuming, sets, characters, acting and plot. The storyline is sinfully extreme--- an aspect that may not be carried off well in most films, but thanks to a solid and perfectly cast ensemble, the plot flows seamlessly and without an hint of tack. I must rave about the costuming in this piece--- anyone who adores historical eye candy will wilt for the high necklines and stunning interior sets. The BBC has done a fabulous job on this mini-series... except for the decision to stop there! You want so much more of everything Berkeley Square: its wonderful cast, costumes, plot, setting and... well everything is perfect. Recommended for any fans of historical drama, especially those interested in costuming and good acting. This production does not suffer from a lack of well-known talent. The three ladies of Berkeley Square are talented, gorgeous and solid. Some of the best acting I've seen. You will get lost in the beauty of Berkeley Square.