Lorna Doone
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Movie Reviews of Lorna Doone
Movie Review: one to watch and watch again
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book over and over as a teen but it had been perhaps twenty years since my last reading when I found this dvd in the library.
Upon reflection, I think I have to agree with the reviewer who found this portrayal of Lorna unsatisfactory as her range did feel pretty limited. However, I have long since forgotten that first minor impression in the spell that the rest of the production creates. Mrs. Ridd is engagingly portrayed. John Ridd is stalwart, honest, and charming. The story is spellbinding. Sir Ensor Doone is magnificently decaying. Judge Jeffries is mesmerizingly appalling. The highwayman is a believably delightful rogue, something few have successfully pulled off. The music and cinematography are particularly good. What more can one ask?
The only really jarring item for me is Aiden Gillen as Carver Doone. Carver is fairly well acted, but Gillen's looks are difficult to take seriously somehow, and the final scene at the mudpit ends up making him seem ridiculous and petulant rather than brooding, hateful, and tragic. This doesn't in any way diminish my enjoyment of any of it, however. I bought this movie from Amazon because I kept checking it out of the library over and over. Would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys a story on film that richly delivers the essentials of a literary classic.
Movie Review: An Excellent Movie Adaptation
Summary: 5 Stars
This story has political intrigue, action, romance and several plot twists. Filmed on location in both England and Wales, this 150 minute collaboration between the BBC and A&E has resulted in an excellent adaptation of the novel by Richard Doddridge Blackmore. Blackmore's novel was first published in 1869 and, except for one brief period about a year later, has never been out of print.
The story begins and ends in Exmoor, Devon, England at the end of the seventeenth century. While it appears there was a wealthy Doone family, from Scotland, that lost their land and settled on the moors of Devon the novel is not so much a story based on history as loosely inspired by it. It starts with the murder of a respectable farmer by the outlaw Doone family. The story then follows his son as he grows, inherits the farm and cares for his mother and sisters. When he accidentally meets and falls in love with Lorna his life is forever changed. Most of the action takes place during the political turmoil after the death of King Charles II, during what is called the Monmouth Rebellion.
Recommendation: Fans of period movies should enjoy this one. I recommend it.
Kyle Pratt
Movie Review: Civil war
Summary: 5 Stars
R.D. Blackmore's Lorna Doone is a particularly dense novel, containing hundreds of characters and a lot of country philosophizing. This sort of work is not easy to translate to the screen, but there are more than enough adventure, brawling, and love scenes to do the trick. Writer Adrian Hodges has remained true to the original, and together with director Mike Barker, has produced a winner. The casting is superb - look for a caustic Michael Kitchen as the infamous hanging judge Jeffries. Richard Coyle as hero Jack Ridd turns in a pitch perfect performance as a courageous young man who comes of age by refusing to compromise the principles instilled in him by his parents. And Aiden Gillan makes the nefarious Carver Doone the villain you love to hate. The costumes and scenery beautifully evoke late 17th century England, and the blend of romantic drama and plentiful battle scenes is well balanced. The music is a bit cloying, but you can't have everything! A&E and BBC have a winner with Lorna Doone.Movie Review: Epic tale in the footsteps of Romeo and Juliet--with a twist
Summary: 5 Stars
Set in the beautiful valleys of England, this A&E original movie is both gripping, elegant and poetic in its screenplay. It follows the story of Lorna, part of the family of feared and much-hated Doones, and John Ridd, an honest farmer, as they fall in love and struggle to overcome in the shadow of the hate that exists between their families. Based off the book by Richard Blackmore, the movie contains excellent action sequences, non-stop adventure and unexpected twists in plot that will leave you aghast and enthralled. And if that does not interest you, Lorna Doone is a must-see for its historical observation of English life and times during the period of the Monmouth rebellion, and it's enduring theme that, ultimately, love conquers social status, prejudice, and even family secrets long concealed.Movie Review: Exciting the whole way through
Summary: 5 Stars
John Ridd's father was killed by the Doones-a band of ruthless outlaws who had threatened and stolen from the townspeople. John (Richard Coyle) watched his father die, and vowed he would get revenge for their evil deeds. He falls in love with a sweet and beautiful maiden, only to learn that she's a Doone. Lorna (Amelia Warner) is a granddaughter of the Doone's leader, and she is expected to marry the future leader of the Doones-her cousin Carver Doone (Aiden Gillen). John finds himself in a difficult situation-he not only loves a girl that his family will hate, but he must fight Carver, who is just as determined to marry Lorna. The characters find themselves battling with issues of loyalty. This is a great story based off R.D. Blackmore's classic novel. I would highly recommend it.