The Scarlet Pimpernel
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Movie Reviews of The Scarlet Pimpernel
Movie Review: Oh, What Fun!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you need your swash buckled or your derring done, there's just no better place to go than this version of the Pimpernel's adventures. The speed and fluidity with which Anthony Andrews morphs from prissy fop to deadly serious hero and back again will leave you reaching for your fan. And he's a hero with a twist. Where other heroes of the genre are almost cartoonish in the laudability of their motives, Andrews conveys a deep, sober humanity that encompasses all social classes in his concerns for truth, justice, and fair play.Equally well cast is the dazzling Jane Seymour. Not called upon to deliver the schizophrenic hijinks of Andrews, she instead delivers a compelling portrayal of a woman who joined a revolution for the values upon which it was founded, hewed to those values as the revolution veered into chaos and hideous extremism, and had the courage to stand her ground even as her own neck fell into the noose. When she finally forsakes her stand, it is only to keep those she loves from harm. It's high melodrama, but played with such subtlety that true grand drama emerges.
And so it goes with the other cast members -- all well-chosen, all utterly convincing in telling a tale that is inherently unbelievable . . . and all dressed fit to kill.
I prefer my costume dramas a bit more anchored in historical accuracy than this one so, even though I had bent my principles to accept the premise of the Pimpernal himself, I still expected to be annoyed that the dauphin was rescued. In fact, this film is just too much of a rollicking good time to care about such quibbles. You'll laugh. You'll cry. And you'll play it over and over as the years wear on.
Movie Review: Those Frenchies seek him everywhere
Summary: 5 Stars
I feel safe in saying that this 1982 TV version of THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL is the greatest ever made. In fact, I might even go so far as to say that it is the most entertaining historical fiction piece ever made.
Anthony Andrews is perfect as the foppish dandy Sir Perceval Blakeney. My boyfriend and I constantly quote him, and I'm currently reading the novel by Baroness Orczy, and I can't imagine Sir Percy sounding any different. His slow, stunted drawl is wonderful. Andrews is a superb actor; my favorite part of the movie is seeing him switch between being Sir Perceval Blakeney, the fop, and Sir Perceval Blakeney, the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Sir Ian McKellen also delivers a stunning performance as Paul Chauvelin, the agent of the French Republic who is so determined to capture the Scarlet Pimpernel, and whose fiancée Sir Percy steals. McKellen has always been a consummate actor, and his role in this film is no different. I especially like the scene where Chauvelin and Sir Percy first meet; the verbal sparring is unequaled.
Jane Seymour is also fabulous in the role of Marguerite St. Just, later Lady Blakeney. I'm not sure whether the hair is typical of the late eighteenth century or just of the early 1980s, but if you can look beyond that, Seymour is gorgeous and talented.
Some other actors in smaller parts who are brilliant are Eleanor David, as Louise, and Malcolm Jamieson, as Armand St. Just.
The costumes are breathtaking, the action is stunning, the script is perfect, and the acting is splendid. If you're a fan of historical fiction films, this is a must-see.
Movie Review: Excellent remake of a classic
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm not usually a fan of remakes, but I was just plain blown away by this one. I rented it from Netflix figuring it would not compare with the 1934 classic. I loved it so much, I purchased a copy from Amazon.
I can't comment on how this movie compares to the books because I have not read them...yet. However, I have seen the 1934 classic and have always loved it, although it always left me wanting more. I wanted to know more about the characters.
This 1982 remake has what I found lacking in the classic. I like seeing the relationship between Sir Percy and Marguerite develop from first meeting, through courtship, to marriage, estrangement and reconciliation.
The 1934 film just drops you into the midst of the estrangement with very little explanation about what caused it.
I can't seem to stop watching this film; I am so intrigued by Anthony Andrews performance; every time I see it, I find more depth in his portrayal of Sir Percy. I am fascinated by how he can move effortlessly between the several facets of Sir Percy's personality and guises.
I could go on and on...but won't. I now have both the 1934 and 1982 versions in my library and plan to keep watching them both. I think the performances of the actors in both films are wonderful. I highly recommend both films, but overall prefer the 1982 screenplay. I only wish Leslie Howard, Merle Oberon, and Ray Massey could have had such a screenplay in 1934. I would like to have seen what they could do with it. Anthony Andrews, Jane Seymour, and Ian McKellen got that opportunity
and created a masterpiece.
Movie Review: Oh, how I love this film!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you're the type who loves a period romance, or if you just love a good rollicking story with heroes and villains, humour and wit ... this is definitely a must-see for you.
This is my favourite film version of the Scarlet Pimpernel story, and Anthony Andrews just shines as the main character. He plays the witless fop to perfection, and then the dashing hero with such aplomb that you can't help falling a little bit in love with him every time you watch the film. And boy, have I watched this film loads of times. (This is one you can watch over and over.) Jane Seymour is breathtakingly beautiful as Marguerite, the heroine - (although she tends not to blink throughout the whole film .. I've only just noticed this!) Actually, all the casting is brilliant, the score beautiful, the costumes and art direction outstanding, and it's a great story. What's not to love about it?!!
If there is any negative to this film, it's that it suffers the common problem of scipts adapted from novels - to fit the whole book into two hours, there's always a few dodgey lines/scenes designed to inform the audience of large chunks of the story they didn't have time to include.
But put that aside - just nitpicking really. If you're the type who enjoys this genre - I'm thinking you might be a fan, say of the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice - I highly recommend you grab this film and let yourself be seduced by its
ageless charm. (Not wanting to exclude male fans out there, but as a chick can I suggest this as a great flick to watch on a Girls' Night In?!)
Movie Review: Sink Me! I'm a fanatic!
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie is sooooooo spectacular! I love all of it! The more times you watch it the better it gets.
I have read four of the scarlet pimpernel books and have one more on the way, and I must admit that I was very nervous/excited to see this movie.
First let me say that within the first five minutes I was discusted. I thought that they had compeletely slaughtered Percy's character. If you think that Pleeeeeeeze keep watching. Though Andrews version of Percy was different from what I had imagined it is so good. Now I can't think of a better way to portray him.
Margarite(Seymore) was brilliant. Also the guy who plays Armand was also pretty good.
Seeing Ian McKellen young was really weird, but he pulls off a good villan. One other weird thing was hearing Gandalf's voice saying evil things, that was really weird.
I have now read all 212 reviews of this movie which proves two things 1. I LOVE THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL! and 2. I have way too much free time. But one thing that I noticed was that Lord Tony Dewhurst, one of my favorite characters(book and movie) was only mentioned in two or three reviews! It is a pitty that he is over looked in light of the Pimpernel. Here's to Tony!
There really is not much more to say. This movie is so wonderful(and clean! :). It is a great family movie.
Odd's fish m'dear. Please buy it!
-E