Daniel Deronda
Daniel Deronda is sensitive and charming, the illegitimate son of an aristocrat, haunted by the secrets that shroud his birth. Beautiful and vivacious Gwendolen Harleth is a gambler and short on cash.
When they meet at the roulette table, sparks fly. But above all, Gwendolen needs money, and the icy aristocrat Henleigh Grandcourt is more than happy to provide. As her situation becomes more and more oppressive, she turns to Daniel for help...only to discover his involvement with the young Jewish singer Mirah Lapidoth.
Torn between his attraction to Gwendolen and his passion for Mirah and the plight of her people, Daniel is forced to look at his own mysterious past to find out who he really is...and who he wants to be.
Member Reviews
A quaint period piece. - hshire
This is a slowly told story, and just as well since there are so many characters to keep in mind. This story is of earnest Daniel Deronda serving others and along the way he learns of his origins. Daniel is a man of great integrity, and somehow he has befriended a selfish woman whom has gotten every whim of her’s fulfilled to only meet her match in a marriage with a rich and sinister man. One can expect to see Hugh Bonneville of Downtown Abbey fame. If one finds this film appealing, they should know it is based on a novel by T.S. Eliot (aka Mary Ann Evans).Hugh Bonneville Scores. That’s It. - Stitch
Because while it has the BBC attributes of magnificent Victorian settings, lush cinematography, magnificent gowns and precise dialogue, it falters in the screenplay and performance. And I suggest that casting Hugh Dancy and Romola Garai in lead roles was an unfortunate nod to trying to tempt a younger target market. They are seriously profound and undeniably handsome but simply could not generate audience sympathy...at least not in my viewing room.
It’s also fair to say they are given scant assistance by a screenplay that approaches the novel’s gut theme of anti-Semitism at a glacial pace. And when it condescends to tackle the subject, it’s handled with kid gloves. No angst here, as if to say the love story takes precedence. Not in the novel, it doesn’t, and its omission strips the story of the adversity required to elevate the resolution. Superficiality is the operative word.
However, there is one huge recompense—namely Hugh Bonneville in one of his infrequent unsavory roles. The downside is that his outstanding understated performance casts that of others in an even more unfavorable light. In a lesser part, Jodhi May as Mirah does her utmost to generate some empathy for a character given too little attention in this interpretation considering that her plight and recovery were core ingredients of this morality play. And unfortunately for her, the conclusion is condescendingly manipulative as if to say, ‘let’s get this over with, we’re running out of time’.
Bottom line...if you are into Victorian eye candy, it will not be a wasted three hours. The brief violent boat scene is nicely done with Garai receiving some decent direction and she responds in kind. The score won a deserved award by never being intrusive and tries valiantly to support the generally less than impressive performances (with the fine exception described above).
Suitable for all ages. Should appeal to Harlequin Romance fans of a Sunday afternoon.Absolutely Gorgeous! - Zoyamauz
"Daniel Deronda" is an exceptional TV event! Extraordinarily artistic, beautifully shot with an extremely talented cast. Hugh Dancy and Romola Garai are just stunning. The four hours it takes to view this story pass by like a flash as the pace keeps it moving. The shots of the countryside add a wonderful backdrop to the story and the details in the antique furniture and costumes are noteworthy. The time and effort that went into this production can be felt. Compliments to the team for accomplishing excellent entertainment!
Member Reviews
Read All...
A quaint period piece. - hshire
This is a slowly told story, and just as well since there are so many characters to keep in mind. This story is of earnest Daniel Deronda serving others and along the way he learns of his origins. Daniel is a man of great integrity, and somehow he has befriended ...Hugh Bonneville Scores. That’s It. - Stitch
Because while it has the BBC attributes of magnificent Victorian settings, lush cinematography, magnificent gowns and precise dialogue, it falters in the screenplay and performance. And I suggest that casting Hugh Dancy and Romola Garai in lead roles was an ...Absolutely Gorgeous! - Zoyamauz
"Daniel Deronda" is an exceptional TV event! Extraordinarily artistic, beautifully shot with an extremely talented cast. Hugh Dancy and Romola Garai are just stunning. The four hours it takes to view this story pass by like a flash as the pace keeps it moving. ...