Boring

A Masterpiece!

It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

Given the money being invested in TV shows nowadays, it is unlikely that most viewers will be swept away with "The Forsyte Saga" from the very beginning. Although the acting, costumes and scenography are good, some of it seems modest compared with the likes of "The Crown"; for me the weakest side of it was the aging of characters: some of them look the same in the beginning and 30 years later. However, once you get acquainted with the characters you are drawn into their world. The beautiful thing is that you can sympathize with all of the main personas, share their dilemmas and misfortunes. Especially distinctive is Soames, being portrayed far more human and fragile than in the novels (at least as I remember them). The last two episodes are among the most emotional stuff I have seen lately.

I read the Forsyte Saga after watching this series. I found the series nearly intolerable, mostly by way of having no sympathy for Irene (even when she was raped), and I can mostly attribute this to the writing and casting of the character. In the novels, Irene is more mysterious, beautiful, and without a clear voice. I found her character selfish, unremarkable, and cold in the miniseries. I also didn't understand why McKee was cast, as she was 40 at the time of filming and didn't have the same aesthetic intrigue that I surmised was so necessary to the character of Irene: a quiet, fair-haired young lady seen only through the eyes of those around her.As I mentioned before, the lack of sympathy derived from the early development of Irene left me more sympathetic for Soames (and a wonderful performance by Damian Lewis), even when he raped her (of course, spousal rape repulses me, however, I felt the need to remain loyal to at least one character). However, with the book, I found it more difficult to singularly place my sympathies with a character, as the story intends.In conclusion, I disliked the series and could hardly reach its conclusion. I found the novels more interesting, yet hardly a suggestible read, only enjoyable relative to the series.

I recall watching this when it was first aired (on ITV, I think) and recently re-watched some of it when round at a friend's - and found it very thought-provoking. Read on ...Whilst we can always rely on the good old BBC to produce a great costume drama whilst blindfolded and handcuffed, I've always thought ITV's efforts to be hit-and-miss affairs. So which is The Forsythe Saga? Predictably, both.Visually, there's no problem - it's a gorgeous production, the script is nicely paced, and a generous amount of time is allocated to each of the main characters so we can watch the most interesting developments without getting bored or losing sight of the big picture. This is truly a family saga, spanning several generations and their friends and enemies, their acts and consequences. It's also a cracking story - I've never read the original novel, so can't vouch for it's accuracy, but the script is very well done.But I'm afraid the largest stumbling-block comes in the form of casting. This, ostensibly, ought to be Irene Forsythe's story - pressured into a loveless marriage by a guardian who ought to be taking care of her, the victim of a cold, and often brutal man who violently rapes her, she dares to risk it all for a chance at true love with a young businessman. Tragedy and eventual bittersweet joy result. The majority of our sympathy ought to be with Irene.But unfortunately it doesn't work out like this. Gina McKee looks beautiful, but whether through the script she was given or a decision to play Irene as a sad, reserved woman, she comes across as unfeeling, unresponsive, and totally indifferent to those around her. Indeed, it's hard to see why one man would become obsessed with her, let alone three or four. It was difficult to relate to her, with the only moments I genuinely felt bad for her being Soames's violent attack and when she is told of Bossiney's death. Ioan Gruffudd by the way, does his not inconsiderable best, but his character is really just a means to an end - a common-or-garden bold young man who loves the central female character and prompts her escape.I spent the majority of the viewing time, meanwhile, cursing Damian Lewis - he is simply superb. He takes the vile Soames - a bully, a cruel, violent rapist, a jealous and possessive husband - and at times threatens to win sympathy totally from Irene. His repressed passions and darkness glimmer beneath his surface, and his spurned adoration of Irene prompts genuine pity. Damn you Lewis, we're not supposed to like Soames! But he is by far the most complex character of the series, and Lewis emerges as a star-in-waiting.Every other actor and actress does themselves credit, but Rupert Graves deserves a mention as a an excellent contrast to the cruel Soames. But it's the above love triangle that drives the story. Make up your own mind where your sympathies lie, but definitely worth a viewing.

As the previous post said a truly excellent cast and a superb adaptation of the book. I was very young at the time of the original 1960's series, so can't remember too much. I therefore sat down to follow this production with interest. Damian Lewis was absolutely outstanding as the cold, emotionally barren Soames. One British reviewer commented that his portrait of Soames made you feel pity for the character - absolutely not! It was it seemed to me a very accurate portrayal which is a testament to his ability as an actor. It was the first time I'd seen him in anything but his performance ensured I would in the future watch him in anything first time without question. Apart from Dreamcatcher he hasn't put a foot wrong.