Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

I finished reading the book "the ladies paradise" not long ago and a friend and I were discussing it, and found a TV version on Ebay. Well of course it's nothing like the book, except it's an innovative department store in a large city - can't actually work out where it's supposed to be as everyone seems to be from Northern areas, if not Scotland - and the lead girl is called Denise. After that,the story changes radically and becomes, dare I say it, nearly as trite as Downton. Not having finished watching season one, I can only wait and see, but while the theme of the story is similar (no Miss Audrey in the book, with or without hot flushes) I would like to have seen a French version, as I don't think they would have dumbed down the story as much. I am enjoying the series so something is working. What happened to the brilliant series that the BBC used to produce?

If you are looking for a delightful, beautifully-filmed series that is period drama and romance, look no further. This charming series offers beautiful sets, gorgeous costumes, and surprising story lines.Dear Denise from the country (Joanna Vanderham) in 1850s England comes to town and begins working in Mr. Moray's department store (the handsome and charming Emun Elliot) called "The Paradise". She quickly proves her skill in working retail and becomes a favorite amid the various social intrigues of the well- cast secondary characters. The series features very fine, hardworking British actors like Peter Wight, Sarah Lancashire, David Bamber, Ruby Bentall, Patrick Malahide, Peter Wight, Arthur Darvill, Matthew McNulty, and Sonya Cassidy. So many favorites.Have patience and enjoy this series. Two seasons just isn't enough.

This is not to summarize the show, that's been done by others. I've read some disparaging remarks about both the show and the actors. I almost did not watch this show on Netflix because of the comments. One poster said it had a horrible ending that made no sense, etc. Another poster has made very unkind comments about some of the actor's abilities. I did not want to take the time to get into two full seasons of a show that had mediocre acting and a poorly written ending. I watched the first episode anyway, then the second. They were very good but I still didn't want to take the plunge. Therefore, a couple of months went by before I watched another episode, then another and another until I said "oh what the heck!" It was pulling me back night after night until I came to the last episode quite expecting to be disappointed in the ending (due to posted comments). I can tell you honestly, and in my humble opinion, that I don't know what those other two posters were watching. The Paradise produced wonderful acting in all parts (remember, these folks are being directed) and there wasn't a thing wrong with the ending. Which brings me back to my summary line - "don't hesitate to watch this two season show!" I believe you will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed it.

I have a large home cinema and with many friends enjoyed the DVD of Series 1 even though it stretched the imagination at times. However after viewing the first two episodes of Series 2 I find the new character of the canteen cook Myrtle quite unbelievable. It appears she has been at The Paradise for more than a year as she knows Jonas, and I am sure neither Moray, the very upright Dudley, or Jonas would have hired such a slovenly, grubby, and for the mid 19th century, foul mouthed slut to associate with their well-behaved shop girls let alone cook for them. It is quite unbelievable that Miss Audrey would have put up with her for a minute. Apart from that the other new characters seem believable so far.