As a Jane Austen fanatic I always thought nothing could ever beat the BBC's 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice but, finally, after watching Wives and Daughters for the third time, I have to admit that this is a greater achievement. This series has much of the same behind the scenes team (Producer, Andrew Davies' screenplay) as the 1995 classic so it should be no surprise this is also a classic. The costumes, dances, dinners and locations are perfectly presented. The strict confines of the English early 19th century class system is ever present throughout the story similar to Austen's novels.
What makes this series so special is the quality of the performances from just about every member of the cast. Michael Gambon probably tops the list, it has to be his finest performance of a wonderful career but Justine Waddell is not far behind, making Molly Gibson one of the great screen heroines, her wonderful personality lingers long in the memory. Francesca Annis and Keeley Hawes also give outstanding performances in the roles of flawed characters. Bill Paterson is just perfect as Molly's father and yet is overshadowed by so many. The squire's sons, Roger and Osborne, also give wonderful performances, showing such a wide range of emotions. Iain Glen is excellent as he warms up for his similar Downton Abbey character and Barbara Leigh-Hunt reprises her memorable Lady Catherine role from Pride and Prejudice. Lady Harriet is not a major character but her few appearances play significant parts in the story, brilliantly played by Rosamund Pike, she was clearly destined for bigger things. The wonderful Miss Browning sisters are only supporting characters but their scenes are also memorable.
Jane Austen is great escapism, but you know it's going to end happily, there is a wider range of emotional depth in this story, especially dealing with death (Penelope Wilton is also outstanding in her role). There are two deaths and the emotional pain so movingly portrayed thanks to Gaskell's novel, Davies' screen play and the wonderful performances that they are heartbreaking for the viewer. More than anything this is a story about love, the love between a father and daughter, a father and sons and so many romances I lost count of the refused proposals, jilted engagements and marriages. There are also numerous very funny scenes throughout to add balance to the heartbreak and romance.
There are so many dramatic scenes, twists and turns packed throughout the five hours, which never drag, and it takes several viewings to take it all in. Gaskell digs deeper into the characters and personalities and it does take repeat viewings to really appreciate just how good this story and this adaptation is. I look forward to enjoying this series many more times.
What makes this series so special is the quality of the performances from just about every member of the cast. Michael Gambon probably tops the list, it has to be his finest performance of a wonderful career but Justine Waddell is not far behind, making Molly Gibson one of the great screen heroines, her wonderful personality lingers long in the memory. Francesca Annis and Keeley Hawes also give outstanding performances in the roles of flawed characters. Bill Paterson is just perfect as Molly's father and yet is overshadowed by so many. The squire's sons, Roger and Osborne, also give wonderful performances, showing such a wide range of emotions. Iain Glen is excellent as he warms up for his similar Downton Abbey character and Barbara Leigh-Hunt reprises her memorable Lady Catherine role from Pride and Prejudice. Lady Harriet is not a major character but her few appearances play significant parts in the story, brilliantly played by Rosamund Pike, she was clearly destined for bigger things. The wonderful Miss Browning sisters are only supporting characters but their scenes are also memorable.
Jane Austen is great escapism, but you know it's going to end happily, there is a wider range of emotional depth in this story, especially dealing with death (Penelope Wilton is also outstanding in her role). There are two deaths and the emotional pain so movingly portrayed thanks to Gaskell's novel, Davies' screen play and the wonderful performances that they are heartbreaking for the viewer. More than anything this is a story about love, the love between a father and daughter, a father and sons and so many romances I lost count of the refused proposals, jilted engagements and marriages. There are also numerous very funny scenes throughout to add balance to the heartbreak and romance.
There are so many dramatic scenes, twists and turns packed throughout the five hours, which never drag, and it takes several viewings to take it all in. Gaskell digs deeper into the characters and personalities and it does take repeat viewings to really appreciate just how good this story and this adaptation is. I look forward to enjoying this series many more times.