Simply A Masterpiece

Admirable film.

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Not having television means I miss out on many of the gorgeous adaptations that the BBC features. Thank goodness I have a public library that is well-stocked in DVD classics. Lorna Doone is one such classic I have yet to read, but fully intend to do so after watching this stunning romantic adventure film. I had not realized the film was over two hours long, and I remained rooted to my laptop screen the entire time. I did not expect such a magnificent film. What could have been a predictable Romeo and Juliet tale had enough twists to make it plausible and more than satisfactory.While the other reviews speak to the plot and applaud the fine acting, I would like to address the authenticity and rapport. There was trueness to the actors, as if they had become the characters. The Ridd family truly seemed to care for another, and displayed genuine family dynamics. The only actors I recognized were Martin Clune who did such an unforgettable portrayal as Mr. Chips, and then there was the soldier who was Mr. Tumnus from Narnia. The principal actors were unknowns to me. Lorna did carry a regal air about her, even when she was thought to be a Doone and not a Lady. John Ridd had the earthy, honest nature of a farmer who had the soul of a poet. The mother was excellent in her ability to see past opinion and look into her children's hearts. I properly loathed the villainous Carver. Slimy and psychopathic, and terribly pathetic, right up to the end.I can't wait to read the book, because it's rare to find that a movie is better than its written counterpart. This might be the exception...

I remember reading this novel at school in the UK and was curious to see what it would give on film ! The result was globally very positive. A careful look at the credits will show that it was actually made in one of the Welsh National Parks ... it did look far too mountainous to be Exmoor ! Although he film clocks in at about 2hrs and 22 mins, I didn't find it long at all, indeed another hour or so wouldn't have done any harm. There's never a dull moment ... between the beautiful countryside ..... the suspense of the plot ........the physical beauty of the actors, and especially Lorna Doone herself ..... the beautiful music score .... the whole thing is a very interestingly packaged product.This is an English film, from the BBC. Why it can only be found in the USA God alone knows. Sold in Other European Countries, with appropriate subtitles, I'm sure it would have larger than reasonable success. People just don't know about it. The picture quality of the DVD is excellent. The DVD does not have subtitles but indicates something called 'closed captions' ( which I took to be subtitles but which obviously aren't ). What they are, I have no idea as they don't appear on my TV !!!!I would therefore recommend this to all who like good old English novels of the THomas Hardy kind etc etc. Although the DVD cannot be found in Europe, I think it may exist on VHS and is definitely screened from time to time on UK television.

There are times when a story should contain more than just the plot,and the facts.There are things such as mood,tone,and symbolism that add up to make a story more than just a rousing tale.And,due to the lack of an appropriate villain,that's what this adaptation is missing. "Lorna Doone"is moe than just a story about valorous English rurals fighting an oppressive gang of outlaws.It's also a nostalgic look,seen from the perspective of the Industrial Revolution,at a rustic way of life which has vanished.It's also a positive affirmation of what was referred to,during the Victorian period,as"muscular Christianity."And,it's also the sotry of a gallant,but inarticulate and lonely man's struggle,to find love,and romance with an attractive woman,consumating in a sharing sexual union. John Ridd,the hero of this work,is a bright,physically strong,but unguided and silent man,whose struggle is at least as much within himself as it is with others.And to symbolize this arduous and difficult journey,her requires a worthy opponent. Carver Doone,therefore,is John's alter-ego,and must provide a dark,Satanic antagonist,of formidable nature and significant evil.John MUST conquer his own shadow personality,as personified by Carver.And,on a more realistic level,Carver must be strong,virile,and physically attractive,as a worthy contender for Lorna's love. The actor playing Carver,in this production,is certainly evil,vicious,rodent like,and psychopathic.But he lacks grandeur,authority,presence,and that elemental quality to provide a characterization accurate with the book.Sean Bean did a much better job.

I absolutely loved this film! It had everything a great film should have: excellent cast, good script and amazing acting. The characters involved in the love triangle (John Ridd, Lorna Doone and Carver Doone) were brilliantly portrayed by these stunning actors, especially Aidan Gillen, who's portrayal of the murderous Carver was superb. Every time he sauntered into view, you really believed that he was Carver, he wanted Lorna for himself and he would do everything within his power to make her love him.This film also appealed to me because of the time and place in which it was set. It was a period of troubled times which came across well in the film. I thought the costumes and sets were great and it all made you feel like you were really there and part of the whole thing.Finally, as everybody knows, one of the main things that makes a film great is its soundtrack. Well, as soon as I heard the first notes being played, I knew this was a film I'd love. The composer (John Lunn) has done the film proud.Thank you very much to the BBC for airing this masterpiece. It really made last year's Christmas.