Instant Favorite.

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Barbara Taylor Bradford's sweeping feminine tale comes to life in this entertaining British miniseries. In contemporary times, meaning the 1980s, Grandy is surrounded by her children and grandchildren, who are trying to usurp her position as chairwoman of the very successful family business. She fights for her seat and tells her story of how she became A Woman of Substance. The majority of the story is told in a flashback, and it's very fun to see Jenny Seagrove cast as a young Deborah Kerr, who plays Grandy. While the old timers in the cast add class and glamour to the miniseries, the young actors also give great performances and effortlessly capture the audience's attention. This is a fantastic story of a young woman's journey in the early 20th century, her career and loves and struggles through WWII. Joining the cast are John Mills, Miranda Richardson, Liam Neeson, Diane Baker, Barry Bostwick, and Peter Chelsom. Although everyone is wonderful, Deborah Kerr really stands out. She's feisty and strong, but still feminine and caring, the perfect combination of emotions that shows she really lived through what Jenny Seagrove lives through during the episodes. Anyone who likes British miniseries, or stories with a strong heroine, will love A Woman of Substance.

The plot of the film is very good!Jenny Seagrove is perfect as Emma Harte.!The films' music is wonderful!The actors are perfect! I haven't read the Barbara Bradford's book but I'd like to read it! I like the sequence-"Hold the dream",too.I will never forget this film!

As "chick" movies go, this is tops. The performances are very touching, giving life to many of the characters. Jenny Seagrove absolutely shines as Emma; with all the foolish mistakes she makes, you still root for her. Peter Chelsom gives a completely heartbreaking performance as the sheltered and confused Edwin. Liam Neeson, Gayle Honneycutt are convincing; and some of the voice dubbing (particularly the children seem to have "adult" voices) sounds very uneven. The costumes and settings are fabulous. After all, this is a made for TV mini-series, so given that limitation, this is quite outstanding! Blame the book for the anti-clamatic ending, not the film makers or actors. Watch the movie, then read the book to fill in the blanks. You'll agree, the movie is a really on-target adaptation for the most part.

I regard this series as one of the best drama and romantic English tv-series ever to be done. It contains drama, fighting spirit, sadness, happiness and misfortune. So if you haven't seen this series, DO IT NOW. it's worth it.