Surprisingly incoherent and boring

Gripping story with well-crafted characters

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

My mother, sisters, and I watched this movie, and loved it! It's really almost as good as a Jane Austin Movie. The characters were well thought out, and neatly portrayed by the actors and actresses. The plot was excellent! You seriously didn't know what was going to happen next! It has a good ending, although, one thing I didn't understand. Molly and Roger never kiss! He kisses her step-sister (and might I add, it was a rather big kiss), but he never gets around to kissing her! It's kind of funny. But, I guess that none of them are really romantic. Although, you don't have to be romantic to give a little smooch, do you? Besides that, I don't think that there was anything else wrong. It was a great movie, and, Lord willing, will go right up there with our Pride & Prejudice DVD collection. I highly recommend that you watch this film. I'm sure you'll love it as much as I did!

"Wives and Daughters" is cut from the same cloth as "The Forsyte Saga" or "Mansfield Park" inasmuch as it is a Victorian soap opera about the this and that of 19th century English country life. The film centers on and swirls about Molly Gibson (Waddell), the somewhat plain but earnest teenage daughter of a physician, as it explores the ever crisscrossing lives of several neighboring families of varying station. A delightful look at the role of the distaff from matron to maid which imparts the flavor of the period, "Wives and Daughters" is a light-hearted drama laced with charm and wit which should appeal to anyone into films of the robust Victorian period. (B+)

My wife was surprised that I sat out this whole miniseries with her. In fact, that was not hard at all. I loved the story, the performances, the wit and detail, the intelligence behind the dialogues and the storyline. Even though I could see the 'happy ending' looming large over the second half of the story, there remains a LOT to enjoy. The performances are so good (maybe with the exception of the two young brothers) that I can hardly believe the actors in fact have other characters than those they enacted on screen. 'Sense and sensibility' may be another fine Victorian adaptation, but I take this 'Wives and daughters' over it any time. Wholeheartedly recommended to anyone whose heart is not made of stone or cast iron.

This is quite simply an exceptional piece of television theater which the BBC has justifiably gained a world wide reputation for. An outstanding cast bring to life a riveting story of ,intrigue, loyalty, and romance which will delight and enthral all devotee's of the costume drama.