The Cinder Path

The Cinder Path is a quite typical British TV-drama film/miniseries. It is one of those epic sorts of films that I really enjoy watching, like "Lorna Doone" or "Sharpe". Lloyd Owen, of the "Monarch of the Glen" fame, is quite impressive here as Charlie McFell, a man who was abused by his sadistic father and when his father is murdered, he protects the killer. He now has to take charge of the family farm, which is not an easy task for the introverted Charlie.He then hastily marries Victoria, daughter from a wealthy local family who is cold and deceptive. Zeta-Jones is outstanding in this part.

The story is very well crafted and builds up to a dramatic finale. Many are likely to find inspiration in the character of Charlie and his struggle to overcome his past and become a man of integrity. Hopeless romantics will also enjoy the romance between Charlie and Nellie, Victoria's much kinder sister.

All in all, this is as good as a BBC TV drama can get and also involves some impressively reenacted WW1 action. 9 1/2 out of 10.