Lorna Doone

I thought Lorna Doone was great for the christmas holidays. it was different than the 1990 version,. this version added more to it you saw more of doone valley and the evilness of carver doone some of the scenes were the same, but a lot longer. 170 mins put into two parts. Richard Coyle did a great john ridd. a lot of fighting in it and romance so if you haven't seen it do.

I thought this was a great adaption of RD Blackmore's novel. I, like i have done with Rebecca, Read the book first and then saw the movie. The book was very long, as this movie is also. But the highlights make it all worth while. I loved Richard Coyle and John Ridd, and I also thought the music, and scenery were beauitful highlights of this tv movie. I thought the acting was almost 100% top notch, so all in all i give it high regard, and recommend it.

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.

Lush scenery, great acting, and a good adaptation of the classic book all combine to make this movie a real 'sleeper.' I'd never heard of it before, but was glad to have discovered it by accident. Somewhat predictable, it is still thoroughly enjoyable. The musical score, while not available separately, is really beautiful. Even my husband enjoyed the movie (of course, the leading actress may have been the reason for that!).