Downton Abbey III : Le Grand Final

What a gift Julian Fellowes has been. Creating a world that so many can relate to and genuinely feel as if they are part of it, though only observers. Having watched from the beginning 14 years ago, waiting patiently for the next episode then movie, it astounds me how emotionally invested I've been. Many viewings have touched me, connected with me. The writing here has delivered an "ending" that completes the story, wraps up the story, ends the story competently and efficiently. But even in its efficient spareness, if you have been a follower or not, it will still deeply affect you. Succumb to it, and hope that other writers learn from it, because this is how films are meant to be written. Thank you Mr Fellowes.

When Mary finds herself in a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future.

Honestly, my watched every episode and I paid enough attention to follow along. These characters are all so well written that they really do feel like a family, your family. From the actual family to the servants of the house, you care about each and everyone.

This film is a beautiful send off to a wonderful series. Yes, I think anybody who has watched the show knows this ending has been coming almost since the first episode. The "twist" in this movie is obvious and not shocking come time for reveal. However, that really takes a backseat to the emotion that comes with this project. I was never a die hard watcher and even I got a little emotional at the end. I can only imagine how true fans must feel. It's a pity that more shows can't end with this satisfying of a finale.

IMDb gives it a 7.7/10 For me, it's a 7.5/10

Right or wrong, weak or strong...these are my opinions.

No likes yet

Comment?

I liked the movie, however, it's cut together like a music video. Just when you're enjoying the splendor of the fair or the production value of the racetrack, it cuts away to another shot. The viewer doesn't have time to take it all in. It feels like the editor and director are fearful of the film becoming boring. The hurried pace of editing allows no time for the viewer to enjoy the scene. The blocking and eye-lines of some of the scenes were off. Several of the cut-aways and inserts were stilted or not necessary. This movie is not as good as it could have been, but it was worth seeing in the theater and enjoying the characters once more.

I was prepared to be disappointed having lost Dame Maggie Smith. My to my surprise, the rest of the cast was able to carry off sound performances, ESPECIALLY Michelle Dockery who clearly was Grandmama's favorite, and mine! She has spent years developing and evolving the Charactor or Mary. Once again, she takes us along with her to the next evolution of Mary without disconnecting her past. This is the result of good writing, but more importantly, an exceptional performance. Writers cleverly shifted much of Lady Grantham's quips and persona to Mary, which follows the notion that Mary is becoming what Grandmama Grantham was, a pioneer in a new era while retaining the best of what was in the past. Home Run for Michelle Dockery. The screenplay was logical and flowed well. So happy to see another favorite, Thomas, back and giving us closure to another pivitol charactor. No spoilers here, but fans will be happy. I especially enjoyed the added attention the writers gave the Elizabeth McGovern's charactor, and she made the very best of that opportunity. Bring some tissues for the final scene. Downton Abby fans will not be disappointed and new fans will be compelled to step back in time to the beginning of the series and two previous movies. A BIG THANK YOU TO THE ENTIRE CAST.

The Grand Finale was more of a fond farewell than a story telling 'episode' in it's own right. A final homage to the characters that made up Downton Abbey for so many years and so many seasons and episodes.

The Grand Finale started a bit slow, but slowly built up pace, to deliver a satisfactory ending and goodbye.

I didn't think it was as good as Downton Abbey, A New Era. It certainly won't win any Oscars, but, for the fans, it did deliver a nostalgic last 'hurrah' .