All the Light We Cannot See

Firstly, I read the book, All the light we cannot see and found it to be a profoundly beautiful book. Doerr the writer described the events in such beautiful terms and moves the reader with his words, I just had to put the book down on occasions to close my eyes and be there, with them, for a minute to let the emotions and images wash over me. To be truthful I was a little bit worried when I heard Netflix was doing a series, but overjoyed when I read that Louis Hoffman, from the brilliant Dark, was playing Werner the main character. Aria Maria Loberti a legally blind new actress, was also very believable and strong. I think that the series tried very hard to encapsulate the concepts of the story. Nothing can ever be as good as the book. Very few series or films are as good as the original book, in which our own imagination draws the environment, the people and their natures and their characters. In this series the two young main characters were absolutely beautiful, and Lewis Hoffman is a stunning young actor and I have much regard for him and found it an absolute pleasure to watch. My only complaint about the whole series was Marie-Laurie walking without shoes with glass and debris everywhere go r so long towards the end, but that's a small complaint overall. I'm also rereading the book now.

Netflix took a Pulitzer-Prize winning novel and arrogantly thought they could somehow make it better by changing the story line and fates of the characters in so many ways. They absolutely did not make it better, or even do it justice. I absolutely loved the book and was so excited to watch this. I am so beyond disappointed in this adaptation. Why couldn't they have at least found actors who could pull off a French accent instead of sounding like some odd British-American combination? Did the script writers and casting agents ever even read the book all the way through? Please stop doing this to great books!

"Shawn Levy's Epic Series 'All the Light We Cannot See' premiered on Netflix on Nov. 2, 2023.

Based on Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the four-episode limited series unfolds in a besieged city, immersing viewers in the lives of Marie-Laure, a blind French teenager, and Werner, a German soldier. Their paths cross in occupied France as they navigate the challenges of World War II.

Marie-Laure's story begins in Paris, where her father works at the Museum of Natural History. With the Nazi occupation, they seek refuge in the fortress city of Saint-Malo, accompanied by a precious and perilous museum artifact.

Meanwhile, in a German mining town, orphan Werner and his sister find solace in a radio that brings them tales from distant lands. Werner's talent for building and repairing these radios leads him into the resistance.

While the narrative flirts with romantic and fairy tale elements, it occasionally grounds itself in realism, offering a unique blend of myth and reality.

The casting of visually impaired actors, such as Loberti and Nell Sutton, who portrays young Marie, adds authenticity to the characters, story. This casting choice enhances the representation and genuine portrayal of the story's protagonists.

'All the Light We Cannot See' may not be a typical comfort watch, it offers a glimpse into a simpler time, contrasting with its wartime setting."

In summary, this 4-episode series is a remarkable and highly-produced work that goes beyond the typical TV series. Created by renowned figures Steven Knight and Shawn Levy, it tells a unique perspective of the Nazi-occupied small town in France during a historical period. The plot primarily focuses on the search for a blind young woman who becomes a symbol of resistance during the war and a young Nazi who is forced to hunt her down. The series weaves two distinct life stories, the radio plays a central role in connecting both characters, serving as a bridge that links their lives and stories together. One set in the past with intricate subplots, leading up to the heart-wrenching war scenes in the present. What makes it exceptional is the fact that the lead actress is a real blind actress with no prior acting experience, and she delivers a natural and captivating performance. It's a series leaving a lasting impression and is definitely worth watching.

Brilliant acting by the 2 teenagers. I rooted for them throughout the story. The set design made it look like they were really in those places, and not sets. Or, were they even sets? I think Mark Ruffalo is a great actor. He should have not even tried using an accent. Often the accent would come and go, kinda spoiling his performance a little bit. Same with Hugh Laurie. But Louis Hoffman was spot on with his dialog. Does he really have a German accent? The scenes of destruction were spectacular, how did they create those scenes so realistically? No spoilers here but I felt the ending was perfect. Nothing was left hanging for me to wonder what happened.