Scarlet and Black

There is a great benefit to a story being filmed in the original language in which it was written. This is the case with the 1997 version, "The Red and the Black." I always thought it very strange when a film is about a town in France, full of...well French people, the actors in the film are Brits speaking English! But, in the case of the 1993, "The Scarlet and the Black," I make an exception. THIS is the CLASSIC version of Stendahl's story by which all others should be judged. The reason of course is young Ewan McGregor's portrayal of Julian Sorel. McGregor is able to communicate such passionate emotions-all the confusion, stubborn ignorance, fear and love of the young Julian Sorel. McGregor transfixes the viewer with his beautifully emotive eyes and face.

The chemistry between McGregor and Krige is palpable. Even though I knew it wouldn't end well, I was truly routing for these two! It's a story you will want to watch many times over and still find yourself crying at the end.