Jessica

Though I only had an extra part I can highly recommend this film as a superb drama. A true story set in colonial Australia in the early 1900's. A very good adaptation of Bryce Courtenay's book "Jessica" (well worth the read) to the screen. Leanna Walsman gives a powerful performance in the title role and Sam Neill as the rummy solicitor gives a fine portrayal, while you'll love to hate Lisa Harrow's character of Jessica's mother, Hester. The realism brought to this film by the excellent cast makes for some very unnerving scenes, especially in the insane asylum. Filmed on locations in and around New South Wales and Sydney.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! ! !

We watched the mini series "Jessica" and loved it. I haven't read the book before seeing the feature, so don't have any prior opinions about the story.

'Jessica' was a wonderful story, combining both happy moments with incredibly sad. Leeanna Walsman playing Jessica was a very very strong character, and we're still talking about her performance, with a tear in our eye, days after watching. Originally we watched to see performances from actors we know well and enjoy, such as Sam Neill, John Howard and Tony Martin....but found that Leeanna's performance overshadowed all of them.

Thoroughly enjoyed 'Jessica', and want to see it all again.

It's one of the best movies (mini-series) i have ever seen. It was touching, nice and one of few movies that made me cry. It was tension and excitement that kept me interested trough three hour's (i suppose). I could relate the story to real life situations and all the dramatic things that kept the movie going was sad. In the end, i had a deep compassion with Jessica (the main character) and I also once again as many times before realized how cruel people can be and how hard life can be.

As talking about people, the actors were brilliant. Escpecially Jessica- Leanna Walsmann and her mother played by Lisa Harrow. Lisa's acting was so brilliant that I really hated her at some points of the movie. All the actors just play very trustworthy.

The Australian landscape is as always beautiful and as I wished to move to Australia a couple year's, this movie changed my mind, thanks to all the snakes.

All in all a movie everyone have to see. 10 stars!!!

WOW!!! I absolutely loved this mini series!! everything about it was fantastic! I didn't want it to end. I laughed, I cried, I was kept in suspense, everything a good drama should be :) Would of loved a happy ending though :) The acting was awesome and it was great to see new Aussie talent teaming up with some of the veterans of TV and film. Leanna Walsman was fantastic as Jessica as well as Sam Neill's character! Lisa Harrow's portrayal of Hester was fantastic i loved to hate her!! It was just great acting all around! The story was great as well, Bryce Courtenay has captured a great tale in his book "Jessica" and it was just great to see it being brought to life in this movie. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS!!!! 10/10

I may not be a film critic, but I know a good piece of film when I see it and I know that I loved Jessica. Contrary to what others may think, I thought this was an amazing movie. Having never read the book, I see this film differently as I have no previous expectations, and nothing ruins an adaptation more than expectations. Nevertheless I thought there was some brilliant acting by fellow Aussies Leeanna Walsman, Oliver Ackland,(not just a pretty face)and the unbelievably amazing Sam Neil. I found Ackland and Walsman captivating, as was their on screen chemistry, what's a good love story without chemistry, right? oh and a few evil family members. These actors brought their characters to life. I mark a good movie by its ability to move the audience. If it can make me cry, laugh, yell out in anger, hide in embarrassment, then obviously the actors are doing something right! I did find it hard to find faults in the film, apart from the absence of a traditional happy ending, but then they tend to sometimes be a tad clique and corny, don't they? Ending aside I found this a memorable piece of Aussie drama. I applaud everyone involved, you should be proud. Hopefully if it's released onto DVD, GW, It will certainly find a place in my collection.