The Miniaturist

Guess what? There were homosexuals in the 17th century!

It is very interesting reading the reviews for this series as they are all over the place from glowing to downright insulting. What I found a little peculiar was that a few people claim to be so "Deeply offended" and or shocked by the inclusion of scenes depicting homosexual relations between two men. I presume that this is in the original source material and of course is deeply essential to the plotline whether you like the plot line or not. Really in 2018 what is the big deal.? You know your son is not going to turn to be gay if he sees this on TV.

There seems to be some confusion among British and American viewers writing here, yes? The 156-minute production seems to have been shown in two episodes on British TV while PBS is showing the production on Masterpiece in three episodes of 52 minutes each. No surprise there- think back to the showing of "Bleak House" and how it was presented quite differently to the two audiences in terms of episodes. BTW, it seems a fine production to me, not at all thin and poorly-conceived. Quite the opposite!

The basic source of seduction for this mini-serie is the atmosphere. As beautiful embroidery of cultural references, from Vermeer and Rembrandt to Victorian Gothic stories. The week point - maybe...atmosphere. More exactly, its pressure who seems transform the characters in clay sillhouettes. In essence, a beautiful adaptation , unrealistic in few points but real seductive for the flavors of a lost time. So, a sort of gem. Maybe not original but aestheticall at whole.

I absolutely loved The Miniaturist, I thought it engrossing, and enchanting. I'll admit, after ten minutes, I found myself thinking I wasn't going to get into it, as I'd hoped for a Ghost story, unaware of the very different direction it was going to head into.

Initially, I was struck by how incredibly beautiful it is, it is a lavishly produced drama, with incredible costume and set design. The production values are excellent, it is so well shot, so easy on the eye.

Superb acting, Anya Taylor Joy and Alex Hassell share the spoils, with the former shining initially, and the latter shining later on. In all fairness though, each cast member performs admirably, Romola Garai never fails to impress. Each character adds something, nobody just there to make up the numbers.

It has a mystery, and an intrigue, you're desperate to know who the talented, but well informed miniaturist is, but the main element I would say is the love story element.

The authentic Dutch settings add to the overall feel of it. I think this is a drama that will only improve on subsequent viewings. I loved it, 9/10.

This is an interesting and well acted drama. The directing and writing are also very good. The production values are quite striking because of the fidelity in representing the environment of the time in history that the drama takes place in. Further, while visiting Amsterdam Holland, I was able to visit a museum there that has the centuries old miniature houses that are like the one in this series. I find it interesting that this series could very well be a play, because there is a small cast of actors, and the events take place in mostly indoor settings. There are reviews that suggest that the central female character tends to have a modern woman's sensibilities and view point.

I think it is reasonable to believe that some women, through the ages, were very "modern" in their thinking. In researching the series. It is mentioned in the book that the series is based on. That there is a mystical element to the story, and that does impact the plot of the series. Where some questions aren't answered.