chrisgallen-07622

I recently read the book this is based on and decided to watch the film to see how it compared. Overall it's a fairly accurate adaptation with all the nuances and humour of the book brought across to the screen. The actors give really good performances and the story unfolds with all the sadness and humour of the book.

If I'd seen the film first I'd have been telling people to watch it.

But putting aside the fact that you know he's a bit of a dick I found this highly entertaining and interesting. It's the other people in this that make it so interesting. They give colour and detail to the whole farming process and I'm learning that I'm glad I'm not a farmer. Im also learning about tramlines and tractors, seeds and timing.

I dislike Clarkson's views on many things but you know what you're getting and the presentational style you'll receive. It's educational which is the most important thing.

Those complaining that this isn't the faux upper classes of Downtown Abbey (the imaginings of a Tory peer about how life should be with the plebs grateful and the nobs benevolent) I for one find this refreshing and fun. It's not supposed to be historically accurate (nobody here fighting Napoleon) but a morality tale based on real people. And Taylor Swift wasn't around in 1813. The two leads are excellent, there is genuine attraction and sexual tension between them and the sex scenes are actually erotic. The cast is strong and bring colour to their characters. Polly Walker is as good as ever and Ruby Barker is fabulous. Adjoha Andoh steals every scene she is in and Claudia Jessie is suitably free spirited. This is an enjoyable watch and should be taken for what it is not an airbrushed genteel fantasy but some well acted and made tv.