Rosamunde Pilcher - Vier Jahreszeiten

I've read Rosamunde Pilcher's books and loved the Shell Seekers the best. This one didn't seem to adapt very well on the screen. Great actors but maybe bad direction and a few times I picked up on things that made me think it was for the American audiences. One item is that it is not allowed in the UK is to have an outdoor wedding with a clergy officiating. The scenery was magnificent though.

A very enjoyable soapy family drama. Domestic Abuse, Cheating boyfriend v. lovable boy next door, suicide, long lost grannies coming home, shocking twists, evil grandpa, and financial shenanigans, a stunning last will and testament, plus much much more! Senta Berger shines as the wise and attractive grandmother who gets a second chance at love with a charming and funny Tom Conti. I couldn't take my eyes off her nose though. The director could have chosen more flattering angles. Michael York is very effective as the powerful older son of the family patriarch who oozes menace out of every pore. What made this 4 part yarn hold together though, in my opinion, of the sweet young daughter played by Emma Watson look-alike Paula Kalenburg. She had to endure many jolts to the system both good and bad but carried on with aplomb. Confrontations and promises of confrontations abound keeping tension and suspense in play. There are two major shocks in the last two parts that put the icing on the cake.

Very strange production. Bad casting, bad acting and even worse directing. The younger female lead looked and acted about 12, hence no chemistry with her male counterpart. The director thought by showing her cleavage in every outfit, no matter where she was or how inappropriate, would make her look more mature. It didn't work. Many of the other cast members seemed like extras rather than actual actors.

There are a few highlights, however. Of the few believable and enjoyable characters Juliette Mills (Lady Florence) stole every scene and Tom Conti (Charles) deserved credit for being one of the few truly likable and natural characters. I came to like Senta Bergen (Julia) and also thought Frank Finley (Alex) did a fine job.

Lots of over acting and stilted bogy language. Michael York's (Stephen) scenes were over the top.

If you enjoy sappy, predictable love stories with pretty scenery (Hallmark or Netflix-style) you'll probably enjoy this. And hey, I watched the whole thing despite my review. I had to see it through.

I was looking forward to some British drama, but this is certainly not on the level of British Productions. The camera angles and choppy editing make it all look rather cheap. The best part is the stunning setting on the coast of Cornwall, however the interiors just don't have the look of a nice English cottage or a grand hall.

There were some good spots, but overall unbelievable. These people shack up with each other at the drop of a hat, the money situations are mathematically impossible and the lip syncing is off-putting. And the fact that the main character looks like she's 14 years old is annoying because they could have made her look more her age.