Lorna Doone

Lush scenery, great acting, and a good adaptation of the classic book all combine to make this movie a real 'sleeper.' I'd never heard of it before, but was glad to have discovered it by accident. Somewhat predictable, it is still thoroughly enjoyable. The musical score, while not available separately, is really beautiful. Even my husband enjoyed the movie (of course, the leading actress may have been the reason for that!).

This is an enjoyable adaptation of the period novel set in late 17th century England. It is well cast with excellent performances from many of the lead actors. Martin Clunes as Captain Sickles steals many of the scenes and Amelia Warner makes a beautiful Lorna.

The action scenes are well done and fast paced, and the characterisations are very good.

As with many period pieces, what does let it down a little is the costuming, which owes more to Hollywood's idea of historical clothing than what was actually worn (although the soldiers uniforms are very good) and the fact that the Doone's clothing and hairstyles seem to owe more to Braveheart than history!!

Despite the clothing inaccuracies, over-all it is a very entertaining adaptation, well worth watching.

I thought this was a great adaption of RD Blackmore's novel. I, like i have done with Rebecca, Read the book first and then saw the movie. The book was very long, as this movie is also. But the highlights make it all worth while. I loved Richard Coyle and John Ridd, and I also thought the music, and scenery were beauitful highlights of this tv movie. I thought the acting was almost 100% top notch, so all in all i give it high regard, and recommend it.

I remember reading this novel at school in the UK and was curious to see what it would give on film ! The result was globally very positive. A careful look at the credits will show that it was actually made in one of the Welsh National Parks ... it did look far too mountainous to be Exmoor ! Although he film clocks in at about 2hrs and 22 mins, I didn't find it long at all, indeed another hour or so wouldn't have done any harm. There's never a dull moment ... between the beautiful countryside ..... the suspense of the plot ........the physical beauty of the actors, and especially Lorna Doone herself ..... the beautiful music score .... the whole thing is a very interestingly packaged product.

This is an English film, from the BBC. Why it can only be found in the USA God alone knows. Sold in Other European Countries, with appropriate subtitles, I'm sure it would have larger than reasonable success. People just don't know about it. The picture quality of the DVD is excellent. The DVD does not have subtitles but indicates something called 'closed captions' ( which I took to be subtitles but which obviously aren't ). What they are, I have no idea as they don't appear on my TV !!!!

I would therefore recommend this to all who like good old English novels of the THomas Hardy kind etc etc. Although the DVD cannot be found in Europe, I think it may exist on VHS and is definitely screened from time to time on UK television.

"The year is 1675. England is threatened by religious and political rivalries. King Charles II's Catholic brother, James, is next in line for the throne, but many Protestants put their faith in Charles' Illegitimate son, The Duke of Monmouth. On the king's death, conflict is inevitable...

Over seven days journey from London, Exmoor is a primitive and lawless area. Here, farmer Jack Ridd lives with his wife Sarah, son John, and two daughters. The only shadow over their simple life is cast by the notorious outlaw family the Doones. The aristocratic Doones were banished from their ancestral lands and now live through looting, theft, and murder. Their brutality is legendary..."

Set against the lavish and lonely expanse of the moors, this epic of "star-crossed lovers, unbridled greed, dark secrets, and ruthless ambitions" is a stirring and intensely romantic story for both classes... those who enjoy the action and intensity of war and revenge, and the lovers of period drama with wholesome messages and uplifting truths.

The story is set in a time of uncertainty in England, while the King lies on his deathbed, and the future of the country is left in the hands of divided politicians. Some believe that the rightful heir, a Catholic, should resume the throne, while others fight for the king's illegitimate son, who is a confirmed Protestant.

Enter John Ridd, a young farmer's boy determined to avenge his father's death, at the hands of the notorious outlaw family, the Doones. Spurned by the Doones, who continue to torment the west country, John must take a backseat for his revenge. But as time passes, he becomes aquatinted by a beautiful young stranger, Lorna... and finds himself falling under her dark spell.

Part Romeo & Juliet, part revenge, and part just plain romance, Lorna Doone very swiftly became an all-time favorite of mine. Gorgeous countryside, an equally haunting soundtrack, and stirring lines are only the backdrop for the acting itself. Amelia Warner glows as Lorna, as she finds true love, and flees from the terrors of her vengeful cousin, Carver (Adian Gillen, who is a true villain - seductive, charming, and deadly). Richard Coyle rounds out the threesome with his marvelous portrayal of the shy and yet passionate John Ridd.

Rent it - buy it - see it. I would have gladly spent $7.50 time and time again to see this in the theaters, but alas, this magnificent drama was banished to A&E. Thank heavens for video & DVD - you can't just see it once. This is another classic just waiting to happen... and a must-see for all lovers of period romance in general.