Moviegoer19

I thoroughly enjoyed watching The Paradise, again. Not remembering details from the first time, it was fresh and new. I again found it very engaging, thanks to the fine acting, excellent script, and lush visuals. It was a pleasure to both see and hear, even if it was somewhat predictable at times. I suppose one contributing factor to my enjoyment of The Paradise is that my name is Denise. I got chills when some of the male characters, mostly Moray and to a lesser extent Dudley and others said my name with such feeling.

There were several plot twists that worked well. I'm not so sure, however, about the feminist leanings from Denise, who was aware enough to say she'd give up Moray (who is really quite hot, imho) in order to accomplish her professional goals and then to actually have Moray be accepting of her needs. The show is progressive in that sense.

Well, I look forward to watching it in ten years or so for a third time.

While it was difficult to stop watching this dramatization of a true story, it was also difficult to keep watching, given its intensity. I wasn't aware of the crimes that are portrayed so it hit hard.

As many reviewers have said, everything about the show was superb: the acting, the script, the directing, and the photography. All combined to make a riveting TV experience.

There was just one thing that I didn't get and that was why, during the trial, when the defense was talking about murder and attempted murder, did he not emphasize motive? Why didn't he focus on the connection between Ben Field, the con man, getting elderly people to fall in love with him purposely so they'd change their wills to favor him, and then once the wills were changed, he murdered them to get their money and estates? This was implied but never actually stated. I don't know if this omission was particular to the show or if the trial was shown as it actually was.

Anyway, if you enjoy this type of gruesome story, definitely watch this.

... for this film not being very well made. My vote is for the writer of the screenplay. The plot, which is minimal, and the dialogue also can vie for which is worse.

It begins as a successful Irish writer decides to return to Ireland after living in New York City for twenty years. Why does he do this? Is it on a whim? To "confront" his past? As we soon see, his past sucked and that's why he left.

Why did his past suck? His choices, maybe? The pettiness of the town's people? There was nothing very profound or even interesting about this guy's life. Plus, the way he acted, literally, was as dull as a poorly written film can be. His facial expression never changed. I kept trying to figure out if it was his acting or the script. Ultimately, I'd say both.

When there's a threat to the main character of violence and retribution it made little sense, besides confirming the motives for which he left the town in the first place. Ho hum...