Scarlet and Black

There is a great benefit to a story being filmed in the original language in which it was written. This is the case with the 1997 version, "The Red and the Black." I always thought it very strange when a film is about a town in France, full of...well French people, the actors in the film are Brits speaking English! But, in the case of the 1993, "The Scarlet and the Black," I make an exception. THIS is the CLASSIC version of Stendahl's story by which all others should be judged. The reason of course is young Ewan McGregor's portrayal of Julian Sorel. McGregor is able to communicate such passionate emotions-all the confusion, stubborn ignorance, fear and love of the young Julian Sorel. McGregor transfixes the viewer with his beautifully emotive eyes and face.

The chemistry between McGregor and Krige is palpable. Even though I knew it wouldn't end well, I was truly routing for these two! It's a story you will want to watch many times over and still find yourself crying at the end.

In the last decade or so I have begun to think that the BBC has lost its finer edge in making its own productions. However in `Scarlet and Black' the BBC has once again shown it can make some of the best TV material to be found anywhere in the world. And much credit, of course, must go to Ben Bolt.

With just about the best cinematography imaginable, this adaptation of Stendhal's wonderful novel `Rouge et Negre' almost beggars belief. The sets, costumes are perfect, sumptuous. Among TV productions, perhaps only `Queen' (qv) comes anywhere near rivalling this magnificent BBC period piece drama – I do not add `romantic' as that is too trite.

Excellent story-line is well backed up by an extraordinary cast which was evidently inspired for this production. Personally I might have chosen another actor instead of Ewan McGregor for the part of Julien Sorel, but perhaps this opinion is merely tainted by other viewings of this young Scotsman, for example in `Trainspotting'. However, having said that, by no means does he upset anything or anybody in the development of a very complicated story.

I thoroughly recommend this TV film, and also suggest you compare with `La Reine Margot' (qv) with Isabelle Adjani, Virna Lisi and Asia Argento (to put the ladies first) and Daniel Auteuil, Jean-Hugues Anglade, Vincent Perez and Claudio Amendola (The Mission, Nostromo).

It's a long time since I saw this and cannot really believe that it was 1993...

However, it was very enjoyable and played as a classic romp - watch out for Ewan's ladder!

Recommended.

I'm not usually attracted to BBC dramas. That tends to be something I find more suitable for my mother, but being a recent Ewan McGregor fan, I was intrigued by this series. I find it quite entertaining with excellent acting. The story is about Julien Sorel's journey through his young adulthood. He goes through his life imagining himself being mentored by Napoleon, and he "conquers" his love interests as the world presents challenges for Julien's love affairs. Alice Krige and McGregor have a wonderful chemistry together. I like the tension in Rachel Weisz's and McGregor's chemistry because it alarms the audience of the danger this woman could lead to. I enjoyed this love affair show more than most because it also makes aside comments on religion, politics, and upper class versus lower class. I would definitely recommend this movie even to people who don't believe they could enjoy a "costume drama."

In my old COLLEGE days, reading this novel for my degree in French, WAS A MUST... but this TV SERIES IS SO MUCH EASIER AND FUN. Accurate enough to pass the test, but as usual, nothing beats the paper and ink thing.

Encourages any one to go buy the book and read it, and discover more about French culture, literature and way of life. It will also make a very good invitation for your next trip to Paris. Way out better that the Da Vinci thing so much in Fade now.

I recommend this for parents of young, quiet, but very intelligent men. It is inspiring, and teaches well: What goes around, comes around: Most of the Time with earnings!