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Comparisons between the 60s version of this splendid work and the latest one are difficult because they were both great. I have really enjoyed the last version especially as regards the performances of Damian Lewis and Gina McKee.

One previous contributor said that he found himself almost liking Soames which 'we were not supposed to do'. Is that right? Galsworthy intended The Forsytes to be representative of the upper middle class with some bad aspects - arrogance, lack of sentiment, conscious always of their respectability - but also with a positive side - sturdy, determined, ambitious, but ultimately concerned with ownership and property. Soames is an extreme example of his kind, to the extent that he regards people - especially his wife - as potential property. Irene, on the other hand, represents the new force which, along with the effects of WWI and the rise of the Welfare State, nationalisation etc will soon overthrow the old order.

Superficially at least, Soames is the villain. He appears to terrorise his wife, physically abuses her and more. However, is there another side to this? Irene marries him quite cynically for materialistic reasons. It's not merely a question of 'not loving' him. He positively makes her flesh creep right from the start. We are given the idea that she is forced to marry him by her stepmother and by her poverty. Force her?? As the story goes forward, we see that she is a strong character - no-one can force her to do anything. Her poverty? She has £50 per annum from her father. This might not seem a lot, but it was about what an artisan earned in a year at that time (on which he was expected to keep a family). Despite his treating her as property, Soames does love Irene in his way and he does try his best to give her what she wants. In return she is openly unfaithful to him, denies him children and even conjugal rights. As regards his bad treatment of her, she certainly returns the compliment in kind. She could be looked on as something of a vampire - she sucks the life force from Soames and old Jolyan and wantonly destroys the happiness of her friend June and Bossiney (though admittedly he goes along willingly). As regards her own son her hatred of Soames tempers her dislike of Fleur so even her son is badly affected by her force of character and neurosis.

I think Galsworthy, as well as writing a simple commentary on Edwardian and Victorian life was also trying to divide his readers into factions - the pro-Soames camp who like the old ways, and the pro-Irene (the 'new woman' camp) who wanted change.

Whatever, I have to congratulate Gina McKee. She carried off that complex character of Irene so well. Her enigmatic Mona Lisa smile, did it display goodness? Or the opposite? I'm still not sure

I had never heard of The Forsyte Saga before seeing the mini-series but I enjoyed it so much that I bought the novel, and isn't that really what these adaptations of novels are all about- trying to interest people enough to read the book the movie was based on? I'm glad this version wasn't completely true to the novel considering that so many of the characters in the novel are either underdeveloped or so enigmatic that it's hard to have any kind of feelings about them.It was a stroke of genius to develop Dartie and George into the two jokers of the family, who provide light entertainment when the plot gets a little dark. In defense of Gina McKee, I think the choice to cast her as Irene was a wise one. I can't think of any other actress today who has such an elegant, classy beauty without being "showy" about it and I thought her characterization of Irene was true to how she is portrayed in the book, considering that Galsworthy deliberately made Irene a very shadowy, unreachable figure. Ioan Gruffudd, who, with his dark good looks just seems to be made for these lavish period pieces, was his usual dashing and charming self playing "The Buccaneer" and the rest of the cast put in a fine performance. While I admit these costume drama mini-series aren't to everyone's taste, you can not doubt the painstaking hard work put in by all involved that makes them a cut above the rest.

I truly enjoyed this mini-series. I felt that Damian Lewis' portrayal of Soames was truly award-winning. After seeing him in other roles (most notably Band of Brothers), I am even more impressed with his range. I also don't agree with those who felt that the Irene' should have been played by a "prettier" actress. I felt that Gina McKee's true beauty was exposed once you looked at the person inside, exactly as Irene's was. I would recommend this to anyone!

I have not seen the original film or read the book, so I have a fresh perspective on this version of The Forsyte Saga. It is a brilliantly acted, emotionally stirring film. Damian Lewis is outstanding. He brings such intense emotions to the character of Soames. I don't know if it's the character but I like to think it's his acting that makes you almost feel sorry for this man. How can you feel sorry for someone who, on the surface can be so cruel? Well, that is the genius of Damian Lewis! He brings such passion to the complex character of Soames that you can't stop watching it! He expresses so realistically the repressed emotions of the character. I feel that is what makes this film so moving, it's so human. The film displays w/such heartache(thanks to the acting) the struggles and human complexities of individuals forced to stay within the expectations of their repressed society. The actors effectively display how the characters desperately need & want love and acceptance, but don't have a clue how to obtain it, although some do find love eventually. I definitely recommend this film to anyone who likes period type/costume dramas which showcases brilliant acting. And if you don't know Damian Lewis, this is an excellent introduction to his work!

This second installment lives up to the expectations created by the first series and by the novel itself - To Let. We meet again, with much pleasure, the magnificent cast of the first series (D. Lewis as Soames stands out) and discover the choices that have been made to cast the 4 new main characters : Fleur and Jon Forsyte, Prosper Profound, and Michael Mont. I found the 4 of them to be nearly-ideally suited to their part. May be the actor playing Jon lacked a little bit of brilliance, but he showed a lot of sensibility and looked a lot like his "mother", Irene. The story unfolds with relentlessness but there are also many moving, or funny moments. The films is really faithful to the tone of Galdsworthy and is, all in all, a magnificent achievement. it is as good as the first series, and may be even better. At the end of the 4th episode, we are really sorry to have to wait for the next episodes of the saga, and the lives of Fleur and Michael Mont. Highly recommended to fans of British top quality literary drama.

The first series was so well wrought that I rushed out to buy the books, a set of three trilogies! As did the first, this second series brings the characters and story lines to life as though Galsworthy himself crafted the script. Once again, we trace the intertwined lives of Soames, Irene, Jolyon and their families as they mature and branch out. Damien Lewis builds upon his masterful portrayal of Soames, an emotionally repressed man bound by Victorian conventions, whilst others around him, including the irrepressible Freddie, enjoy the heady excitement of the decidedly unstuffy post-war era. I found most characters "aged" convincingly, although time, if not her fashionable appearance, seems to have stood still for June who now looks about the same age as her much younger sister, Holly. Overall, the continuity between the first and second series has been handled well. Much of the action in the books has been condensed whilst still remaining true to the plot (the same things happen, just not as drawn out). I am really enjoying the new characters who have been introduced: Jon, Fleur, Prosper Profond and Michael Mont. The actors are well cast and have done a marvellous job; the audience really cares what happens to them, regardless of whether we like them or not. None is all bad or all good, and we recognise our own human virtues and frailties in reflection.

A remake of the 1967 original, the 2002 mini-series boasts some fine performances, especially from Band of Brothers' Damian Lewis as the often unfeeling Soames Forsyte, and Gillian Kearney as June Forsyte (the graveyard scene between these two characters is superb!)

The story follows three generations of the Forsyte family, from about the 1880s to the death of Queen Victoria. There is a nice blend of humour, action, and drama to keep the viewer interested in the proceedings. If you're like me and into family sagas, I recommend watching this, or, if you can't, reading the book by John Galsworthy.

I came across "The Forsyte Saga" and its sequel, "The Forsyte Saga: To Let," in my local library. It was the sequel that I had watched first, not realizing there had been a mini-series made prior to this. THE FORSYTE SAGA is an utterly brilliant film, in my opinion, ranging from the exceptional performances of the actors (notably Rupert Graves, Damian Lewis, Gina McKee, Gillian Kearney, & Corin Redgrave), to the screenplay, to the cinematography, to the music (closing theme). The actors executed their portrayals with such realism that I was engrossed in the mindsets of the major players in the film. Such performances are refreshing in the movie industry, as one loses sight of the actors for the "characters." The plot was very good and well written; as such, the movie never seemed to drag. For me, this drama evoked powerful emotions ranging from: deep sorrow & loss (Old Jolyon), to empathy & sympathy, and even a few moments of unexpected humour. I kept wanting more. All in all, this miniseries shows us many injustices, and that dignity, integrity, goodness, and compassion can prevail. If you can set aside an afternoon or long evening to relax and watch the miniseries in one sitting, it will be worth savouring. I hope others find THE FORSYTE SAGA to be a pleasure to watch. I certainly plan to add the DVD set in my film library soon.

At 65 years of age I have seen my share of movies and plays and I would have to say that this series is simply one of the, if not THE best productions I have ever had the pleasure of viewing. From camera work, through scripting, through character development it was simply beyond compare. The acting was of a level seldom encountered these days, or for that matter, any other days. Against this drama the threadbare nature of much of what today passes as entertainment is painfully evident.

I can't for the life of me understand why Damien Lewis and others were not immediately catapulted into the highest regions of recognition.

If it gets any better than this I've yet to experience it and I'm not holding my breath.

BRAVO!

This is the sequel to the previous year's mini series, The Forsyte Saga, based on John Galsworthy's novel. It continues on with the dramatic lives of the younger generation of Forsytes, namely the forbidden romance between Fleur and Jon. Fleur is the daughter of Soames Forsyte, and Jon the son of Soames's former wife, Irene. Once again scandal, secrets, and deception dominate the tale. Like its predecessor, this saga has beautiful English scenery, finely furnished country manors, and lovely period costumes.

The story is interesting, though I personally find Fleur not a sympathetic heroine at all but instead totally self absorbed, deceptive, and manipulative. Jon is much more appealing, a young man with a deep love and respect for his parents. From their first encounter at an art gallery, the lovely & spoiled Fleur has made up her mind to have Jon for herself. Naturally their ill advised love affair opens up all the old wounds between Soames and Irene. In addition to Fleur and Jon, there is a likable third party to the love triangle... Michael Mont, who also vies for Fleur's affections. Essentially the conniving Fleur uses poor Michael for her own selfish purposes.

Actually, the most compelling part of the story for me remains the unfolding lives of the older generation, Soames and Irene. Soames is now wed to the unfaithful French Annette, and Irene is happily married to Jolyon. Especially given the drama with their offspring, will Soames ever be rid of his obsession with Irene, the wife who never loved him and is now married to another?

I can take or leave some historical dramas but The Forsyte Saga had me hooked. The series was a sumptuous delight and I will miss my Sunday night's viewing.

The story was brought to life wonderfully, with great direction, amazing costumes and brilliant acting. The real gem of the series was Damian Lewis and his portrayal of Soames was second to none. Also worthy of mention were Gina McKee and Rupert Graves, as Irene and Young Jolyon respectively. These three actors are among the best in Britain.

To anybody who has an interest in British Society at the end of the 19th Century, this is for you.

I will be very glad when the second series is shown, and I can only hope that it will be as good as the unforgettable first.

The screenwriter has once again decided to rewrite the story. Read the book (actually books) to find out all the differences. For example, in the book the governess leaves on her own & refuses any extra pay, Young Jolyon is seen visiting her flat & the gossip starts - that's when Jolyon's wife and father first learn anything is going on. The changes go on and on. If you have ever seen the 1967 version, it would be hard to beat Eric Porter as Soames.

The Forsyte Saga is one of the best television series I have ever seen. Besides a great story line, the film is perfectly cast! What a difference casting makes. Watch it and see if you agree with me. The actors in this series were just superb. I fell a little in love with the poor but handsome architect Phillip Bossiney, played by "Ione Gruffed," to perfection and who is struggling to make a name for himself. Rupert Graves was effective playing the artistic young Joylon who became an outcast in the Forsyte family for leaving his wife and child for the woman he truly loved. Corin Redgrave gave a memorable performance as old Jolyon, a character I disliked at first, but who became my favorite character by the end of the film. Damien Lewis, who played Soames Forsyte..a man obsessed with his beautiful wife, was great in the part. Gina McKee was perfectly cast as the reserved, but artistic Irene, who married Soames Forsyte because she was pressured into it by her stepmother. She has the kind of beauty that was prized back in that era of time, with her rich black hair and beautiful white flawless skin. The story tells everything about the human condition; love,hate, jealousy, revenge, envy, lust,war, wealth, snobbery, power,weakness, strength, obsession,infidelity, opulence, poverty...it has it all. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this film to the utmost. I wish there were more movies like this one. I loved every single minute of it. If I had to give one Oscar out for only one actor in this film, it would definitely go to Damian Lewis.

I just finished watching the Series One of the Forsyte saga and I must say I liked it. It has a good picture, realistic and exquisite backgrounds, costumes, everything. I don;t know if so it was intended but i HATED IRENE who in my opinion is nowhere near beautiful and somehow this way in which she is presented is quite strange, being shown as an outstanding beauty when in fact she isn't, also the way characters gravitate around her is not convincing at all. Soames on the other hand is very well played, he is very real I would say, the realest of them all. I recommend this movie if you like the epoque feeling and romantic stories.

"The Forsyte Saga" traces several generations of the monied upper-middle class English Forsyte family from the mid-Victorian period into the 20th century. The 6 hour miniseries immerses itself in all of the usual family affairs from feuds to alliances to romances to marriages to births and deaths, etc. all wrapped in the Victorian social ethos. The backbone of the saga is the bifurcation of lineage from two patriarch brothers Forsyte in general and the enduring obsession of one, Soames Forsyte (Lewis), an intense and inscrutable solicitor, for a beautiful woman in particular. A sort of elegant Victorian soap opera, "The Forsyte Saga" captures the period well and fleshes out interesting and wholly believable characters with depth, color, and passion. Well worth a look by anyone into films about families or Victorian familial dramas such as "The Governess" or "Sense and Sensibility". (A)