Lorna Doone

"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.

I started watching Lorna Doone simply by coming across it on cable television. It had some beautiful scenery, and some good acting, especially the lead character of John Ridd (Richard Coyle)and Lorna Doone (Amelia Warner). Amelia Warner was exceptionally beautiful as Lorna Doone, and John Ridd played out his character of the handsome and honest farm boy who let nothing stand between him and his long love of Lorna Doone. These kind of movies I enjoy, as it places more emphasis on acting and development of the characters coming to life, then a movie with a bunch of special effects. There was plenty of action, to help frame the time period and create the havoc that possibly represented the time period. Costume department did a fair job, at least with the soldiers and lead characters. This movie hit my pleasure receptors in a subtle and unexpected way. Maybe it was looking at beautiful Amelia Warner, that kept me from changing channels. It is a beautiful setting and gave me the same sort of feeling that a movie like "My Secret Garden" did. I liked it quite a bit, and yet, can not explain why--precisely.

Not having television means I miss out on many of the gorgeous adaptations that the BBC features. Thank goodness I have a public library that is well-stocked in DVD classics. Lorna Doone is one such classic I have yet to read, but fully intend to do so after watching this stunning romantic adventure film. I had not realized the film was over two hours long, and I remained rooted to my laptop screen the entire time. I did not expect such a magnificent film. What could have been a predictable Romeo and Juliet tale had enough twists to make it plausible and more than satisfactory.

While the other reviews speak to the plot and applaud the fine acting, I would like to address the authenticity and rapport. There was trueness to the actors, as if they had become the characters. The Ridd family truly seemed to care for another, and displayed genuine family dynamics. The only actors I recognized were Martin Clune who did such an unforgettable portrayal as Mr. Chips, and then there was the soldier who was Mr. Tumnus from Narnia. The principal actors were unknowns to me. Lorna did carry a regal air about her, even when she was thought to be a Doone and not a Lady. John Ridd had the earthy, honest nature of a farmer who had the soul of a poet. The mother was excellent in her ability to see past opinion and look into her children's hearts. I properly loathed the villainous Carver. Slimy and psychopathic, and terribly pathetic, right up to the end.

I can't wait to read the book, because it's rare to find that a movie is better than its written counterpart. This might be the exception...

Lorna Doone was the Victorians all time favourite novel, and it does contain everything a sentimental reader could ask for: love and treachery, revenge and sudden twists, all set against a colourful local and historical background... Today we can't help noticing that the plot contains more holes than a farmer's sieve, but this production covers them up by its drive and opulence, supported by convincing casting and some very good acting. The only discrepancy is Lorna's Estuary English, but as she's so pretty and acts well –

There are times when a story should contain more than just the plot,and the facts.There are things such as mood,tone,and symbolism that add up to make a story more than just a rousing tale.And,due to the lack of an appropriate villain,that's what this adaptation is missing.

"Lorna Doone"is moe than just a story about valorous English rurals fighting an oppressive gang of outlaws.It's also a nostalgic look,seen from the perspective of the Industrial Revolution,at a rustic way of life which has vanished.It's also a positive affirmation of what was referred to,during the Victorian period,as"muscular Christianity."And,it's also the sotry of a gallant,but inarticulate and lonely man's struggle,to find love,and romance with an attractive woman,consumating in a sharing sexual union.

John Ridd,the hero of this work,is a bright,physically strong,but unguided and silent man,whose struggle is at least as much within himself as it is with others.And to symbolize this arduous and difficult journey,her requires a worthy opponent. Carver Doone,therefore,is John's alter-ego,and must provide a dark,Satanic antagonist,of formidable nature and significant evil.John MUST conquer his own shadow personality,as personified by Carver.And,on a more realistic level,Carver must be strong,virile,and physically attractive,as a worthy contender for Lorna's love.

The actor playing Carver,in this production,is certainly evil,vicious,rodent like,and psychopathic.But he lacks grandeur,authority,presence,and that elemental quality to provide a characterization accurate with the book.Sean Bean did a much better job.