Maria Antonietta

I was somewhat surprised by this series. Initially I was expecting something a lot more fanciful, but it worked for me. I will admit that I haven't taken time to find out how historically accurate the drama is, but other reviewers seem to suggest that isn't that fantastical. The early episodes did need a pinch of make believe magic, as the actors were clearly a not the prepubescents they were playing, but by episode 4 it became more plausible. Their young love blossomed. The filming is excellent, as is the editing, the writing, and the acting. As an entertainment, I can't fault it! I sure I'm now going to take some time to explore all of this history in greater detail.

This is the best period drama I've come across in a long time. A lot of effort has gone into the hair, makeup and costumes and it shows. Even the quality of cinematography is super high.

Marie Antoinette is likeable in this series and comes across as vulnerable at many times which makes her a lot more relatable. I couldn't care about the historical inaccuracies. The storytelling is what's brought me and kept me here.

I've watched many shows with a horridly slower pace. This isn't one of them. It's at a perfect pace that isn't too chaotic or too slow to make you lose interest.

If I wanted it to be 100% factual, I'd watch a documentary.

For the sake of Austria, Marie Antoinette is sent to marry The Dauphin, and faces the prospect of becoming The Queen of France, she faces many obstacles in her way.

A truly captivating series from start to finish, I've not enjoyed The BBC's historicals quite as much in recent years, the focus hasn't always been where it should, this however is magnificent.

Visually jaw dropping, it's a lavish production, with incredible visuals, sets, costumes and locations are all flawless.

Every episode has something to offer, you really do see Marie's journey, sadly we all know how this one ends.

Emilia Schüle and Louis Cunningham are equally captivating in their respective roles, she is dazzling, alluring and provocative, he is reserved and subtle, yet strong, the pair combine superbly. James Purefoy is terrific as King Louis.

If you were going to be a little picky, you could say that maybe some of the dialogue was a little ... unexpected let's say, Joseph for example, wonderful, but I'm not sure the script was fitting, it's a minor quo blue though, and perhaps the only criticism I can make.

Roll on Series 2.

9/10.

This should not be categorized as Biography but Romance Drama History. It is almost complete fiction. As someone who actually reads history books, I had to suspend all disbelief to enjoy it. And so I did once I accepted its true nature. One must understand that when dealing with history, there are facts. Take this as fiction and enjoy the production design, the cinematography, the costumes, the hair and makeup and most of all Emilia Schüle's joyful and effervescent perfomance!

I also enjoyed the other actors, James Purefoy is brilliant as the "lecherous" Louis XV and Jonas Bloquet as Joseph II is fun to watch. The fact that France had heavy participation in producing this and the state allowed filming at Versailles, says a lot. Not many get that privilege.

I binge watched this series and it was entertaining enough, the acting was good, the plots against Marie Antoinette were fun. I did feel as though the last episode didn't really need to be made, the series could have ended on episode seven and I would have looked forward to a season two far more. I started watching it thinking it would end with her demise (as in real life) but this series does not go anywhere near as far. If it is real history you're after, then this isn't it and you're better off getting the history books out. So I'm not sure I will be bothering with series two now, it appears that is going to focus more on relationships between MA and different men or women that are close to her which I think will be quite boring. Should have stopped at 7 episodes.