The Impressionists

The exacting, faithful detail of the artists portrayed is a clear statement of love and admiration for Monet, Manet, Renoir, et al. My hat is off to BBC for having gone full-in. The lighting and sensitivity to future masterpieces in progress are brilliantly crafted. It was engaging and informative and shed light (that word) on aspects of the artists' lives my own reading had not provided. Here's an occasion I feel the big screen would have failed. These three precious hours of intimacy are a benchmark BBC should be proud of. I am amazed here in Greater Vancouver not to have heard of this production, seen it advertised on local TV or coming soon to PBS. I stumbled upon it on the shelves of movies in my community library in Coquitlam BC. Bravo!

I'll say first that I loved art of any kind but paintings of the masters are the most enjoyable and the Impressionist period and the Impressionist artists are the cream of the crop for me. It does not end there. Monet is one of three at the very pinnacle.

I found this mini series to be refreshingly accurate and pleasant to watch as well. By dramatizing the life of some of the French painters that created the many various facets of the impressionist movement. Although several who were also present in Paris at the same time are not brought into this piece (such as Pizarro) we do get a good look at the close relationships some had.

What I really enjoyed was the lighting and composition of the scenes - many set in such a way that they seem to be living pieces of art. It was easy to understand how light and shadow and color was more interesting to these artists than form and pose of earlier masters.

If you love art, especially the late 1800's to 1900's you will enjoy this BBC series.

I found this a very honest and accurate account of the Impressionist Painters. As it says at the beginning: This is a true story and is based on letters & interviews. Having read a great deal about the painters, I did hear several bits of dialog that rang true. I'm sure there's the odd liberty here and there. The film primarily focuses on Monet, Manet, Degas, Renior, Cezane, and Bazille. However, being a woman I really wish they had included, even if in passing, a bit on the contributions of Morisot & Cassatt. Still, A very enjoyable 3 part series. Beautifully filmed and some very good acting. (and Richard Armitage is just lovely to look at!) DVD also includes an extra biography of Monet.

What an absolute delight to see - this excellent production is a real feast for the eyes.

It was as if all their beautiful paintings were there to walk right into. The colours,the vibrancy,the scenery and the lovely music - delicious. I never watch things twice but this will be an exception. A memorable and very emotional production,especially when you think how they struggled and the colossal prices paid now. If only they had known. A visual feast I am delighted to have experienced. It was as if all the familiar paintings of that time were in a passing parade causing smiles, nods and sometimes gasps of recognition. Congratulations to everyone involved. Thank you.

This is most certainly NOT a drama but a documentary about some impressionists. Nowhere did I see any of the actors listed. Instead we are lectured at by a boring host. If this isn't your cup of tea, don't waste your time.