Amazing acting, great fun, great history, intriguing
583363
This is my favorite adventure game, ever.  Such intrigue and so much history.  You will enjoy this so much, but it takes tenacity to get it to run on newer computers.  Don't give up...it's worth it!!!!!  (...and, it IS possible!))0
128668
Irrespective of its historical accuracy (I have yet to even check or read the book), this is one of the most remarkable pieces of historical theatre I have ever seen.  The acting, the set designs, the costuming, the storylines, the storytelling, the dialogue....all superb and rare.  This is extraordinary television based on just a few of the extraordinary people who created my extraordinary nation.
4561287
Initially, I thought this program looked incredibly boring until one night my husband and I decided to give it our "ten minute test," (we watch a movie or television show for about ten minutes and if we aren't hooked, we don't waste any more time with it). Not only were we caught up in the stories, but had to watch one program after another, averaging about three every night until we got completely caught up.  The acting is superb, the directing, writing, historical research is all, as they say, "spot on." This show is ANYthing but boring!
We feel as if we've been swept up into a different time period--a little like taking a vacation...I'm not kidding.  Here we were learning all sorts of marvelous, historical things and had only set out to be entertained.
The only drawback I could possibly imagine is that two of the "villains" seemed to simply be vicious, evil people and one dimensional for a while there, but then most people who behave badly don't often appear to be more on the outside, either.
Watching Downton Abbey truly is like walking in to a time machine--but be forewarned, if you watch the first show you'll want to see all the rest!
2048713
With limited time for recreation in my schedule, I carefully vet my viewing opportunities.  This program was definitely not a waste of my time.  It was lovingly researched, from the opening [newly written] music, the costuming, colloquialisms, the medical practices (bloodletting! pox "vaccination"!), ships, artillery, and many other historical vignettes (slaves clearing the land for the White House landscaping, etc.), to the food and cosmetics worn by the French court.  I haven't done any research to verify the accuracy of all of these factors, but it sure looks real to me.  Add to that the excellent acting and directing (nice camera work, too).  My only complaint is the universally low volume of John Adam's dialogue throughout the series (no, I do not suffer from hearing loss).  I had to turn down the volume for the music and war scenes, and always turn it up for Adams' dialogue...oh, well, you can't have perfection.
3327786
From the very beginning of the film, I was struck by the vivid depictions of London life in the late 16th century.  I felt it was all so real, I was transported through time.
The actors are all wonderful, especially  Gwyneth Paltrow, and the screenwriters didn't miss a thing;  the story is  so tight and well-polished and has a thorough knowledge of Shakespeare.  It's a wonderful film, but don't knock it if you haven't seen it.
4441454
When I first heard about this program, I initially wasn't very excited, and feared it might be boring. I'm happy to say that I was most certainly wrong. This show is extraordinary. It does things with biographical narrative that few other documentaries achieve. There is a level of minute detail that is unmatched and extraordinary, and it moves at a pace slow enough that I can fully digest the richness of Shakespeare. The show's narration is extraordinary, and while it does challenge the viewer at times, it is always exciting to re-watch and re-listen.

I must admit, I have not finished the series. I am currently watching episode two and taking in the subtle nuances of the narrator's various passions for Shakespeare. He definitely seems like he would have wanted to be Shakespeare's friend back if he were were alive in that time. His extraordinary passion for Shakespeare is unmatched, and it was and is honestly inspiring to watch.

The inter-cut performances of Shakespeare are extraordinary, and they really liven up the slower-paced (though interesting) sections. This show really seems to go for a "slow-burn" aproach of delivering its information, which due to the high amount of "seemingly mundane" details, is a blessing. No stone goes un-turned in this show, no matter how irrelevant or minute it may seem.

Overall I find this documentary to be inconceivably extraordinary, and I would recommend it to anyone...including Shakespeare himself.

-A Fan
1573142
My TiVo recorded this for me, and I have to admit that when I first read the description, my initial reaction was: "boring", and I almost deleted it. But my love of history, English literature, and just plain curiosity induced me to watch it. And I am so glad I did! It was very well done, with lots of scenes done on-site around the world. As it follows the history of the language, I also learned quite a bit about English history itself. In fact, I learned so much just from watching the series, that I was inclined to purchase the Kindle book. I would highly recommend either the video or book to anyone interested in English history, English literature, or just the history of language itself. 5 stars!
1419036
Delightful story, great acting, lots of character development, and lots of fun.
4202290
Wonderful acting, the woman who plays Queen Elizabeth did an amazing job portraying such an interesting and strong woman. The story telling was wonderful, and historical accuracy was amazing as well.
2261078
So much attention to detail, fine acting is mesmerizing
167863
If you're a fan (as I am) of costume drama and a student of English history you will LOVE this series!  The acting is superb, the costuming and settings very authentic-looking (except of course that everybody looks way too clean and their teeth are too white and straight), and the scripts are well written and suspenseful.  And this is even tho those of us who know about the War of the Roses know how it all turns out.  I was especially pleased that Richard III wasn't portrayed as the hackneyed Shakespearean monster of yore but instead as the conflicted and complicated individual I'm sure he was.  Plus I think it was a brilliant move to keep us guessing as to who really killed the princes in the Tower.  Buckingham?  Richard himself?  Someone else who was trying to curry either Yorkist or Lancastrian favor?  After almost 550 years, unless some new information gets unearthed, we'll probably never know.
1495143
Excellent acting. Masterful sets and historical settings. Wish there was more
311253
Elizabeth R, brings to the screen the story of Queen Elizabeth I, the woman responsible for transforming England into a major world power.

The setting is England in the 1550's, and King Edward rules the realm having succeeded his father King Henry VIII.  Nevertheless, his health problems will lead to his untimely death and the ascension of Queen Mary to the throne in 1553, only to be followed by Queen Elizabeth in 1558; the rest is pretty much History...

Glenda Jackson, Ronald Hines, and the rest of the cast have truly outdone themselves with their performances, which are exceptional to say the least.  All the actors, without exceptions, give it their 100% and it really shows (the chemistry is AMAZING)!

The clash between England and her adversaries (notably France and Spain) is as fascinating as the conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism.

In addition, the series does a GREAT job of presenting both the queen and the woman in Elizabeth.

The only setback is that Elizabeth R does not provide that much of a balanced examination; it is quite biased against Queen Mary (Elizabeth's half sister), and Mary, Queen of Scots (her cousin), both of whom are presented rather negatively.

The setting, the dialogues, the music and the costumes are all wonderful!

History, Politics, and Intrigue, are all about.

It is a BBC miniseries well worth watching, especially for those with a soft spot for History.
4415422
One of the best historical series available.  Highly entertaining, hard to not binge watch all episodes. I love learning history this way, and from what I have read, it is very accurate.  The acting is very good, and I am pleased that there is not the blood and gore that typically accompanies shows of this era.  I will be sorry when I am through the series.  Where do I go from here?
543168
I missed this show when it was originally telecast. I got it because I am interested in history in general, and the 1920s in particular. Everything works! The staging, costumes and sets, as well as the cars and music are 100% authentic. The development of organized crime in this country is particularly well depicted, from the suave Arnold Rothstein to Luciano and Lansky. One thing I really liked was the development of the characters of Lansky and Luciano from young and brash to older, colder and more lethal.

Acting is so good that it is easy to forget that this is a fictionalized version of history However, this is not for the sensitive or squeamish: the violence is graphic and so is the sex. These things don't trouble me, because they are part of human nature and part of the "Roaring Twenties".

Disc quality is perfect; sound is crisp and clear.

Perfect for binge watching. I suspect a second watching is in the near future, because it is that good!
1903890
Brilliant. Acting, writing, sets and costumes are incredible. Giamatti is one of the great actors and Laura Linney is splendid as Abigail Adams. I couldn't recommend an historical mini series any more highly.
3527647
Though not completely factually correct, this bio-drama was very well done. Only professional historians, and amateur historians like me, would catch the liberties the writers and director took with the facts but I still enjoyed it immensely. The acting, production, scenery, and costuming was exceptional. Everyone involved should be proud of the end result. I highly recommend watching this production from HBO.