Why so much hype?

Sadly Over-hyped

From my favorite movies..

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

I've not seen Downton Abbey, so am unaware of how this rather stoic British drama with hints of the supernatural compares to director Julian Fellowes other creation. What I can tell you though, is that it is a professionally mounted film with a cast of well-known British thespians acting in parts that you know were made for them, like pieces in a jigsaw.The society of the latter days of World War 2 is handsomely recreated, even if it is just relegated to one house. The X-Files style plot elements feel a bit half-baked, and sometimes it feels so dry you'll start craving for a glass of water. These are just minor quibbles, though. It all comes to a head with a series of revelations at the conclusion... Which may even make the weak-willed among you reach for your hankies.Not this cat, though. I would never fall for something so corny *Frantically hides his copy of Braveheart* 6/10

When I saw the writer/director was Julian Fellowes, and the cast included his 'Downton' alumni Hugh Bonneville and the ever fabulous Maggie Smith, not to mention such great British actors as Dominic West(of 'The Wire'fame) and Pauline Collins ('Shirley Valentine' herself)and the perennially interesting Timothy Spall (Secrets & Lives) it seemed that all the omens were good....For me though it only went to show that success as a writer does not automatically translate into success as a Director. The great writer was unable to let go of the desire to tell the story as if it were being 'read'. Everything was articulated (Pauline Collins character at one point almost iterating her own movements out loud ('I think i will just move this cup from her'...we know, we can see you moving the cup!).The juvenile 'slave' character had an absurdly modern American accent (and a rather refined one for such a character) and only Maggie Smith seemed able to rise above the poor direction (naturally). The story idea has merit, but for Ghost story it lacked atmosphere, and the language was clunky. The characters were often stereotypical and one dimensional, no wonder this movie disappeared as soon as it was released!

This is a film that would easily have been made 40 years ago - that it was made now is remarkable. I never read the book upon which it was based so I came to it on its own merits - and it stood more than just well. This is a film to be savored like a fine wine - it has rich nuances. There is so much that is good about it - from writing and acting to photography and set design.It is an atmospheric film. Beautifully captured - the two time periods are both portrayed in evocative detail. The mood for 1941 feels iconic but real - like it would have been - in memory - quiet, all in muted wintry grays with the detail of the house and its rooms presented to the eye like paintings. By contrast, 1811 has a warm and vivid lushness like a dream. Fascinating choices.Beautifully acted - of exceptional note is Maggie Smith. Hugh Bonneville gives a wonderful performance as Captain Oldknow. I found the marital relationship between the Captain and his foreign wife, as acted by Hugh Bonneville and Carice van Houten, as his wife Maria, intriguing. Made me wonder about how that relationship was portrayed in the book. Pauline Collins and Timothy Spall and Dominic West all excellent, as are the actors playing the children. Well done all round.This film made me curious about the book. In fact, I will likely read the book now.

I put off watching this film for a long time because of the 6/10 IMDb rating and because it seemed like one of those films you 'need to be in the mood for'.Well, it is but when you are in the mood for a good story then watch this film because the overall experience is well worth it. Technically and visually the film is successful (i.e. cinematography, location, costumes etc.) but it was the story itself that kept me interested. I am not sure if the success of the film is owed to the book it was adapted from or if the script added anything but the story was really engaging.The funny and tragic moments never felt forced or embellished and the actors were extremely committed and convincing.I am not a viewer who knows too much about the film making process so the most I can comment on really is that whilst the ending was rather predictable I was happy I had watched the film and would highly recommend it to others.I hope the IMDb rating increases as it easily deserves 8/10