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Lorna Doone [2000] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
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Our Price: £8.33 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
The BBC dished up Lorna Doone as its classic costume drama for Christmas 2000 and served its source material well. R. D. Blackmore's novel of dangerous times and inter-clan warfare on Exmoor during the time of the Monmouth Rebellion is highly romantic. At its centre is the ongoing war between John Ridd (Richard Coyle), the yeoman with a noble heart, and Carver Doone, the reckless young leader of the outlawed family who murdered Ridd's father. Aside from their familial enmity, they are also rival suitors for the hand of the eponymous heroine (a spirited performance from Amelia Warner). The production avoids overkill on the swashbuckling front: the battle scenes are grim and bloody; Lorna herself is cocooned by her family but the Doone clan lives in a bleak, rough encampment with few comforts. And in Aidan Gillan's Carver, we have an anti-hero of extraordinary charisma, driven and ultimately destroyed by his single-minded determination to make Lorna his wife or see her dead. A stirring evening's viewing which offers the good old-fashioned satisfaction of just desserts all round. --Piers Ford
Swashbuckling Stuff!
Review date: 2004-10-15 Rating: 10 out of 10
I'm an unabashed period drama lover, but the BBC's adaptation of Lorna Doone is by far, my favourite. Honestly, I found the book hard work, but the story is much better encapsulated in this production. John Ridd is the son of a farmer, murdered by the Doones, a hated gang of outlaws on Exmoor. John seeks to avenge his father's murderers but in the process falls for beautiful, innocent Lorna Doone, betrothed to the most evil Carver Doone. It's a story of the power of hatred, the strength of love and the journey one family takes to see justice done. The entire cast was perfect, ( I must say, Richard Coyle has a very sexy smile!) and Amelia Warner is Lorna to a T. Here you have swashbuckling excitement, mystery, romance, wit, humour and tragedy teamed with a rugged, misty landscape and a gorgeous soundtrack. BUY IT EVEN IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT- You'll love it.
Similar Products
- Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor (Wordsworth Classics) (Wordsworth Classics)
- Lorna Doone
- Lorna Doone [1990]
Reviews
Enjoyable adaptation
Review date: 2004-05-03 Rating: 8 out of 10
Although it has its flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed this adaptation of R.D. Blackmore's classic novel. The book suffers from being overwritten; here, the intriguing romance which is the heart of "Lorna Doone" is the real focus of the story.
John Ridd falls for the beautiful and mysterious Lorna Doone - the problem being, well - she's a Doone. The Doones are scoundrels, not to mention their being the family responsible for the death of John's father. And they are not likely to be very pleased that a humble country farmer is in love with their aristocratic daughter...
Richard Coyle (best-known as Jeff in the BBC2 series "Coupling" - he is very different here!) makes for an appealing John Ridd and Amelia Warner captures the innocence and uncertainty of Lorna. The plot twists in Blackmore's novel are in fact more effective in this television version, and not having read the book before watching this and so not knowing what was going to happen, I was captivated by the action at the end.
There are a few problems - Martin Clunes (who gets top billing) doesn't really seem to be into his role, and there is a bit of sloppiness, for example, the villain Carver's age isn't very consistent (e.g. compared with Ridd's at crucial points).
Nevertheless, this is enjoyable stuff, not to be taken too seriously as classic drama. It's a good shot at adapting the novel.
Beautiful, romantic and wonderfully haunting music.
Review date: 2001-03-25 Rating: 10 out of 10
I thought this was by far the best video I have seen in a long while. I saw part of it at Christmas and was anxious to see the whole thing. Amelia Warner was perfect as Lorna ( she looked so beautiful at the scene when she attended mass in that red dress!) And Richard Coyle was a fantastic John. Anthony Calf as Tom was well acted & gorgeous. The whole cast are brilliant, their accents were perfect and made the film spellbinding. This is an absoulute MUST for anyone who enjoys period drama and romantic stories. This is truly the love story to beat all others.
Destined to be a classic!!
Review date: 2001-03-23 Rating: 10 out of 10
Finding it hard to sleep last saturday night,I decided to see a little television.I was instantly grabbed by this movie(Lorna Doone).Im a young man in my twenties,and I dont usually find myself in aw of romantic pictures,however this movie is much different.I was mesmerized by the beautiful scenery.I felt terrible I hadnt seen it from the start.Amelia Warner and Richard Coyle did a wonderful job portraying true young love. Heroes and villians,twists and turns this movie has it all.Whatching this film reminds me of all the crazy emotions you go through when your young and in love...wait a minute...Im not that old....ENJOY!!!!!
A beautiful period piece--Richard Coyle is a star!
Review date: 2001-03-18 Rating: 8 out of 10
I scenery was breathtaking and the story was, as always, beautiful and heart-stirring. All of the actors did a fine job; however, I especially enjoyed Richard Coyle's phenomenal performance. Bravo!
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Anthony Calf
Richard Coyle
Amelia Warner
Aidan Gillen
Martin Clunes
Director(s):
Recording label: A&E Home Video
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
EAN: 9780767036269
Binding: DVD
ISBN: 0767036263
Number of items: 1
Format: Colour, DVD-Video, NTSC,
Release date: 2001-05-29
Universal product code (UPC): 733961702248
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Region code: 1
Running time: 150 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2001-03-11
Language: English (Original Language)