Reviews

I feel that the John Adams mini-series is the best drama that HBO has ever produced. The realism of life in the American colonies bursts forth in the first episode of the series, and much attention was given to even the smallest detail. The costumes are superb, and technical crew did a fine job with s studio scenery. The outdoor camera work is excellent, and the storyline stays true to its historical relevance. However, I feel that the best thing about this production is the casting. Each actor is perfect for their perspective roles. David Morse brings General George Washington to life in a most impressive manner and Paul Giamatti's performance in the lead role is absolutely impeccable. Kudos to Tom Hooper for his direction and dramatic effect, as this is film at its very finest. Another noteworthy performance is Laura Linney in the role of Abigail Adams. I have purchased the mini-series and will watch it again and again .. to remind myself of the obstacles that our forefathers had to overcome in order to successfully form the only nation ever founded upon the principles of God-given rights and individual liberty, not as a true democracy, but as a constitutional representative republic (assisted by Divine Providence).

I must say that Max Von Sydow is one of my favorite actors, and now two of his films (the other being "The Greatest Story Ever Told") have made the list of my favorite movies in life. I'm not a foreign film aficionado by any means, but this picture by Bille August is a genuine masterpiece. The two lead characters, Lasse (played by Sydow) and his boy Pelle emigrate from Sweden to Denmark in search of a better life. Pelle is only 12 years old, and his father is now an old man .. a widower of three years. They sail to their new life in a new country, and immediately they are met with prejudice and uncertainty as they disembark. Trying to find work, Lasse and his boy (as a last resort) are hired on as indentured cowhands. The work is hard, and their new life is fraught with turmoil, but they persevere in order to survive.

The casting in this movie is just about perfect, and there is a character Erik, a malcontent on the farm's labor force that tells Pelle he will "conquer the world" someday .. planting the same vision in the boy's mind. The dramatic turns in this film, some expected and some surprising, shows the remarkable talents of Bille August, as he also wrote the screenplay. The performance by the farm's cruel foreman is also noteworthy.

The movie is wonderful, cinematic excellence, and the exceptional camera work capturing the Danish island's coastline is breathtaking, whichever season being filmed. However, the best thing about this picture is Sydow's superb performance. He captures the struggle, disappointments, frailties and sorrows of a man whose dreams are shattered as he tries his best to protect his son from the harshest realities of life. I highly recommend this film to anyone, and the dialogue was such that I didn't feel like I had to "endure" the English subtitles. I loved it, and will purchase the DVD.

I've been watching British TV since first viewing the film "Waking Ned Devine" in 1998. This particular series I've found to be about the best thing on television either side of the Atlantic. The beautiful village of Port Isaac on the Cornwall coast is where the series is filmed, and the characters are superb. I have had a subscription to Acorn TV for many years, primarily to watch Doc Martin. While the pilot (2-hour) movie is somewhat different, it nonetheless gives you a good background introduction to the series. Doc Martin is a doctor employed by the National Health Ministry, and he has a phobia that comes forth when he sees the sight of blood. This premise in itself can be comical. Though Doc Martin is considered a comedy series, there are also dramatic elements incorporated withing the show as well. The series is packed with the most eccentric and quirky characters, and all of them exhibit their own human frailties at times. Casting is superb. I advise a new viewer to begin watching the first series episodes in order, as the actors in the film slowly develop their characters. I've watched every single episode, and the series finale in the ninth series leaves you with the impression that the show may be over. I've never been so fond of a television series in my life, but if Doc Martin ends, I shall almost feel as if part of my family have been severed from my life. The actor portraying Doc Martin Ellingham is Martin Clunes, and this is absolutely the perfect role for him. I hope they continue the series in the future. As a final note, the tourism industry (before the corona virus pandemic) in the village of Port Isaac had surged by at least 10 percent because of Doc Martin. I myself were anticipating planning a trip to England, mainly to play golf and to see the beautiful coast there. Great stuff indeed !!