Karry Best movie of this year hands down!

FuzzyTagz If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

Rosie Searle 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.

Juana what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

Neil Doyle Gossip is certainly a way of life in CRANFORD where the neighborhood seems to be ruled by ladies who have nothing better to do than arrange marriage proposals or spread misinformed gossip about any new arrival in town--or, for that matter, any new ideas that might endanger the "way of life" in their small universe.As always in all of these British miniseries, the acting is impeccable, the costumes are perfect, the settings have an authentic look, and the color photography captures every scene with uncanny nuances of light and shadow.But upon close examination, the screenplay gives one little time to reflect on the eccentric and very plentiful characterizations. JUDITH DENCH has the biggest responsibility of carrying the personal drama but everyone around her seems equally capable of wringing the most from every scene. MICHAEL GAMBON's scenes with Judith are exquisitely played, with much regret lingering below the surface that their relationship has been stifled by events they were unable to control.Viewers of this sort of Victorian drama will enjoy--others may not be able to keep up with all the village characters involved. One almost expects a murder to break out so that we can begin to view all the characters in a suspicious light as though we were watching a typical Agatha Christie story which is always cluttered with too many suspects

TheLittleSongbird Cranford is one of the best period drama/comedy series of all time. There are many reasons why that is so. One is the period detail. The photography is stunning, the scenery is breathtaking, the costumes are truly wondrous and the sets are realistic looking. The music is also gorgeous, and the quality of the script is exceptional. While there are some poignant moments, there are some truly funny ones as well, I mean the whole drama sparkles with constant wit and subtlety. And of course the acting, what a divine cast. Judi Dench is magnificent as Matti Jenkyns; I for one don't think she is overrated as an actress, she is wonderful in my opinion. Her performances are consistently brilliant and here it is no exception. Imelda Staunton is brilliant as Miss Pole, Julia McKenzie(who I last saw as Miss Marple) is terrific as Mrs Forrester and Deborah Findley is just as good as Miss Tompkinson. Other performances worth of mention were Eileen Atkins in a scene stealing turn as Deborah Jenkyns, Phillip Glenister shows real versatility as Mr Carter and Michael Gambon is exceptional as Mr Holbrook. His chemistry with Dench was ever so touching, it did make me cry. All in all, a truly brilliant piece of television. Whenever it is on, it always makes my week. 10/10 Bethany Cox

ceallaig-1 I don't know when there has been such a gathering of female talent, of all generations, as this production was blessed with. The Sirs tend to get most of the limelight, but as the song says, there is nothing like a Dame -- in this case Dames Judi Dench (a longtime favorite) and Eileen Atkins (not enough seen on screen, and always a pleasure) These two great ladies provide the linchpin for the adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskill's works, here collectively presented as "Cranford". The town arbiter of decorum and propriety, Miss Deborah (Atkins) seems at first to be a severe stick of a woman, but proves to have more heart than one might expect, and ends up rather lovable in her own way. Miss Matty (Dench), Deborah's sister, is quieter, more timid, and used to being ruled by her elder sister, but possesses more backbone than even she knew she had. Add to this the likes of Imelda Staunton as neighborhood busybody and town crier Miss Pole (hilarious bit near the beginning where the town doctor uses her to disseminate news), Francesca Annis as local aristocrat Lady Ludlow, Julia Salawha as newcomer Jessie Brown (with her own romantic secrets)and Barbara Flynn as affluent (and wants the world to know about it) Miss Jameison, a 'chick flick' doesn't get much better than this. For those who have run out of Jane Austen adaptations, or just if you want a superior costume drama with a liberal dose of comedy and a bit of romance, Cranford is the place to visit.

elias_devries It is one of the best pieces of work I've seen in all of 2007. A juicy mixture of stars and I looked forward to every Sunday. Beautifully shot and acted and single handedly put me on to period dramas now. Ms Pole needs to come back on the screen. A real class act of a project!! Judy Dench is subtle but endearing. Someones not much actually happens and yet you wonder why on earth is it still so incredibly captivating. It's really works because everyone of the characters is beautifully played, and the story line is layered and passionate. And did I mention Ms Pole!! I am now a big fan of this actress. I LOVED HER. Don't miss this gem.