StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Nayan Gough A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Tayyab Torres Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Portia Hilton Blistering performances.

minart-1 Yes, I enjoyed this version and have recently watched it again, but it is useless to compare it to the original TV series which was far closer to the book. We have both versions and think they both have merit but the first was the best, there is no doubt in my mind, and to anyone who hasn't seen it, I strongly suggest they do if humanly possible. I certainly didn't like the cop-out ending of the second series. The death of Soames is important!I did find it odd that Gina McKee, a brunette, was cast as Irene. Irene is not an easy character to portray admittedly, there is very little to get your teeth into but Gina can be expressionless at times. I did prefer some of the casting of the second series, notably Bossiney and Monty and young Joylon. I think Damien Lewis was fine in the role, but adored Eric Porter (I met him a couple of times in the flesh and though he had splendid stage and film work under his belt it was always difficult not to see him as Soames, even when wearing his habitual blue donkey jacket. It was his part. ) I re-read the book at 2 yearly intervals on average and never tire of it.

pericles1 Am at a loss to understand why John Carlisle's name was omitted on the cast list for this mini series. His is a key role, since he plays the father of Soames, James Forsyte. I'm seen him at Stratford-upon-Avon, in England in major roles such as Theseus in A Midsummer's Night's Dream and others. Shame.He has also played characters in Shakespeare's Cymbeline, is an outstanding graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and has had extensive stage appearances in London and New York. Add to that his numerous appearances in television and you have it. His golden voice has been heard on numerous occasions and audiences have come to identify his work with excellence.

hjmsia49 I couldn't agree more with previous reviewers overseer 3 and housemouse. It is obvious that almost all the reviewers who raved about this production never saw the original 1967 classic. I urge them to watch the original (available at most libraries) and compare. Almost every member of the cast gave a far superior and convincing performance in the original. While Damien Lewis was excellent in "Band of Brothers," his rendition of Soames was awful when compared to the brilliant Soames of Eric Porter in the original version. Lewis' slicked down red hair was very distracting, did you notice any other Forsyte with red hair? He had a constant smirk on his face that was very annoying. Gina McKee as Irene projected none of the beauty, radiance and talent of Nyree Dawn Porter who was unforgettable and created an Irene that will never be bettered. While Rupert Graves was the best of the current cast, I still felt Kenneth More was more believable. The actors who portrayed old Jolyon, Winefred, Helene, Frances, Holly and June were also more convincing in the original 1967 version. Finally, the costumes worn by the ladies in the original, over 3,000, were stunning and truly representative of all the decades covered by the saga. I was surprised how abbreviated the second season of this series was compared to the original. It ended with the marriage of Fleur and Michael Mott. The original series dealt with their marriage at some length and also the marriage of Jon to an American girl. What I found unbelievable was Damien Lewis' pathetic smirks, tears and sulking depression when Irene left him. I don't think Eric Porter shed a single tear or showed any weakness in his lengthy portrayal of a more resolute Soames in the original. While Gillian Kearney gave a good performance of June, her excessive affection for Irene at the end, considering their history really strains credulity. I also found the costumes worn by Irene to be very unflatering and drab compared to those worn by Nyree Dawn Porter in the original. I would be remiss if I did not mention the aspects of this sequel that I thought were superior to the original. The color and music, sorely missed in the original, was a big plus. I also preferred Ioan Grufford's portrayal of Philip Bossiney and especially Beatrix Batarda's performance as Soame's second wife Annette. She was present for Fleur's wedding unlike Annette in the original version. Finally, I would urge all those who enjoyed this version to obtain a copy of the original 1967 version, now on DVD, at any library. It is far longer and more detailed and ends with the death of Soames. Sadly, Nyree Dawn Porter, the luminescent Irene of the original, was scheduled to play one of the elder three Forsyte sisters in this sequel but she suddenly died before filming began.

oakcourt As the previous post said a truly excellent cast and a superb adaptation of the book. I was very young at the time of the original 1960's series, so can't remember too much. I therefore sat down to follow this production with interest. Damian Lewis was absolutely outstanding as the cold, emotionally barren Soames. One British reviewer commented that his portrait of Soames made you feel pity for the character - absolutely not! It was it seemed to me a very accurate portrayal which is a testament to his ability as an actor. It was the first time I'd seen him in anything but his performance ensured I would in the future watch him in anything first time without question. Apart from Dreamcatcher he hasn't put a foot wrong.