Linbeymusol Wonderful character development!

TaryBiggBall It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

Brennan Camacho Mostly, the movie is committed to the value of a good time.

VReviews What is so satisfying about British productions of 19th century authors is that there is inevitably an ensemble cast of outstanding actors. They all work together from minor to major roles without letting ego or grandstanding overwhelm the story.Cranford and Return to Cranford (RTC) is enjoyable not only for it's acting, but for it's excellent writing. The adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's novel about a small village with little outside influence, and it's growing pains when old ways begin to change, specifically when faced with the development of the railroad, is consistent and true to the story. As expected for this period, the class system based on the remnants of the feudal system is ever present between the relationships of the townspeople and the aristocrats. Propriety, appearances, and societal rules forever rule the lives of the 19th century Britons. Cranford/RTC will draw you in and immerse you in the conflicts, misunderstandings, and joys of its characters.

Sasha2010 I generally like period pieces because they usually build their characters and create suspense so well. Unfortunately, this series is an exception to this rule. There are too many characters and story lines for the viewer to care about, if they manage to keep track of them all. Moreover, the stories are *so* predictable - it's infuriating!! I mean *everybody* either dies or gets married, and the only source of suspense is the question which will it be this time. On a positive note, the acting is outstanding, I especially enjoyed the performance of the actress who plays Mary Smith. But this is not enough!! Indeed the great acting makes the screenplay's faults appear all the more distinct because just when you are persuaded that some character is really struggling with some emotion (for example Sophie's guilt after Walter's death or Matty's fear after Debora's death) they promptly forget all about it for no apparent reason. In conclusion, it won't be a great shame to skip this one, even if you're one who enjoys period films.

fwomp The BBC never does anything half-way, and so goes CRANFORD, the story of a mid-19th century British town created by Elizabeth Gaskell and brought to life by screenwriter Heidi Thomas. Already nominated for ten BAFTA awards, eight Emmys, and three Golden Globes, this five episode miniseries is masterfully done in all aspects, including content, design and acting.Taking place over one year — from the summer of 1842 to the summer of 1843 — the miniseries chronicles the struggles of one township and its unflagging residents as they battle rumors, financial ruin, educational boundaries, medical plights, and the threat of change brought by an unwelcome railroad line.With a stunning 25 member prime cast, the BBC pulled out all the stops to make this a star-studded affair. They include Dame Judi Dench (CASINO ROYALE), Simon Woods (PRIDE & PREJUDICE - 2005), Imelda Staunton (FREEDOM WRITERS), Jim Carter (THE GOLDEN COMPASS), Alex Jenkins (THE QUEEN), and Francesca Annis (THE LIBERTINE) ...just to name a few.Funny, compassionate, and often heart-wrenching, Cranford is a town the audience dives into and submerges themselves. We become intimate witnesses to everything, and most of this is accomplished through the eyes of Mary Smith played by Lisa Dillon (whom I gave top billing to rather than Dame Judi Dench). Upon Mary's arrival in Cranford at the very beginning of the first episode we witness the trials, successes and failures of just about everyone within Cranford's fold. Overseeing most of Cranford's wealth is Lady Ludlow (Francesca Annis) who often delivers swift and hard decisions on the town but softens as time goes by. Helping her (and in her employ) is Mr. Carter (Philip Glenister, KINGDOM OF HEAVEN) who helps oversee her business and tries to keep Ms. Ludlow from destroying her wealth. Helping Mr. Carter is Harry (Alex Etel, THE WATER HORSE), the child of squatters and battling a life of education versus hard labor.But I would be seriously remiss if I didn't mention the main ladies of Cranford for whom everything encircles. Mainly this is Matty Jenkyns (Dench) and — initially — her sister Deborah (Eileen Atkins), whom Mary Smith comes to live with during the first episode. Deborah (Atkins) is the somewhat overbearing but incredibly hospitable sister who fears change more than anything but grudgingly accepts it (this is shown during an early funeral scene when she walks behind the carriage). Matty (Dench) is the more accepting sister who learns that love never really dies, it sometimes just takes a lot longer to blossom (via friendship, old romances, or a simple child).The other two women that I MUST mention are the comedic relief within the series (and the heaviest gossipers), Miss Pole (Imelda Staunton) and Mrs. Forrester (Julia McKenzie). These two trouble-making but vitally important characters were the glue that helped hold Cranford together ...and sometimes threatened to tear it apart (for instance, when the new doctor was thought to have been engaged to three different women, much of the blame could be placed on these two women's shoulders for the misunderstanding).There is, of course, much more going on in this series than I would want to write about (mainly for fear of boring you or causing cramps from typing too much ...or both). Rest assured you should see this. It is quaint, fun, and simply brilliant. Enjoy another Masterpiece Theater spectacle.

httpmom First, I'm a big Elizabeth Gaskell fan. I had just reread Cranston last winter...so starting this series, I was really confused and frankly worried about the age of my brain...until I realized that the plot was an amalgamation of three different Gaskill stories. I'm not such a purest that it bothered other than not being aware of it at the onset.Actually, I was just grateful that anyone was paying attention to Elizabeth Gaskill in the first place. No doubt there are those of us who adore Jane Austen but she always gets all the attention in movies and TV, what with the oodles of remakes and re releases and her immense popularity. But Gaskill is just down right hilarious to read...so hurray for the old new comer! There's a wealth of material here and BBC put a lot of effort and time into making this a worthwhile production. I agree that the music was really sappy, but the script and the fine acting made up for it. Of course the costuming was fabulous! There were a lot of belly laughs surrounding the escapades of the ladies of Cranford...Mrs Forrester's cow, the misbegotten meaning behind gifts and letters, hair dying, much gossip, of course...even lace eating cats! As character would demand, Eileen Atkins was a tour de force as Miss Deborah...in fact, the entire cast was astounding! All together a remarkable entertaining miniseries!