Harlots

2017

Seasons & Episodes

  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

7.7| 0h30m| TV-MA| en
Synopsis

Brothel owner, Margaret Wells, struggles to raise her daughters in London during the 18th century.

Director

Producted By

Monumental Pictures

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Trailers & Clips

Also starring Roy Beck

Reviews

Softwing Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??
Merolliv I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.
Chonesday It's one of the most original films you'll likely see all year, which, depending on your threshold for certifiably crazy storylines, could be a rewarding experience or one that frustrates you.
InformationRap This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.
laurynl I really love this show. It has great story, complex characters, and politics. I like that it shows the side from women's perspective back in Georgian society in England. My only bother is that it can be unbelievable. For instance, when Charlotte outs Howard for raping her at the dinner table, all of his friends instantly believe her and cast him aside. This never would've happened back in the day, unfortunately. But it is nice to imagine. Otherwise magnificent show!
trademarcdesigns Quick history lesson - in the 18th century, the age of consent for sexual relations was 12. And sex with a girl between the ages of 10 and 12, though illegal, was only a misdemeanor. To be truly accurate, these brothels would be stocked almost exclusively with children....of both sexes. The lovely Jessica Brown Findlay, despite all her charms, would, at nearly 30, be considered well over the hill. And the children who worked these brothels and street corners were beaten, abused, maimed, starved, killed - in short, there was nothing glamorous or appealing about this life. It is true that some women chose prostitution and prospered in it, but they were decidedly in the minority - the vast majority were exploited children who traded the only commodity they had for their survival. I have nothing against viewing the past through rose-colored glasses for the sake of entertainment, and as a sanitized, fanciful television drama set in an another era, this show is very entertaining. It's one of my favorite guilty pleasures. But please, let's not pretend this even comes close to a true depiction of the wretched lives of the poor creatures who really were forced into harlotry in the 18th century.
stk74 'Harlots' is well written, well acted and well researched. It would have the perfect 18th century feel if it wasn't for the score, which has a punk feel to it. It seems that the producers chose to do a Sophia Coppola. Her 'Marie Antoinette' could have had its charms...but the score made it unbearable. In 'Harlots', the score doesn't feature so imposingly so the show still keeps a period feel when the music doesn't play. Whenever it features, the mood is broken. It's a real shame as the show is otherwise excellent. Don't tell me that I do not get the 'making a connection to our times' thing. This connection is inevitable, seeing as the show is a product of our times. It is however set in 18th century and music does set the mood. Intentionally selecting an inappropriate score strikes me as a form of snob-ism.
sixmoons This show deserves so much praise. It's brilliant. I initially thought it would be a cheap and bawdy show capitalizing on sexuality with weak storytelling. How wrong I was ! Each episode is tight with suspense and intrigue, and I was hooked almost immediately. Despite the subject matter, (two competing brothels), the sex scenes were not even slightly gratuitous. It was all very classy ! The Baroque period London and Rococco fashion is spot on and a real treat for viewers. Clearly a lot of effort has gone into production value, it's very visual and there's a lot of attention to detail. There is a lot of juxtaposition between the high class aristocracy and lower classes which really makes for great viewing. I can't fault the acting and the quality of dialogue is top notch - suitable for the setting; but without pretentiousness. My friend who recommended this show told me: "Do yourself a favor and watch this show!". I echo those sentiments and can't wait for season two.