StunnaKrypto Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

WillSushyMedia This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Senteur As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

Myron Clemons A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

timcon1964 Ross Poldark returns to Cornwall from fighting against the Americans in the Revolutionary War to find his father dead, economic conditions bad, the Wheal Leisure mine nearly exhausted, the family's residence in a ruinous condition, and his true love Elizabeth, who had thought him dead, engaged to his cousin, Francis. And this triangle becomes a quadrangle, because Elizabeth is also the object of banker George Warleggan's affections. Tension between Poldark and the Warleggan family also arises from the fact that the Warleggans, although descendants of illiterate blacksmiths, often employ their considerable financial power against Poldark. Francis' sister Verity appears destined to become an old maid. And Ross's servants, Jud and Prudie, have been raising chickens in the living room and sampling libations from the family wine cellar. After rescuing what he believes is a young lad who is being beaten by an angry merchant, Ross discovers that the "lad" is actually a destitute teenage girl, Demelza. Thus, as there are three men in Elizabeth's life, there are two women in Ross's life.The Poldark saga is based on the novels of Winston Graham. Graham spent many years in Cornwall and was evidently fascinated by its history. From 1945 to 2002, he published 12 novels about the adventures of the Poldark family from 1783 to 1820. Graham conducted extensive research in Cornish history. And his books reflect his knowledge of mining, and local customs, notably the tradition of collective action in smuggling, rioting (the riot in episode 5 may have been inspired by an actual riot in Truro over corn prices), dealing with ship wrecks, and punishing informers. In general, Graham's sympathies are with the common people, although he finds worthy and unworthy persons in all classes.Several Poldark novels were brought to the screen in the 1970s—the first four volumes (1783 -1793) in Series I, and volumes 5 – 7 (1794 – 1799) in Series II. Two decades later, an attempt was made to film the events in volume 8 (1810-1811), but this effort met a somewhat unfavorable reception—those who had not seen Series I and II did not know the history of the Poldarks, and those who had seen the previous Series did not accept the changes in the cast. A new Poldark series is currently being telecast in the U.S. by PBS.The 1970s version was filmed in location in Cornwall. In it we see filthy miners in dimly lit mines, and the gentry socializing and dancing in collars, frilly cuffs and powdered wigs. The domestic scenes were filmed in Cornish houses and farms; the mine scenes in the Levant Mine, with filming guided by advice from the Camborne School of Mines.The casting in Series I and II was extremely effective. As Ross Poldark, Robin Ellis captures the hero's courage, loyalties, strong emotions, impulsiveness, and occasional willingness to break the law. He is more comfortable around the common people than around the gentry; and he informs an Anglican clergyman that North American Indians are "often more Christian than we." Angharad Rees was an excellent choice for the role of Demelza, who gradually transforms herself from an unwashed, uneducated, and undisciplined pickpocket into a lady. But Demelza (who may be based on Graham's real life wife) is never entirely accepted by society—and her loyalties are to her people, who are "poor, ignorant and rough, but at least they're honest." Jill Townsend, with an improbable resume that includes a number of American television westerns, is effective as Elizabeth. Even the minor characters, such as the dissolute neighbor Sir Hugh Bodrugan, the loquacious banker Pascoe, and the absent-minded solicitor Pearce, have distinctive personalities. Especially noteworthy is Paul Curran, whose portrayal of Jud—fond of liquor but averse to work, missing various teeth, but never lacking explanations for delaying tasks, or assigning them to someone else—brings a touch of levity to many scenes.The newest version of Poldark features more imaginative filming techniques, especially panoramic shots and views of figures walking or riding along the horizon. But its casting is more conventional, and the differences between the characters are less pronounced. In particular, Eleanor Tomlinson is less credible as Demelza—a motherless waif who has been sleeping rough and stealing food to stay alive—than Angharad Rees. And Philip Davis' performance as Jud lacks the antic humor that Paul Curran brought to this role in the earlier version. But Heida Reed, as Elizabeth, bears a strong resemblance to Jill Townsend. Casting is a matter of personal preference—if you believe that some performances by members of the 1970s Poldark cast were "over the top," you may be happier with the performances of the current cast.If you are ever in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, you can visit the Pendarvis Historic Site to see how Cornish miners lived, and patronize local restaurants to sample pasties and figgyhobbin.

SimonJack I had not heard of this BBC series until recent years, and I wasn't familiar with British author Winston Graham or his many novels that were the basis for "Poldark." But having enjoyed a number of British dramatic series ("The Barchester Chronicles," "Smiley's People," "Enemy at the Door," "Wish Me Luck"), I bought the DVD set. As with all the others, this one didn't disappoint. I don't think it can be rated with the best of British TV-cinema ("Brideshead Revisited," "Upstairs Downstairs," "Reilly: Ace of Spies"), but it is another very entertaining series. At times mysterious, at times griping, at times romantic, at times sad, "Poldark" presents a picture of life on the Cornwall Coast of England around the turn of the 19th century. About half way through the first season films, I found that I was getting involved in the story to the point of chiding a character or being dismayed at what one or another was doing or going to do. I realized then, that a series such as this had much more appeal and ability to draw me into the story and lives of the characters than would a normal movie of two hours or less. And that meant that I could see foibles and follies and similarities with the things I may have done or the way I may have acted or lived at times in the past. And, with the DVD set, I didn't have to wait one week or more between segments. I think that the more involved one becomes in a story, such as this series, the more one can identify with characters and even past experiences. And that makes the film series that much more meaningful and enjoyable. The main story thread is well known and discussed. But the series contains many sub-plots, and even smaller plots within those. It has danger, action, adventure, and thrills. It has romance, humor, death, sorrow and despair. In its course, it touches on or exposes virtually every major vice and virtue. And it explores the cardinal vices to the hilt – greed and pride. Absent any preachiness in the script itself, "Poldark" does a masterful job of showing the age-old truths of life that used to be taught to children in the homes and schools. Charity, kindness, forgiveness, sharing, helping and goodness lead to happiness. Greed, pride, anger, selfishness, lust and revenge lead to emptiness, sorrow and despair. No one person remains spotless in character, though Demelza is the closest to a living saint. Ross Poldark is a kind-hearted and good- natured person, but his pride leads him to make bad judgments; and his lust for his cousin's wife (and former sweetheart) hurts him for a time, and blinds him to the unconditional love and devotion of his wife. The greed of the Warleggen's is the most obvious of their vices, and their subsequent chicanery, dishonesty and vengeful actions just deepen their morass. They lose all integrity, civility and any sense of peace and happiness. So many other actors have wonderful parts in this series and add to the diversity of characters and experiences. The acting is superb all around. Some people have likened this series to daytime soap operas. It surely has the complexity of plots and subplots characteristic of the soaps. But "Poldark" has more than that. It has depth of the characters. It has a setting and overall theme that celebrate a culture and region of England. And it takes place during an interesting time in history that hasn't been explored a lot in films of the past. It's a most interesting and intriguing story and series. As a side note, the two-season series was based only on the first six or seven novels Graham wrote about Poldark. Apparently, the author and producers weren't able to agree on a further season or more to complete the stories of the novels. I think that's OK, because the ending is just fine as it is. I agree with others who have said "Poldark" isn't dated in its theme. Indeed, is it not evident all around us today?

Damfino1895 I first saw this in the '70's when I was about to enter my teens, it made such an impact on me that every time it was re-screened I was glued and made sure I got it on DVD when it was released. Set in 18th Century Cornwall it tells the story of the trials and tribulations of people who you deeply care about, which is part of it's real success. I lived in that part of the world for 14 years and the beauty of the area is shown perfectly and the atmosphere of the times is spot on, it is not glamourised at all. All the performances are excellent without exception and it is a complete joy to watch again and again. A must see. I quite simply love it.

LilacLilyLover I think that this drama series is so amazing, so captivating, with great acting and performance, from Captain Ross Poldark & Demelza to Jed Paynter. I was so hooked watching the first part, that I had to rush to the closest library and get Poldark 2. I am currently watching part5 and can't help wishing there was a Poldark 3...If the BBC ever makes one, I'll be the first to watch it! And I agree with an earlier comment that the BBC always manages to put out fantastic drama and great screen adaptations to great novels. Thanks to the BBC for giving us something so amazing to watch!!