Lorna Doone [DVD]

This is one of our family's favorite movies. There is violence in it, so I wouldn't recommend it for kids under 15, but we're pretty conservative and cautious about things like that. We're a Christian family, and also avoid "language", as well as any kind of inappropriate "romance", if you catch my drift. This movie has maybe a couple of milder curse words, but even when our language filter is on the blink, they aren't too noticeable. The romance here is sweet and not inappropriate at all. The historical setting is fascinating, and the movie is so well done, you are sometimes on the edge of your seat in suspense (the first time around, anyway). I really like a movie where there is a clear distinction between good and evil, and that is the case here. If you are only okay with overtly religious movies (like Billy Graham films), then this is not for you. However, it this movie isn't offensive to Christians in any way, and for older teens and young adults, it's a winner. Even our boys like this movie -- they were afraid it was a "girl movie" due to the title, but believe me, it's not.The casting is maybe the best I have ever seen. No kidding. I can't imagine anyone better in any of the roles.Great insights into human nature, and great conversation starters about relationships . . . but don't tell the kids. :)

Set against the lavish and lonely expanse of the moors, this epic of "star-crossed lovers, unbridled greed, dark secrets, and ruthless ambitions" is a stirring and intensely romantic story for both classes... those who enjoy the action and intensity of war and revenge, and the lovers of period drama with wholesome messages and uplifting truths. It's more than a romance; it's a clash of good and evil, a fight for a country, and a passionate story of courage and redemption that has gained it thousands of fans worldwide. The cast is excellent... Amelia Warner lives and breathes the essence of Lorna, her innocence, her compassion, her youth; Richard Coyle is a lovable and heroic man well worthy of her affections; and Adian Gillen strikes a chill down your backbone with one glance from those tantalizing pale blue eyes.I went into it with low expectations, and it exceeded my highest regards and has well-earned the spot of honor on my shelf of movie classics. Compelling, romantic, haunting and with a shocking climax that will shatter your hopes and then restore them again in a breathtaking final sequence, it is a well-acted, well-produced, well-choreographed, well-directed, and well-scored masterpiece. In my opinion, the best A&E has to offer. My only complaint is the complete nonexistence of an accompanying soundtrack... I'd pay out fifteen bucks easily to own such a magnificent score, and more!The DVD is a letdown other than that the color is vibrant and one can see more of what's going on around the main characters. The sound is excellent and the opening menu charming, but there's an absence of trailers, featurettes, even cast listings that would have made it an even better release. An excellent movie, sorely under-appreciated by A&E and the BBC who choose not to push it as well as they might have. I've recommended it to all my friends, even to the point of purchasing an additional VHS so they can enjoy it at home. A beautiful story, and one that you can find worthy of your attentions and time. Lorna Doone is a refreshing change from the everyday romantic film, and what's more, offers you a breathtaking glance into a bygone era to boot. 5 stars, and a winner every time.

I read this book over and over as a teen but it had been perhaps twenty years since my last reading when I found this dvd in the library.Upon reflection, I think I have to agree with the reviewer who found this portrayal of Lorna unsatisfactory as her range did feel pretty limited. However, I have long since forgotten that first minor impression in the spell that the rest of the production creates. Mrs. Ridd is engagingly portrayed. John Ridd is stalwart, honest, and charming. The story is spellbinding. Sir Ensor Doone is magnificently decaying. Judge Jeffries is mesmerizingly appalling. The highwayman is a believably delightful rogue, something few have successfully pulled off. The music and cinematography are particularly good. What more can one ask?The only really jarring item for me is Aiden Gillen as Carver Doone. Carver is fairly well acted, but Gillen's looks are difficult to take seriously somehow, and the final scene at the mudpit ends up making him seem ridiculous and petulant rather than brooding, hateful, and tragic. This doesn't in any way diminish my enjoyment of any of it, however. I bought this movie from Amazon because I kept checking it out of the library over and over. Would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys a story on film that richly delivers the essentials of a literary classic.

Fortunately I was able to catch this originally when it ran on A&E and was so captivated I pre-ordered both the video and DVD. The video version differs only slightly from the DVD; the color is not as good. That's it. Overall it's a very good purchase at a reasonable price for such an excellent film.Fans of A&E's lush romances like Pride & Prejudice, Victoria & Albert, and Emma will enjoy Lorna Doone. It's a blend of romance, adventure, mystery, and something of the sinister, with a Romeo & Julietish twist. The acting is stellar, particularly in the casting of Aidan Gillen as Carver Doone. He completely overpowers the screne whenever present and makes a loathable and yet empathetic villain. Richard Coyle is doubly good as the heroic John Ridd, and Amelia Warner proves she can play leads effortly as the spirited but puzzling Lorna.It's a film my entire family enjoyed... there was enough romance for the girls, some action scenes for the guys, and enough lush English countryside and magnificent costuming for one and all. Rent it, buy it, borrow it -- see it.

Great film. Not a big Hollywood blocbuster and a bit cheesy in places but I like the fact that its a bit rough around the edges. Beautiful sets, most of the acting is really good, some really good bits in it. Nothing in it that woukd offend anyone I don't think so suitable for all the family. A couple of bits of mild violence and sword fighting but not over the top. I don't remember any bad laungage. A film for all to enjoy

As above..At best it is poor dvd quality.Outrageous that this is marketed as a blu ray disc.The English sound track is also very dodgy.The story is very inaccurate at times and just doesn’t compare to R.D.Blackmore’s wonderful novel.

This is the best story and one of my favourite period dramas. I have loved it since I first saw it on TV 16 years ago when I was about 9. It's a timeless classic that enchants and absorbs you and whisks you away on a journey on love, loss and excitement. Fantastic acting, costume and stunning locations.

Really enjoyed the film . Saw it a million years ago and was delighted to receive the dvd in really good time and perfect condition. These classic films just cannot be beaten. Thank you .G.xx

To much violence so I didn't enjoy it