I actually didn’t get to see this movie because I had to return it. The movie came in a case that was warped and distorted. As soon as I receive a refund I will possibly try to order it again.

After reading the reviews I expected more of this movie. I had just watched Berkely Square before the four episodes of Wives and Daughters and I have to say Wives and daughters does not compare to Berkely Square. It took me four days to watch all four episodes because I just did not have my normal itch that prompts me from one episode after another – as I did with Berkeley Square. The entire plot was tired and predictable: a sweet innocent girl is subjected to the many follies and complications apparent in other character’s lives. She falls in love with a guy who favors her step sister more and so on and so forth…

It was not hilarious, as some have suggested – the humor was actually so subtle that one might not initially notice it unless it is specifically pointed out – and even then it’s not that funny. It is not a particularly clever or witty movie – it moves slowly and I tended to stop caring about what happened to the characters: none of the characters had a strong presence (except possibly for Molly and I didn’t find her that interesting). Additionally, the problems are not made to be a big enough deal – they seem to be solved before they ever have time to develop.

I have seen to many good movies, of this period, brought to screen to consider this movie worthy of five stars. The acting was not great in general and the costumes confused me. I have a whole bunch of books showing clothing form the period and I can’t seem to find any with the high waisted look – which was prevalent in the film. I though went out arounf the regency era – and Elizabeth Gaskell wrote this book in 1865. I was also dissapointed that none of the ladies whore crinolin. All in all – big dissapointment!

I absolutely love period movies and the effort taken to make this film was extraordinary. As much as I am about to share with you my disappointment with the film– I did not want it to end. But perhaps therein lies the problem. Maybe I am missing a disc or so (or maybe amazon should make it clear that it is only making available, in the disc set, the first few episodes of the series) but what was provided in this set leaves a plethora of unresolved issues. The major downfall of the series for me was the role and actual acting of the central protaganist, Molly Gibson (played by Justine Waddell). Her character was so unrelentingly judgmental and self righteous that I think it comprised the entire enjoyability of the storyline. Perhaps Ms. Waddell indeed played the part of Molly Gibson artfully but it was without resolution or development. There was no complexity to her character. The last disc leaves you wondering — so, does it ever come out that Molly is in love with the archeologist? Does he marry her beautiful sister? I love drama and there was a lot of drama present in the series — however it was like drama without a purpose. The entire cast was all dressed up with no where to go. In sum, very, very disappointing. The very first 45 minutes of the first dvd is unforgivably boring and then after you will be positively glued to the program. Always waiting for resolution of some problem or issue. It rarely comes I tell you and before you know it you will be knogging your brain about the turn out of some new matter. For the money and time investment –maybe take a pass or definitely purchase used. Very used.